When I see a great photo I want to know what camera and lens were being used, whether it was on a tripod (I don't care which one), and the aperture, the shutter speed, the ISO and the focal length. I find this information not only interesting but useful in understanding how the final images was created. Additionally, you strangely stated, "So it's not like the photographer knew what the camera was shooting at when taking a picture.". That very odd statement alone makes me question your knowledge and experience as a photographer, regardless of how good your claimed skills might be. I'm surprised no one else picked up on it. I, and most other advanced shooters here, know exactly what our settings are at all times when we capture an image. What's the point of understanding how to get the best from your camera on every shot, if you don't know how your camera is set? Why would you think otherwise? Do you mostly shoot in full auto? Otherwise your statement doesn't make sense. Perhaps you can show us some of these outstanding photos for which you had no idea of the settings when you captured them.

I am also a musician, a drummer to be exact. When I listen to a recording or see a live show where a drummer is performing I am very interested in the drum manufacturer and the models and sizes of the drums, the cymbal brands and sizes, the heads being used on the drums and the sticks being used. All this information, along with technique, is of interest to other drummers. It is similar to the interest photographers here have regarding detailed info on photographs and the equipment used to make them. If that weren't true, this forum would be a couple of orders of magnitude smaller.

This editorial observation is not directed at any posts on this site, but rather most photography magazines. I have to laugh when I see the technical info about photographs in some magazines. Do I really have to know what model tripod, or Gimbal head was used to hold up the camera that was used to take a picture ? Or is that just pretentious bragging about the photographers expensive equipment ? I also have to wonder about ISO, aperture opening, and shutter speed info.I know you can prioritize or program settings but I'm guessing [of course] that a lot of photographers shooting birds or other unpredictable moving subjects shoot first and look up info later. So it's not like the photographer knew what the camera was shooting at when taking a picture. Like I said this is just my opinion and some might think I don't know what I'm talking about. By the way in addition to my more expensive camera which in keeping with my theme I won't mention I've taken some outstanding photos ,if I do say so myself with a $100 Canon ELF. I used my left hand to hold the camera and my right index finger to click the shutter. Not that you needed to know that technical information.

Hmmm, I wonder what kind of brushes Picasso used.