Why Do You Shoot, How Does That Impact What Equipment You Use & preferences on Cameras: While I have had a few things published, I never shot professionally, as in with the intent to...

Shutterbug57

While I have had a few things published, I never shot professionally, as in with the intent to support myself with a camera. It’s always been a hobby for me. THBS, does why you shoot impact your choice of what gear you use? If so why?

I have a few reasons for why I shoot:

Sharing the talent/resources - when my kids were playing sports, I had the gear and experience to be the team photog and I also ran the team web sites where game pics would be posted. Not only was I shooting my kids, I was shooting all the kids and putting the best shots on the web, usually the same day, unless it was a night game. The kids, parents, grands & friends all had fun with the site and appreciated the pics. Occasionally, I would even get a thank you note from the opposing team as their pics were also out there and we would share the URL if the parents or coaches asked. For that environment, where a typical game will have +/- 1,000 shots, digital was the only realistic way to go. It was both cheaper and faster than film. I used a D70s and D200 for that work. For shooting the grandkids” sporting events, which is fast approaching, I have the D500.

Artistic expression - this is low volume work that lets me take more creative control than doing, essentially, PJ work at a field or court. While I realize I am not world class level at this, heck, I only occasionally win at the local club, this is a creative release. I enjoy the challenge of being creative (I am more analytical by nature) and prefer film as it is more of a challenge to get just right, no chimping (DSLR) or pre-chimping (EVF) to guide the process, you have to master the craft and wait for the film to be processed to know if you did. Depending on what I am shooting, I will use my F100, M645 or 4x5 film cameras. If I am shooting B&W, which is most often the case, I process my own film and will set print the best, but scan all.

Travel/Street/knocking around - this category may have some volume and may get into the artistic realm while traveling. I frequently travel for business and have a briefcase camera. I use this in the evenings while on the road to both kill time and relax. My requirements for this kit are that it is small, light and capable of making high quality images. This will shoot any number of subjects, basically what I find interesting while in my travel destinations. For this I use the Fuji X-T2 with the 18-55 f/2.8-4, 55-200 f/3.5-4.8 and for street, the 23 f/2.0 lenses.

Camera Preferences - there are other threads that ask what gear you have, but here I want to explore why you have that gear and what function does each camera performs for you. I have several cameras that I use for certain things, as noted above. Each of these cameras is a fine camera, but they all have their weaknesses, for instance, I am not going to shoot a soccer game with a 4x5 camera. Below are my notes on my cameras that see frequent use:

D500 - great at volume shooting, particularly if action events in low light. This has all the key features that make it a joy for sports & wildlife shooters to use. THBS, it is like shooting a computer. While efficient and effective at its job, it is just a tool to get a job done.

X-T2 - great image quality for its small size. The lenses are great, the little camera is a joy to carry for extended periods and the controls are right where they should be - on dials or rings, not in menus. This little camera is fun to shoot and gets great results. It also doesn’t announce itself like the D500 does, so it can go places the D500 can’t. It’s a great grab and go camera and the whole kit fits in a very small camera bag or in a briefcase.

F100 - this is fun to shoot. There are 5 five focus points. While that sounds downright primitive by today’s standards it’s not hard to quickly find the point you want to use and the AF works great even with the new “G” lenses. The metering system is also a joy to use. Given that it is a film camera, you can tailor the “sensor” to the job at hand.

M645 - totally manual, waist level VF, what’s not to love. The image quality from this guy is outstanding, even if it is the runt on the MF scene. I love the larger negatives as they are easier in these older eyes when reading them. The prints are simply better than 35mm because you don’t have to blow them up as much. I love the challenges this brings to the table as it slows you down and makes you think.

4x5 (the original MILC) - large negatives, outstanding image quality & talk about slowing down... Like the M645, this is totally manual, but it brings movements into the mix as well. These allow for more creativity, but require more thought as well. While I haven’t had this rig that long, I am loving the process and my early results. This puppy is fun to shoot and lets you explore options that none of my other cameras allow. Given the cost of the film and the per-image processing time, this is a LOW volume option, but it gives options that are fun to explore.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Shutterbug57 wrote:

While I have had a few things published, I never shot professionally, as in with the intent to support myself with a camera. It’s always been a hobby for me. THBS, does why you shoot impact your choice of what gear you use? If so why?

I have a few reasons for why I shoot:

Sharing the talent/resources - when my kids were playing sports, I had the gear and experience to be the team photog and I also ran the team web sites where game pics would be posted. Not only was I shooting my kids, I was shooting all the kids and putting the best shots on the web, usually the same day, unless it was a night game. The kids, parents, grands & friends all had fun with the site and appreciated the pics. Occasionally, I would even get a thank you note from the opposing team as their pics were also out there and we would share the URL if the parents or coaches asked. For that environment, where a typical game will have +/- 1,000 shots, digital was the only realistic way to go. It was both cheaper and faster than film. I used a D70s and D200 for that work. For shooting the grandkids” sporting events, which is fast approaching, I have the D500.

Artistic expression - this is low volume work that lets me take more creative control than doing, essentially, PJ work at a field or court. While I realize I am not world class level at this, heck, I only occasionally win at the local club, this is a creative release. I enjoy the challenge of being creative (I am more analytical by nature) and prefer film as it is more of a challenge to get just right, no chimping (DSLR) or pre-chimping (EVF) to guide the process, you have to master the craft and wait for the film to be processed to know if you did. Depending on what I am shooting, I will use my F100, M645 or 4x5 film cameras. If I am shooting B&W, which is most often the case, I process my own film and will set print the best, but scan all.

Travel/Street/knocking around - this category may have some volume and may get into the artistic realm while traveling. I frequently travel for business and have a briefcase camera. I use this in the evenings while on the road to both kill time and relax. My requirements for this kit are that it is small, light and capable of making high quality images. This will shoot any number of subjects, basically what I find interesting while in my travel destinations. For this I use the Fuji X-T2 with the 18-55 f/2.8-4, 55-200 f/3.5-4.8 and for street, the 23 f/2.0 lenses.

Camera Preferences - there are other threads that ask what gear you have, but here I want to explore why you have that gear and what function does each camera performs for you. I have several cameras that I use for certain things, as noted above. Each of these cameras is a fine camera, but they all have their weaknesses, for instance, I am not going to shoot a soccer game with a 4x5 camera. Below are my notes on my cameras that see frequent use:

D500 - great at volume shooting, particularly if action events in low light. This has all the key features that make it a joy for sports & wildlife shooters to use. THBS, it is like shooting a computer. While efficient and effective at its job, it is just a tool to get a job done.

X-T2 - great image quality for its small size. The lenses are great, the little camera is a joy to carry for extended periods and the controls are right where they should be - on dials or rings, not in menus. This little camera is fun to shoot and gets great results. It also doesn’t announce itself like the D500 does, so it can go places the D500 can’t. It’s a great grab and go camera and the whole kit fits in a very small camera bag or in a briefcase.

F100 - this is fun to shoot. There are 5 five focus points. While that sounds downright primitive by today’s standards it’s not hard to quickly find the point you want to use and the AF works great even with the new “G” lenses. The metering system is also a joy to use. Given that it is a film camera, you can tailor the “sensor” to the job at hand.

M645 - totally manual, waist level VF, what’s not to love. The image quality from this guy is outstanding, even if it is the runt on the MF scene. I love the larger negatives as they are easier in these older eyes when reading them. The prints are simply better than 35mm because you don’t have to blow them up as much. I love the challenges this brings to the table as it slows you down and makes you think.

4x5 (the original MILC) - large negatives, outstanding image quality & talk about slowing down... Like the M645, this is totally manual, but it brings movements into the mix as well. These allow for more creativity, but require more thought as well. While I haven’t had this rig that long, I am loving the process and my early results. This puppy is fun to shoot and lets you explore options that none of my other cameras allow. Given the cost of the film and the per-image processing time, this is a LOW volume option, but it gives options that are fun to explore.

While I have had a few things published, I never s... (show quote)

I take photos for pleasure and very broad based.
Thus I use the only equipment with the broad base perfection.
My Canon equipment is not limiting, the broad range of EF lenses is unsurpassed as they all work with all cameras made since 1987. No worry about compatibility. I can rent from the 1DX MII for the best in sports and action camera to the 5DSR with the highest DSLR/Mirrorless IQ available on any camera.
Now with the R, I can use all my old (Pre 1987) Canon lenses and special accessories on a FF camera.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

I relate my photography like "catch and release fishing", and most of what I do is landscape or nature. The fun for me predominately about getting the shot, not showing or selling them. I have had a couple of photos sold and a couple donated to non-profit silent auctions, but most of them are for my own purposes. I did not even put them on the walls of the house until the current (and last) wife insisted on it. I use two Nikon D7100s and a D300, with a number of different lenses, most of which are zooms. Obviously, given the amount of equipment I own, I am a heavy duty hobbyist! A lot of my shooting is spent in walking around various cities or in the woods, so putting a bunch of stuff in a backpack and carrying it to a variety of sites is key. I have almost as many backpacks of various sizes as I do lenses!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Shutterbug57 wrote:

While I have had a few things published, I never shot professionally, as in with the intent to support myself with a camera. It’s always been a hobby for me. THBS, does why you shoot impact your choice of what gear you use? If so why?

THBS - "That being said" ?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I take pictures because I like to take pictures. I've been shooting since I was about 10. Having a nice camera is part of the whole experience. I don't shop for a bird camera or a sports camera - just a good camera.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

jerryc41 wrote:

THBS - "That being said" ?

THBS I think is, "That having been said".

Shutterbug57

jerryc41 wrote:

THBS - "That being said" ?

That Having Been Said

berchman Loc: South Central PA

jerryc41 wrote:

I take pictures because I like to take pictures. I've been shooting since I was about 10. Having a nice camera is part of the whole experience. I don't shop for a bird camera or a sports camera - just a good camera.

Unpretentious and convincing reply.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Unless I am traveling where I take a multitude of equipment. When I go out locally I decide beforehand what I want to photograph and just take what I need. Yes, I have missed shots because I did not have the right equipment. But having certain plans helped

tommy2 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

berchman wrote:

Unpretentious and convincing reply.

ricosha Loc: Phoenix, Arizona

Shutterbug57 wrote:

While I have had a few things published, I never shot professionally, as in with the intent to support myself with a camera. It’s always been a hobby for me. THBS, does why you shoot impact your choice of what gear you use? If so why?

I have a few reasons for why I shoot:

Sharing the talent/resources - when my kids were playing sports, I had the gear and experience to be the team photog and I also ran the team web sites where game pics would be posted. Not only was I shooting my kids, I was shooting all the kids and putting the best shots on the web, usually the same day, unless it was a night game. The kids, parents, grands & friends all had fun with the site and appreciated the pics. Occasionally, I would even get a thank you note from the opposing team as their pics were also out there and we would share the URL if the parents or coaches asked. For that environment, where a typical game will have +/- 1,000 shots, digital was the only realistic way to go. It was both cheaper and faster than film. I used a D70s and D200 for that work. For shooting the grandkids” sporting events, which is fast approaching, I have the D500.

Artistic expression - this is low volume work that lets me take more creative control than doing, essentially, PJ work at a field or court. While I realize I am not world class level at this, heck, I only occasionally win at the local club, this is a creative release. I enjoy the challenge of being creative (I am more analytical by nature) and prefer film as it is more of a challenge to get just right, no chimping (DSLR) or pre-chimping (EVF) to guide the process, you have to master the craft and wait for the film to be processed to know if you did. Depending on what I am shooting, I will use my F100, M645 or 4x5 film cameras. If I am shooting B&W, which is most often the case, I process my own film and will set print the best, but scan all.

Travel/Street/knocking around - this category may have some volume and may get into the artistic realm while traveling. I frequently travel for business and have a briefcase camera. I use this in the evenings while on the road to both kill time and relax. My requirements for this kit are that it is small, light and capable of making high quality images. This will shoot any number of subjects, basically what I find interesting while in my travel destinations. For this I use the Fuji X-T2 with the 18-55 f/2.8-4, 55-200 f/3.5-4.8 and for street, the 23 f/2.0 lenses.

Camera Preferences - there are other threads that ask what gear you have, but here I want to explore why you have that gear and what function does each camera performs for you. I have several cameras that I use for certain things, as noted above. Each of these cameras is a fine camera, but they all have their weaknesses, for instance, I am not going to shoot a soccer game with a 4x5 camera. Below are my notes on my cameras that see frequent use:

D500 - great at volume shooting, particularly if action events in low light. This has all the key features that make it a joy for sports & wildlife shooters to use. THBS, it is like shooting a computer. While efficient and effective at its job, it is just a tool to get a job done.

X-T2 - great image quality for its small size. The lenses are great, the little camera is a joy to carry for extended periods and the controls are right where they should be - on dials or rings, not in menus. This little camera is fun to shoot and gets great results. It also doesn’t announce itself like the D500 does, so it can go places the D500 can’t. It’s a great grab and go camera and the whole kit fits in a very small camera bag or in a briefcase.

F100 - this is fun to shoot. There are 5 five focus points. While that sounds downright primitive by today’s standards it’s not hard to quickly find the point you want to use and the AF works great even with the new “G” lenses. The metering system is also a joy to use. Given that it is a film camera, you can tailor the “sensor” to the job at hand.

M645 - totally manual, waist level VF, what’s not to love. The image quality from this guy is outstanding, even if it is the runt on the MF scene. I love the larger negatives as they are easier in these older eyes when reading them. The prints are simply better than 35mm because you don’t have to blow them up as much. I love the challenges this brings to the table as it slows you down and makes you think.

4x5 (the original MILC) - large negatives, outstanding image quality & talk about slowing down... Like the M645, this is totally manual, but it brings movements into the mix as well. These allow for more creativity, but require more thought as well. While I haven’t had this rig that long, I am loving the process and my early results. This puppy is fun to shoot and lets you explore options that none of my other cameras allow. Given the cost of the film and the per-image processing time, this is a LOW volume option, but it gives options that are fun to explore.

While I have had a few things published, I never s... (show quote)

I'm a planner, I scout for landscapes and wildlife. Street and other, I develop a "what am I looking for" and use the appropriate lens. I use my zooms very little with the exception of my 16x35 F4 nikon which I love for landscapes. I consider primes as an upgrade. General use for me is a 24mm Nikon on my d610, 300mm Nikon on the d500 and either my Tamron 45mm or Nikon 35mm on my d810. I believe I get the best results with primes. Have I missed shots by having the "wrong" lens, yes, but sometimes having to reboot my thinking and getting the shot with the "wrong" lens results in the out of box photo that is great...

1Feathercrest Loc: NEPA

Stop using the ubiquitous mis-used word "impact" to mean AFFECT!

Shutterbug57

1Feathercrest wrote:

Stop using the ubiquitous mis-used word "impact" to mean AFFECT!

tommy2 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

You beat me to it Shutterbug57.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I take photos mostly for the creative aspect. There are a few that are purely documentary.

Cameras: 99% of the time I leave the house I have a camera with me. It's usually a D800e or Leica IIIf. For photography outings, I usually take a Nikon F and/or F5, D800e, Hasselblad 500c, Graphic 4x5. The 4x5 still gets more usage on those trips.
--Bob

Shutterbug57 wrote:

While I have had a few things published, I never shot professionally, as in with the intent to support myself with a camera. It’s always been a hobby for me. THBS, does why you shoot impact your choice of what gear you use? If so why?

I have a few reasons for why I shoot:

Sharing the talent/resources - when my kids were playing sports, I had the gear and experience to be the team photog and I also ran the team web sites where game pics would be posted. Not only was I shooting my kids, I was shooting all the kids and putting the best shots on the web, usually the same day, unless it was a night game. The kids, parents, grands & friends all had fun with the site and appreciated the pics. Occasionally, I would even get a thank you note from the opposing team as their pics were also out there and we would share the URL if the parents or coaches asked. For that environment, where a typical game will have +/- 1,000 shots, digital was the only realistic way to go. It was both cheaper and faster than film. I used a D70s and D200 for that work. For shooting the grandkids” sporting events, which is fast approaching, I have the D500.

Artistic expression - this is low volume work that lets me take more creative control than doing, essentially, PJ work at a field or court. While I realize I am not world class level at this, heck, I only occasionally win at the local club, this is a creative release. I enjoy the challenge of being creative (I am more analytical by nature) and prefer film as it is more of a challenge to get just right, no chimping (DSLR) or pre-chimping (EVF) to guide the process, you have to master the craft and wait for the film to be processed to know if you did. Depending on what I am shooting, I will use my F100, M645 or 4x5 film cameras. If I am shooting B&W, which is most often the case, I process my own film and will set print the best, but scan all.

Travel/Street/knocking around - this category may have some volume and may get into the artistic realm while traveling. I frequently travel for business and have a briefcase camera. I use this in the evenings while on the road to both kill time and relax. My requirements for this kit are that it is small, light and capable of making high quality images. This will shoot any number of subjects, basically what I find interesting while in my travel destinations. For this I use the Fuji X-T2 with the 18-55 f/2.8-4, 55-200 f/3.5-4.8 and for street, the 23 f/2.0 lenses.

Camera Preferences - there are other threads that ask what gear you have, but here I want to explore why you have that gear and what function does each camera performs for you. I have several cameras that I use for certain things, as noted above. Each of these cameras is a fine camera, but they all have their weaknesses, for instance, I am not going to shoot a soccer game with a 4x5 camera. Below are my notes on my cameras that see frequent use:

D500 - great at volume shooting, particularly if action events in low light. This has all the key features that make it a joy for sports & wildlife shooters to use. THBS, it is like shooting a computer. While efficient and effective at its job, it is just a tool to get a job done.

X-T2 - great image quality for its small size. The lenses are great, the little camera is a joy to carry for extended periods and the controls are right where they should be - on dials or rings, not in menus. This little camera is fun to shoot and gets great results. It also doesn’t announce itself like the D500 does, so it can go places the D500 can’t. It’s a great grab and go camera and the whole kit fits in a very small camera bag or in a briefcase.

F100 - this is fun to shoot. There are 5 five focus points. While that sounds downright primitive by today’s standards it’s not hard to quickly find the point you want to use and the AF works great even with the new “G” lenses. The metering system is also a joy to use. Given that it is a film camera, you can tailor the “sensor” to the job at hand.

M645 - totally manual, waist level VF, what’s not to love. The image quality from this guy is outstanding, even if it is the runt on the MF scene. I love the larger negatives as they are easier in these older eyes when reading them. The prints are simply better than 35mm because you don’t have to blow them up as much. I love the challenges this brings to the table as it slows you down and makes you think.

4x5 (the original MILC) - large negatives, outstanding image quality & talk about slowing down... Like the M645, this is totally manual, but it brings movements into the mix as well. These allow for more creativity, but require more thought as well. While I haven’t had this rig that long, I am loving the process and my early results. This puppy is fun to shoot and lets you explore options that none of my other cameras allow. Given the cost of the film and the per-image processing time, this is a LOW volume option, but it gives options that are fun to explore.

While I have had a few things published, I never s... (show quote)