CaltechNerd Loc: Whittier, CA, USA

All very true. AND only half the story. I used a good camera, expensive wide-angle lens, and a quality panorama head to shoot 360 panos of a very special house. The 360s record the historic living environment of a significant craftsman. Who, incidentally did have that incredible eye. But to record his living environment I needed equipment and technical knowhow, not an artistic eye. For other photographs, you need that artistic eye and minimal technical knowhow or equipment.

You can divide photography into two extremes (and many gradations in between), and then mix various portions of each extreme to create the appropriate shot. One end is creating art, the other end is documentation. Family photos should document and will also be greatly improved by the artistic eye. When I shoot handmade furniture for an artist/craftsman friend he depends on my equipment and knowhow but the pictures are much better if he's present to use his eye to get the best angle. On the other hand, when photographing an oil painting for a catalog the only issues are technical. Is it sharp? Are the colors true? Have you eliminated any reflections off the oil paint?

There are multiple worlds within photography.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

In general, a portrait is better if it isn’t ‘tack sharp’. Viewers don’t need to see pores and wrinkles.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

Yousuf Karsh got famous for showing every pore and wrinkle.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Unusual. I remember how they ‘corrected’ my Senior {high school} portrait. I believe that is much more typical.

When my sister got married, they didn’t bother to hire a ‘pro’. My Mother had a “Rogue’s Galley” of high school, college, and wedding pictures, so she took a picture for it. The picture, by itself, was fine, but it really stood out amongst all that “professional” work.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you need a reminder: this is the Main Discussion, not the Attic. Behave appropriately.

Lost Again Loc: Middle of nowhere Oregon

This is the properly balanced opinion.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Ha Ha
if you stand on the left you're US - and on the right you're THEM.
If you stand on the right you're US - and on the left you're THEM.
Geography created the History of US & THEM and THEM & US.
YOU are YOU and I am ME - Where ever you stand that does not alter.
But I am a Philosopher and a Buddhist.

rbstrategist Loc: Cupertino, CA

Gear is a tool like anything else. If you don't have a good photographic eye, all the gear in the world will not make that better; but...gear does matter. With better tools, it is easier to build the house. Photo gear these days can provide much enhancements and options. Gear does matter. However, that does not mean having the most expensive, most current, most expansive collection of gear is in any way relevant. You should use the right tool for the objective. In most cases, that means reasonable gear. A pinhole camera can take a great shot, but it is not what you would use to photograph wildlife or sporting events. Portraiture is best done with good lighting and the right lens, but it does not require a very expensive set-up. Gear matters.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Not in my world! 😂 I love gear!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Yes. And amazing what it can and does do for MY photography!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Just think how many more Adam's photographs would exist, if he didn't have to spend hours in the darkroom with each of the ones that do exist!

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

And gear has weight.
As I get older, I am more and more aware of that.

rbstrategist Loc: Cupertino, CA

REHESS, I agree whole heartedly. I went out on a trail with a big tripod, camera case and lenses and all the usual gear. I came back with a sore arm. :) I'm not a spring chicken, so gear weight matters. But there is also small efficient highly effective gear these days, even, dare I say, many cell phone cameras...(they don't weigh much and I've become more creative in creating ways to zoom).

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Some years ago, my wife were at Pt Pelee NP {Canada} when two gentlemen marched up from the shuttle with a wooden tripod and camera, took a photo, then marched back to the shuttle. I guess they were local - a lot of work for one bird if one had come several hours, as we had. This was in the days when most cameras used film; I hope their photo was good.

Canisdirus

Yet you have already declared by your actions to be the second type...willing to settle.
Deflections aside...you have already spoken.