AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

A story from many years ago... probably early 80s.

I was taking street photos in DC on foot, and was wandering around in NE, which was, at the time, a very sketchy neighborhood. I'm in the middle of photographing a partly demolished building (the facade wall was completely down - leaving a clear view of the abandoned apartments and furnishings within), when a guy screeches to a halt in a big black SUV, and jumps out.

He is a big dude, and he's decked out in an Oakland Raiders jersey and a lot of bling. Comes up to me and says, "Hey man, nice Rollei!"

"Thanks," I say, "I love it."

He comes up closer, and gestures like he wants to get a closer look. I take it from my neck and hand it to him. (What can I say, I was young and foolish, and I had his plate number, after all...)

"You know someone that can clean a shutter on one of these? Mine is running way off on the slow speeds..."

I did, but didn't have the phone number with me - so I asked for his contact information. He produced a business card for his studio, and invited me to go look at some of his work. I took him up, and we went to the studio, which was a couple blocks away. He had some amazing street photography prints displayed in his storefront location, and was obviously a very talented guy. We stayed in touch for several years, but I lost track of him and sadly, don't even remember his name any more.

I'm not advising others to do this, but sometimes the photo life is full of surprises.


Andy

zzzynick Loc: Colorado

I like Canon 1D bodies, I have 3. When I leave the house a 1Ds, I usually have the 24-105mm L on this one. Two Mark lll's. On the 1D I have my f/4 300 mm L, and on the 1Ds a f/2.8 70-200 mm IS L . I have 2, Tamron G2 lenses I pack as well, te 45 and 90 mm . I have purchased all of this equipment used, and saved over 20,000 dollars, from the out of the box,brand new price. Even at that, I still have a chunk of money wrapped up in my obsession. A waste of money, not for me. When I get back from a outing, I can't wait to see what I have taken. How well did they turn out? Any wall hangers? I have images that could never be taken with a cell phone [ I honestly do not own one. I hate them, and have absolutely no reason to own one.] So for me,every penny I have spent is well worth it. If someone says nice camera, I just say thanks.

berchman Loc: South Central PA

You HATE them. Because....?

mrsventura22

I used to be one of those people, and I would comment because I admired what the photographer was doing, photography is art and the cameras and lenses are tools. I had always loved photography but I couldn’t afford the equipment. If people are showing an appreciation for what you are doing, you should just be gracious and say Thank you. You get to do something that many people don’t have the time, money or confidence for.

mrsventura22

I used to be one of those people, and I would comment because I admired what the photographer was doing, photography is art and the cameras and lenses are tools. I had always loved photography but I couldn’t afford the equipment. If people are showing an appreciation for what you are doing, you should just be gracious and say Thank you. You get to do something that many people don’t have the time, money or confidence for.

Ron Dial Loc: Cuenca, Ecuador

If you download a photo from the best phone camera on the market, and look at the photo at about 200% in Photoshop, you will see the difference in the picture from one taken by a good "real" camera. Print it out, and the difference is startling. Phone pics are meant to be viewed on a phone. Camera pics are meant to be printed. That is how you respond. And ask them what they plan to do with the pictures when the next phone comes out.

berchman Loc: South Central PA

How about looking at the two pictures at the default resolution of Photoshop and not at 200%. If the iPhone picture was good to start with, you can make excellent prints from it. 16MP is more than enough for a good large print.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

Why? I often wear my Tilley hat when out in the field. People sometimes say, "Nice hat." Doesn't bother me in the least, I say thank you and don't feel any other response is needed.

GAS496 Loc: Arizona

Shooting with an 8x10 view camera draws a lot of comments and questions. Since I am usually in no hurry while in the process of taking a photograph I am happy to stop and talk. I also offer to let them look at the image on the ground glass. It is a magical sight that image under the hood.

One day a few years ago I was in Wyoming at the location Adams shot the view of the Snake River and the Tetons when a photography teacher stopped with his class. We all had a great time talking about Adams, photography and looking at the ground glass. Photography is not just about the final image.

willaim Loc: Sunny Southern California

I smile and say, "Thank you."

EdR Loc: Gig Harbor, WA

Do you also tell them it is guaranteed for life. Mine is showing its age. More than 20 years old.

Stephan G

"My other camera is a Hasselblad H6D-400c." With a big grin.

Most of the time, "Thanks", with a tighter grip on equipment until they move off. Be wary when they try to strike up a conversation. In worst case scenarios, it is a set up for "grab and run".

Skiextreme2 Loc: Northwest MA

Yes, it is nice when people see you coming and just move aside when they see the lens you have on your camera...

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

With everyone else, I say, "Thank you."

leftj Loc: Texas

Your basic assumption is incorrect.