Joe Blow

Of course. The camera is a tool, not an end.

Well, some, like me, get by on our good looks.

Better equipment makes it easier to realize a vision. The trick is to know what to do with the equipment you have; to work within your limitations.

Because not everyone recognizes my wit.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

It is hard to say what path they took that caused them to be like that. The satisfaction they get deals mostly with ego. They know more than anyone else in the room and you are there to gain from them. When this is challenged, sometimes the only way they have to get you off their platform level is to be rude. They want to have and know a little more than you do. And anger is a very close relative to this ego. That is where l start drawing the line that requires some form of action. If someone wants to say demeaning and disrespectful things to me or others, I will point that out if I feel it is necessary. Of course, there are some that want that kind of attention. On this site, l will usually go PM the target and just remind them there are all kinds of people on this site and some of them are not the kindest. And I have been fortunate to have been offered such support too by some of the better members. How to change some of these people? I feel that can only happen when they come to that realization on their own. Unfortunately for some, it will never happen.

Sam1

1. It is possible but not probable to be what is generally considered to be 'great'. I consider Anna-Lou Leibovitz to be a great photographer. Great random shots can happen at any time...great planned shots...more problematic...you have art and craft in their eternal
struggle.
2. No, but in my opinion average IQ would be helpful operating cameras
3. Better equipment gives you the opportunity to consistently take better shots, but it by no way guarantees them.
4. What do I think of rude comments? Depends on my mood. If I have done something silly, then I generally laugh at myself.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Why do I think of rude comments? Why would you ask that question? I am confused, you ask three good ones and then you go negative. Why?But, regardless of you negativity, I will answer your other three questions.
1. Yes, anyone who owns a camera can be a great photographer. It is all about skill, knowledge, and practice, it is the same for whatever profession you aspire to.
2. No, you do not need to be super intelligent to be a great photographer. All you need is knowledge, skill, and practice.
3. NO, equipment does not make you a BETTER photographer. But, it certainly does not hurt. I mean, a Nikon FM is better than a pin hole camera for sure but most of today's digital camera's would deliver an excellent result.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

1. Yes. But marketing skills and visibility in the marketplace are probably more important than camera gear and skills. We all know photographers who's work we admire who are unknown outside a small circle of fans, and others who make grotesque images (usually HDR) who have marketed themselves into prominence.

2. Clever, yes, super smart - while it helps, it is not critical to have a phd level of education to be a great photographer. It does help to have a high level of empathy or put differently a high Emotional Intelligence score, to be able to create evocatively sensitive images and develop a corresponding style that resonates with viewers.

3. It can, but the building blocks of creativity, vision and context have to be there to begin with. Give a great photographer a cellphone, he/she will take amazing pictures with it. When provided better gear, the possibilities become infinite.

4. I think you meant what and not why, but rude comments are a clear reflection of the inadequacy of the person issuing the rude remarks. Something is seriously damaged in their self-perception that the are compelled to be less than pleasant and professional in their comments. Or they may just be having a really bad day and you just got in the way. Either temporary or permanent, it is a reflection nonetheless.

One thing I am fairly certain of. If 99% of today's photographers picked up a camera in 1960, they would have put right back down again as being frustrating and too complicated.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

The questions came across as elitist to me. I kind of chuckled at the "Groan" comment. Sometimes onscreen rude isn't really rude. With vocal speech you can tell what the intent is; in print sometimes intent is only imagined by the viewer depending on their mood. I try to ignore the ones that irk without purpose and filter out the facts left behind.

Larz

I tend to agree with JoeBlow. Everything (except question 4) is about limitations. Overcome your limitations in all areas and you will become a better photographer. "Great" is subjective. I'm a legend in my own mind, but I'm often out of my mind.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

There was a person, who created a post on this forum, not very long ago, age 74, who said that after purchasing such expensive photographic equipment, he finally realized that he didn't have the skill level to be a famous pro photographer. He sold all his full frame gear, and settled for one camera, and a Tamron 18-400mm lens. That's a realization. I told him to enjoy what he has now. Life goes on., even not being a pro.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Hear! Hear!

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Glad to see the language police are alive and well.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I know someone who has a great eye for photography but will tell you she has very little technical knowledge. She was taught by another photographer to shoot certain settings in certain situations and that is what she does. She has Pro level equipment but not the latest stuff always. She takes great photos and people love her work and she is regularly published in magazines. I think a natural eye for the shot and interesting composition is a real asset. The technical stuff can be learned by most anyone, but the eye for it is a gift not many have.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

jpgto Loc: North East Tennessee

"Can anyone that owns a camera be a great photographer?"
Yes, depending on the effort the 'photographer' puts into the hobby and what they want to achieve.
My mentor's mantra has been, "practice, practice, practice and shoot, shoot, shoot"! Yes, there will
be images that will be tossed but then some that won't and those you should cherish. A photographer
tells a story through their photos. And it is what you want to tell!

"Do you need to be a super intelligent (PHD) person or not?"
I am not an eloquent speaker nor a rocket scientist but feel my photography efforts are enjoyed and
I have had some contributed to various non-profit organizations for fund raising events that went
home with high bidder. Not sure where they ended up, on a wall, in the basement or in the trash! But
my images, things viewed through my eyes and view finder, were appreciated.

"Does better equipment make a better photographer?"
Not necessarily. There are many fellow 'hoggers' that don't have the latest and greatest but produce
some fine images.

"Why do you think of rude comments?"
I believe you are asking What not Why? Anyhow, all comments, good, bad and the ugly make us better
people. There is a learning that takes place with comments. Choose the ones that don't hurt your feelings,
the ones you are offended by ignore and move on. Keep an open mind.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Well I respond from knowing my Dad. My Dad worked at NASA and was a big part of us getting to the Moon, and a lot of other things that are way over my head. They could not chart his IQ. But the other side of him was he did not know how to do the simple things in life. So To end the story, I thing anyone can take a picture, but some might not be to good.:)

tomad Loc: North Carolina

Say what??! I owned several cameras throughout the 60's and none were even close to the complexity of using a digital camera. Even the most complicated one had three settings; ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. Go get your DSLR manual and count the different settings in the menu...