How do YOU respond to "Your camera takes REAL good pictures"..? (Page 2): I wonder if a painter ever has someone say, gee that brush paints nice pictures?

Smudgey Loc: Ohio, Calif, Now Arizona

I wonder if a painter ever has someone say, gee that brush paints nice pictures?

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

People remark to me that I should think about upgrading my camera.

BebuLamar

I guess that the OP doesn't like such a comment. I myself would love people to say that to me as I like people to pay compliment to my camera. I am very proud of it.
I would be very offended is someone say "How did you take such good pictures with that lousy camera?".

kskarma Loc: Topeka, KS

BebuLamar wrote:

I guess that the OP doesn't like such a comment. I myself would love people to say that to me as I like people to pay compliment to my camera. I am very proud of it.
I would be very offended is someone say "How did you take such good pictures with that lousy camera?".

Nope....not at all, I'm always glad that someone has commented on my photos....but I've heard that comment about cameras in general for more than a half-century. And...in the 'old days', there was a lot of validity to it...as some cameras were just not very good...so getting one that would 'take good photos' was a goal of many people. I think the sentiment that is expressed this way, is, in many ways, is a hold-over from 'back then'...!

I really liked your last sentence...so far I have not had any one say to me, "Maybe you should upgrade your gear!!", but that day might come....

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

For those who have heard the observation, I'm curious if it was at an exhibit or perhaps in a booth where you were offering prints for sale? I can't imagine deliberately wanting to make the comment-maker feel small and stupid, unless you were fairly certain they themselves were being a smart ass. I mean, what if their spouse or friend was just about to buy some of your work?

Rich1939's idea is a good one, I think: ask if they are also interested in photography, and what kind of camera they have, etc. Find common ground - or just smile, be gracious and move on.

Charlie'smom

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

You smile, and say thank you.

Nobody likes a smart ass.

Exactly! Your parents raised you right.

FreddB Loc: PA - Delaware County

BebuLamar wrote:

I guess that the OP doesn't like such a comment. I myself would love people to say that to me as I like people to pay compliment to my camera. I am very proud of it.
I would be very offended is someone say "How did you take such good pictures with that lousy camera?".

Wouldn't it be worse to hear, "You really wasted your money on that camera!"?

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

We have had this topic here before and I always smile. I have been at exhibits and had the good camera remark. I smile and say thank you. What would be the point to be thin skinned?? Who the hell cares?? I do photography for my own satisfaction and don't feel the need for every person to praise my efforts.

AlohaJim Loc: Retired. Hawaii >> N. Arizona.

kskarma wrote:

I'm sure we've all heard this a few times at least... (show quote)

Wife and I get this "all the time". At least once a week. Whether "pro shoots" or casual for friends, family, etc.
When my wife had works in galleries, I've heard, "cute picture, very very nice framing". Hmmmmm.
Whether using my Sony RX100 MkV or Full Frame gear, same response.
I'm always very polite and say, "yes it does indeed."
They ask, "what kind of camera is it, is it expensive"?
I say, "yes. Very expensive." (Even my compact Sony RX100 mkV has the lensmate adapter and expensive clear and polarizer filters on it.) When I explain this a little the conversation usually moves on to something else. If they inquire more "as photographers", I might share that we have more than the price of a new car in computers, programs, and photo equipment, to work with.

Then, I tell them to "buy a camera like the one I have". That usually ends things. They're just curious. And, in a way, it's a compliment.
If I can encourage enthusiasm to pursue photography, then that's great too.

Yes. Never mention skill and experience.
aloha
jim

AlohaJim Loc: Retired. Hawaii >> N. Arizona.

BebuLamar wrote:

I guess that the OP doesn't like such a comment. I myself would love people to say that to me as I like people to pay compliment to my camera. I am very proud of it.
I would be very offended is someone say "How did you take such good pictures with that lousy camera?".

The fact that anyone even notices my images is a compliment.
aloha
jim

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

AlohaJim wrote:

The fact that anyone even notices my images is a compliment.
aloha
jim

I was going to say that you must have a good heart, but perhaps you have a partner who properly trained you.

BebuLamar

FreddB wrote:

Wouldn't it be worse to hear, "You really wasted your money on that camera!"?

Well nobody said that to me but I think a lot of people would think that. I have the Nikon Df.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

BebuLamar wrote:

Well nobody said that to me but I think a lot of people would think that. I have the Nikon Df.

Yeah, I'm a DF who keeps buying Nikons too.

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Sarcasm is an unfortunate response to what is meant to be a compliment, no matter how awkwardly it is articulated. Though it has only happened once or twice my usual response is, "Thank you. I have a good camera and, more importantly, good lenses."

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

kskarma wrote:

I'm sure we've all heard this a few times at least... (show quote)

Hey, only a jerk would belittle a well intended compliment with more than a polite “thank you”, unless asked to elaborate more.
We all know that urban legend. I would have smacked that idiot in the face with my “really nice pan”! I’ll bet THAT would dislodge the big chip on his shoulder!!!

SS