Why does it take to be a great photographer? (Page 3): Obviously caliber of equipment is important depending upon your definition of a "great photograph". There are plenty of examples...

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Obviously caliber of equipment is important depending upon your definition of a "great photograph". There are plenty of examples of great photographs taken with basic equipment. But good equipment, a good eye, and the skill to use that equipment to create the image you want are the key requirements, in my opinion.

Steamboat

1) Can anyone that owns a camera become a great photographer ? Yes note: I changed a word in your question
2) Do you need to be a super intelligent (PHD) person or not? Nope ..... you do need to be awake and alive
3) Does better equipment make a better photographer? Generally No
4) Why do you think of rude comments? It is the lack of a filter on the Internet .People say things on the internet they would never say in person......and insecurity.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Practice makes Perfect! Well knowledge and experience too will be very helpful. Good equipment but maybe not the very best and expensive.

Steamboat

Silverman wrote:

Practice makes Perfect! Well knowledge and experience too will be very helpful. Good equipment but maybe not the very best and expensive.

"Practice makes Perfect!"
I have been practicing photography for 45 years. When does it get perfect?
The "perfect" finish line keeps moving;)

I do love how photography keeps me on my toes

jpgto Loc: North East Tennessee

Steamboat wrote:

I do love how photography keeps me on my toes

There is the silver lining, you're up, around, chasing the finish line and on your toes!!!!!!

balancr Loc: VA

To be a photographer you have to have a camera
You have to be smart enough to figure out how to use the camera
You also have to be smart enough to understand the limitations of your camera
Most pictures won't be great, some people take great pictures by accident and others work really hard without getting great pictures
If you are happy with the result SUCCESS!
If you want other people to be happy with the result - now we are into fantasy land

Steamboat

I'm fairly new to UHH could someone tell me how to say Thank You to a post with out a reply?

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

OddJobber wrote:

1. Yes.
2. No.
3. Yes.
4. WTF?

--------------------

I was about to say, what "OddJobber" wrote, when reading the OP....

So --

Yes - to that.

:-)

-0-

leftj Loc: Texas

canon Lee wrote:

1) Can anyone that owns a camera be a great photographer ?
2) Do you need to be a super intelligent (PHD) person or not?
3) Does better equipment make a better photographer?
4) Why do you think of rude comments?

Silly ridiculous questions inspire rude comments.

SpikeW Loc: Butler PA

I know this is a little off beat but I am reminded of a quote by Victor Borge.
When asked by a fan if a person put in the time and effort by practicing could they be a great renowned pianist.
His reply-- Of course the same way as practicing to be tall.

Indiana Loc: Huntington, Indiana

canon Lee wrote:

Thanks for correcting my #4 question. Some here think they know more than the rest of us so, they are quick to say demeaning & disrespectful comments. So what do we think of such conduct? Why are they like that? What satisfaction do they get from putting someone down?

Any comments made should be considerate. Mean and derogatory comments are not. Any and all comments should be on topic. Being respectful of others is a valued commodity.

jonbeth

Most important and number one is to Learn Artistic concepts.

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

canon Lee wrote:

1) Can anyone that owns a camera be a great photographer ?
2) Do you need to be a super intelligent (PHD) person or not?
3) Does better equipment make a better photographer?
4) Why do you think of rude comments?

I will address #4. I say this in caps...THERE IS NO ROOM FOR RUDE COMMENTS, ANYWHERE, ANY TIME.!!!
I will cite one personal incident: At an Art and Photography show, I took my portfolio with me to show, to maybe acquire representation.
I approached quite a few vendors and a couple seemed interested, some not so interested, but one, he cited the work hanging in his booth and flat out told me: "Why would I show your crap when I have all this..." and he waved his hand around the booth. The work he was showing was modern city life paintings.
Stunned by his comment, I said, "Sir, in any case, you don't EVER call an artist's work crap! Even if you don't like the work. By your comment, it shows very clearly that you are a "Churlish Oaf." And I walked away. Some people heard me, and applauded. A couple said they were glad i told him off and doubted he knew what I had called him.
Rich...

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

canon Lee wrote:

1) Can anyone that owns a camera be a great photographer ?
2) Do you need to be a super intelligent (PHD) person or not?
3) Does better equipment make a better photographer?
4) Why do you think of rude comments?

I have one question for you, Lee.

If no one but you ever sees your work - can you still be a great photographer.

My solitary goal for the last 51 years as a photographer has been to be a better photographer than I was last year. . .

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

canon Lee wrote:

Thanks for correcting my #4 question. Some here think they know more than the rest of us so, they are quick to say demeaning & disrespectful comments. So what do we think of such conduct? Why are they like that? What satisfaction do they get from putting someone down?

I think such conduct is good for us. Being confronted by some ignorant imbecile who is disrespectful and clearly stupid we tend to look really good. Their purpose is to demonstrate that the rest of us are truly amazing and that the speaker needs a telescope to look up to us.

Why are they like that? The have no confidence or self worth, so the only way to offset this shortcoming is to put others down. This makes them feel they actually have some value in this world. Alas it only makes them seem stupid but let's not tell them that or they will just try harder to put us all down.

As to satisfaction ... it makes them feel good for they have the illusion that their comments actually have some value and have generated some awareness in others. In fact all that happens is that they make a fool of themselves.