subject: Which Is More Important For A Photographer - Gear Vs Creativity [print this page] Trust me, I am not opposed to photographers or photography classes. In truth, I am a supporter of learning as much as you can, especially where photography is concerned. But I must get this out.
Photographers are not necessarily the by-product of great camera gear!
There you have it. It's out there for the world to see. Not too long ago, I was also a proponent of the idea that a photographer was one who had the best cameras and lenses. He must have a well equiped studio that had all the lighting equipment and technical aids for any kind of photo setup.
It just ain't so.
The gear does not define the photographer. Neither does the college degree define the photographer. And, a special "gift" does not make one a photographer.
Photography is about capturing the light. It's about being able to snap the shutter at precisely the perfect time and from the right position. Photography is about life.
Stop for a minute and think back to those photos that moved you somehow, whether emotionally or spiritually. Those are the images of a photographer. They have life. Even the photographs of still objects that draw you to them do it by stirring you emotionally. The life inside of you responds to the life in the pictures.
Photographers take these kind of pictures. They can do it with great gear or mediocre gear. They can do it with a pinhole camera, if necessary. They have a passion for it. Then they go out and do it.
Some of the ways you can identify a photographer:
A photographer views the world artistically and notices things like line and design, along with light and color.
He can see the beauty of nature and take photos of it that normal people wouldn't even notice.
He is highly observant of the things around hime and will stop to shoot a picture at the drop of a hat.
A photographer loves sharing his pictures so that others can experience the emotions that they bring out.
Conversely, there are some ideas that are not necessarily true about photographers:
He is not just lucky. Being at the right place at the right time does play a part in the game, but it is not because of luck. It is because she is dedicated to her passion.
A photographer is good because she has the newest and bestest of gear. Many folks think that if they don't have that new digital SLR that just came out with the super-duper prime lens, they will not get the best shots. Although having good gear is important for a pro, it does not define a photographer.
He does not need to be a born artist. It is true that some people have a better eye for picture making, but it is also true that the eye can be trained to see the creative images.
A photographer is savvy about technical concepts. One of the myths regarding photography is that it is really technical, which really makes it too hard for normal people to grasp. Not true. You can take great pictures with any equipment. It's true that some types of photo gear are fairly technical, nevertheless, once again, they do not determine a photographer.
Great photography is really quite elementary. Be ready to take a photo when the opportunity presents itself (hence the term "photo opportunity"). "See" your surroundings in a different light. Be familiar with some fundamental guidelines about shooting technique. Shoot.
