amyvan171 Loc: Florida

Im getting quite frustrated at this particular topic. I have a T2i rebel 18mpx camera, a zoom lense, and bought an external flash. Whenever I speak to professional photographers in my area and they ask what equipment I have they cringe. I feel I come up with quite good photos with what I have but wanted to know... Do you really need those thousands of dollar cameras and lenses and lighting kits to be successful in this field?

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Sounds like the pros you are talking to are full of themselves. The simple answer is yes and no. Everyone starts somewhere. You have the makings of a great start. The key now is to really (and I mean really) get to know your equipment inside and out. Camera and flash. There is so much you can do with what you have over and above TTL and auto settings. We all know people that take amazing photos with less equipment than you have,,,and others that take junk with really expensive equipment. Photography is all about light. Learn how to use it, understand it and manipulate it and you will be lightyears ahead of some pros. Lighting and posing,,,two things that can make or break a photograph. Yes, there is a need for more expensive equipment, depending on your photographic goals. To do the job right requires the right tools. I wouldn't be able to take quality macro shots with a zoom lens. On the other hand, a good prime lens for portrait work does wonders. One piece of equipment I would suggest,, is an off shoe camera cord. Get your flash off your camera and see the difference creative lighting can make. If you have a speedlight, it has many capabilities that lot's of people either overlook or just don't understand. Getting the most out of todays technology will take your photography a long way.

An expensive camera does not a photographer make.

renomike Loc: Reno, Nevada

The next time one of "The Pros" says that to you, why not ask them to take you under their wing and guide you to becoming a pro. Make sure you tell them you'll work for nothing, just for a chance to learn their way. The worst they can tell you is NO, so your no worst off for asking. You might find one that will. Most pros are using full frame cameras, like the 5D Mark III and a wide variety L series lenses.

Mike

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

Skidooman is right... There is absolutly NOTHING wrong with your Rebel....Don't buy mediocra lenses... Buy the best quality made for your camera... And As he said : KNOW your camera !

nikron7 Loc: Indianapolis

I can only reiterate what has been said. Get to know your equipment, you will know when you outgrow it and when to upgrade. It was a good recommendation to see if you can apprentice with a photographer. During school I apprenticed with a wedding photographer and commercial photographer for additional knowledge and wisdom (and money). What I learned was invaluable.

There is a lot to being a Professional Photographer and not all of it is equipment. You have to be bold, not afraid, you have to be knowledgeable, you have to have experience. Learning nevers ceases. And, of course, the most important part is your love for the sport.

Ron

MtnMan Loc: ID

Nope.

I like the story I first heard here on UHH about someone saying to chef something like, "That was a wonderful meal. What brand pots did you use?"

Also consdier the equipment Ansel Adams had compared to your T2i.

George Kwain

I would suggest, however, that you get some backup equipment. I've been a professional since 1969 and can guarantee that something will eventually break while you're on the job. Sometimes you can reschedule, but it's better if you can just switch to another camera, lens, light or whatever. Your present equipment would be fine as backup if you get something better.

MtnMan Loc: ID

So here's another perspective on this. I had a new lens arrive today. My wife asked, "So, how much did we spend on this?"

My reply, "It was a great deal. I got a nearly new lens for $250 less than the new price! It was only $670."

Her reply, "Well that's very nice. So now I am $670 closer to my new refrigerator!"

All's fair in love...

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

There are those that say you need the best equipment to be a pro, but what you really need is the drive and experience. The expensive equipment will come. Take lots of photos and always strive to improve.

jimni2001 Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA

Photography is about light. That's it. If you know light and the color temperatures of light you will shine as a photographer even if you are using a pin hole camera. Don't compare your work to others and don't be offended by their criticisms, if it is an honest criticism say thank you and if it is just someone being mean say thank you (it tic's them off). Do you think Ansel Adams work would have been better with a better camera? I don't believe so. Sometimes he spent days waiting for the right light. That was his secret. Light.
Let it be your secret too.

amyvan171 Loc: Florida

Thanks everyone for the great advice! I really appreciate it.

renomike Loc: Reno, Nevada

Let us know how you make out in the future...

Mike

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

The tool do not make the craftsman! Better tools merely make doing the job easier or faster for them

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

It all depends what you consider as Professional?? If you have seen the person's portfolio and think their work is great, then by all means ask their advice. Advice from someone with expensive equipment is no different then sitting on a barstool somewhere and asking advice, you get Lots of Bad advice. Just as in this forum, I pick the brains of the Great photographers and apply their wisdom. I take the other advice I get with a grain of salt and Not to Heart.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

From 1937 to 1950 Wilson Hicks was the photo editor for Life. He never took a picture but he could tell you what made a picture good. The pros use good equipment because the equipment they use has to withstand abuse. They would shoot good stuff with a brownie hawkeye, after all they are pros.