Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

I’ll give background, then shift gears because this is not about me; it’s about this site.

I had been lurking for a while, enjoying the posts and threads. A few months ago I started posting, replying at first innocently, and thinking I was contributing and not knowing that some here think they know everything. I was so naïve.

I bought my first SLR in 1977, a Minolta XE-5, which later was stolen, so I bought a replacement Olympus OM-2. From 1977-1981 I shot countless photos as yearbook photographer at my high school (a large school of 4,000 plus,) ending up as photography editor my senior year. I aspired to be a professional photographer and I subscribed to the magazines Professional Photography and Peterson’s Photographic. I read everything the local library afforded me of photography, and I idolized Ansel Adams; for better or worse, I learned a thing or two about photography. I entered some of my photos in contests – under pressure – and got a few accolades, but that wasn’t what it was about. Some friends had a Nikon F1, or Canon AE1, but I didn’t care. I used what I could use, what I had at hand, and I did the best I could using lighting, the principle of thirds, backlighting, yada yada yada..

Anybody else have a similar story? You came here to learn a thing or two, or share a thing or two, right?

Let’s hear your story. And be damned those who will say that you don’t belong here if you don’t shoot with a top-of-the-line camera. Sometimes all we have when we want to take a shot is our cell phone or a pocket p&s! Being a photographer doesn’t mean we have to lug around expensive equipment everywhere we go. It means having an eye to record a moment, and using whatever means at your disposal to capture it! And, thank technology, having the post processing means to salvage what we shot without planning! Sometimes I curse my photographic eye as I drive with my family atow, knowing that I can’t stop to frame a decent shot. That is what photography is about; those who think otherwise, you don’t belong here. Am I wrong? Ask Ansel: “Knowing what I know now, any photographer worth his salt could make some beautiful things with pinhole cameras."
-Ansel Adams
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/ansel/sfeature/sf_packing.html

Finally, I will quote another who recently posted similar sentiments, one who has more than 12,000 posts here: “Your technical comments are welcome, but not your flamer comments and judgmental attitude. If you have nothing positive to contribute, go elsewhere.”
Nikonian72 http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-130880-1.html. Ignore me, a newbie, if you wish; but go ask Nikonian72.

Please, let’s get back to helping a friend take a nice photo, regardless of equipment or knowledge.

We all started somewhere.

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

Thanks duane13...I'm sure!
Just don't pic on my cat OK!

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

right on.

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

I haven't got top of the range gear and i have asked questions
and been answered with a fair response.

If i have been in chit chat and don't agree with a topic i say so and i have not always been treated so good then especially when the OP is well known and me just a relative newcomer but so what, I can take it and if needs be give it.

jonsommer Loc: Usually, somewhere on the U.S. west coast.

It's important to remember that this is a forum, and every forum I have ever visited has had its fair share of jerks and know-it-alls who firmly believe they have the only direct line to the photography 'gods' and therefore they falsely assume the mantle of photography prophets and are trying to get followers that are willing to 'drink their lemonade'.

Consider the source, discount their insipid opinions, and benefit from the vast majority that are here to learn, share, have fun as well as get honest feedback on their work or answers to questions.

Rude, arrogant and overbearing know it alls are just unfortunately a part of the package. For me, the good outweighs the bad by 100 to 1. However, I must admit, that whenever Nordies or Target has a sale on thicker skin, I'm often one of the first in line.

NiagaraJim Loc: Niagara Falls, ON

I started when I was a lot younger, when I could my hands on our Kodak Brownie. I would try shooting anything that peaked my fancy and waited with baited breath for the pictures to be developed. I stared in when my dad brought out his Ricoh 500 range finder, usually at Christmas and was told you do not touch this it is expensive so hands off.
I did eventually get the Ricoh, and with a cash gift from grandmother had it cleaned and repaired as needed. I took as many photos as my allowance and part time job could support. I bought several fad type cameras, I had the Kodak Disk camera for some time, I was amazed how some images were good and some so grainy......it was amazing they could get a 4x6 from such a small negative.
I eventually moved up to a Canon SLR T70 complete with it 50mm standard lens. I kept taking pictures and endured my brother harsh criticisms.
I moved on the A1 and found a local store that rented lenses for an affordable price. I rented a 70-210mm often and started shooting wildlife and landscapes. I worked with a fellow that did commercial photography on the side and spent many an hour picking his brains about anything and everything. He shot with Nikon and we constantly had our teasing going back and forth as to which was better.
I eventually bought a camera in Canon's rebel line and then bought my first EOS camera.
I still shoot With Canon equipment and now have a 60D with about 5 lenses.

That is my story hope you like it.

Calypso

mikemilton

Guffaw... When I was young, I could not afford a Pentax (a dream for me) so I bought a Chinon (with lens <$100.00). I learned a lot, took lost of commemorative photos, took a few good ones, nothing great.

Now I have at least $200K of equipment. I take lots of commemorative shots, quite a few good shots and a few great ones. I'm as likely to use modest (modern) equipment as top end. It is nice to be able to pull what you need out of your bag, but the vast majority of shots can be made with any reasonably good modern camera.

BillyDuds Loc: North Carolina

Is that a mistype, or have you actually spent two hundred grand on photographic gear? On what?

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

I would love to see that inventory list.

SR71 blackbird optics?
The Hasselblad that took moon landing images?

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

That's not beyond belief. At one point I calculated that I had spent nearly $60k on 35mm (Nikon), medium format (Mamiya and Hasselblad), 4x5 and darkroom gear over a span of 20 years.

I have since reduced my inventory since I could never really justify it all by how much I was using it. But I can easily see how someone might go overboard.

obeone

As for using cell phones or tablets, etc .. any one who thinks you can't take great photos with these devices has not been following Dewitt Jones. Since retiring from National Geographic he has been creating stunning photos with what ever he has with him at the time. He proves that it's not the brushes and paint, but the artist that creates the masterpiece. If you doubt these words, Google Dewitt Jones and check it out for yourself.

gilril Loc: Wilton, Maine

NiagraJim.......That's one gorgeous silver roan.

sixshooter Loc: constitution state

Duane,

You bought your first Camera the year I was Born..LOL. Also the year my dad bought his first Pentax for my pending arrival. He must have known I'd be needing it. I promptly stole said camera when I was a little past my 5th birthday. Convinced the little boy next door to jump out of a tree wearing a cape made from his mothers fancy red nightgown I got a great shot of him flying.. he got a broken arm. His good natured mother had the print blown up and framed it for her living room wall. After a punishment that I don't remember at all I got a 110 that I do. That little sucker was my constant companion until I was deemed old enough for that precious 35mm that I coveted. I spent my life with a camera in my hands. got a BFA in photography and promptly settled down to raise some children.

After years of being the official photographer for all of our family and friends, I broke down and bought some digital SLR's and a bit of additional equipment to complete my outfit. (I have so much gear it would be ridiculous to list it and I'm not big on bragging about whats in my "toolbox") Then Hung out my shingle so to speak. Been shooting everything under the sun ever since..Weddings and events being my bread and butter,But I love Portrait work particularly Infants and Boudoir.

I also agree that there is alot of negativity here from the so called Pro's on this forum. Which to me is a mark of their Insecurity and lack of professionalism. Those of us who truly love the art of photography and who are secure in our own talents have no need to try and destroy that love in others.

I actually haven't been on here much lately..I'm bogged down in wedding season..I was just taking a break from editing and figured I'd pop in and see how my people were holding up.

Thanks for the Post Duane, I see i haven't missed much. &#128527;

mikemilton

Not a mistype. Now, that is over a fairly long period and includes a lot of gear that has been resold, but it is approx. that much give or take a bit.

I'd guess that the cost of the equipment I currently have is about 70K. Value is another thing, as some things (mostly lenses) are quite old but still going strong.

I was quite 'lucky' that my whole FD system setup was stolen in a breakin and got replaced by EF equipment

mikemilton

Yes, it is surprising how it adds up over the years. I suspect that even folk who use mostly mid range equipment might get a shock if they added up all they have spent over time.

It isn't necessary to have a lot of equipment on hand to have spent a lot along the way. Also, the present value is a whole other question.

Years ago, I was a rabid audiophile. The latest speakers would be wonderful; for about a year or so. Then I bought (with trepidation) a pair of 6K/each speakers. Many thought me crazy but that was in 1972. I've never found anything I like better. Those speakers have saved me a fortune.