GAS is not the answer
Nov 18, 2020 08:56:16 #
When you measure the ingredients of success, what is the ratio of talent to practice to equipment?
Nov 18, 2020 09:02:43 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
An ounce of practice is worth more than 30 megapixels.
So true, great statement, know matter what equiptment you have practice nd get to know that gear.
Nov 18, 2020 09:13:30 #
uhaas2009 wrote:
Almost right. I spend to much time and money on wrong gear. Finally I got some good gear (used) Now my brain is free from the technical errors. Now I have time for light, composition........
You have raised an interesting "chicken and egg" issue. Start with 1) reasonably good gear and good training or 2) start with good gear first. In my opinion, good training should be the first step. Is it likely that someone would have an educated opinion of what good gear is without having a good background of training and practice?
Nov 18, 2020 09:16:25 #
Imagine your life as a successful photographer. What camera are you holding?
Nov 18, 2020 09:37:01 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Imagine your life as a successful photographer. What camera are you holding?
And be ready for people to ask when they start noticing your images.
Nov 18, 2020 09:46:19 #
That's one reason I joined the forum. There are a lot of good photographers that set a high bar to help make me better. Also, it causes me to think of photo projects that challenge me and I have an audience to show and get feedback. Those projects would never happen without this forum. I haven't been able to blame my present gear for any shortcomings in my photos. That said, I am eyeing another lens or two.
Nov 18, 2020 09:59:56 #
I think there are two types of GAS. There are those who believe the latest gear will make them the next Ansel Adams and those who just enjoy using the best tools. The first type will lead to a life of frustration. I'm somewhat guilty of the second type though I don't pursue the latest and greatest. In particular, camera models have short shelf life and depreciate quickly, so I'm reluctant to "upgrade" those. A good lens, however, can be decades old and keep its value.
Nov 18, 2020 10:18:33 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Equipment today, entry-level thru the top-end, are... (show quote)
And, using the mostly nice weather this Fall in Chicago for more practice.I agree with you. I have learned a lot thru the years but in my early film years and even into digital I bought too many lenses, not even new and greatest, many vintage. I really have been addicted to glass. But I really only used a very few. Any I never mastered or even use. Now that I have a better understanding of my needs I find I have to look for different equipment but still find I only really need a few lenses except for a few projects. I tend to keep what I buy especially since 85% of it is used. But there really is no way I can master 34 lenses. Meaning, I advise buy one at a time and use it for months or years before buying another. Think, how many lenses did Rolleiflex users have, 75mm or 80mm. Yes, they made other models but I mean the ones with nonchangeable lenses.
Nov 18, 2020 10:26:18 #
lamiaceae wrote:
I agree with you. I have learned a lot thru the y... (show quote)
My own inventory is probably in the 60% range of being purchased used. For cameras, I'm trying to hold to a 10-year plan to really exhaust the economic value of each body.
For the past few years, and again here in a few weeks, I've suggested a year-end review for members to analyze and consider their own equipment usage statistics. Then, make plans for the next year to use the under-used equipment to confirm a plan to sell-off. Or, to rediscover the joy / plan that caused the original purpose.
Nov 18, 2020 10:26:58 #
BurghByrd
Loc: Pittsburgh
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
I suspect that this thread may garner many pages.
Absolutely!!!!
I concur with the gist of your comments Mr. Shairo, on the value of equipment versus knowledge; it depends. New equipment is no subsitute for more knowledge or talent until the equipment becomes limiting to the talent. Howerver, one can't win the pixel wars without the best equipment.
Nov 18, 2020 10:30:59 #
ohpleaseno
Loc: FL
fourlocks wrote:
I always thought a piece of equipment should match, or maybe slightly exceed, the user's abilities.
Vygotsky would be proud.
Biggest mistake I made when jumping from a "beginner" camera to a more advanced one was that I hadn't exhausted all of the learning I could do on that camera and instead thought that I needed to spend money in order to get better.
Nov 18, 2020 10:35:25 #
Nov 18, 2020 10:38:27 #
lwerthe1mer wrote:
An endorsement by a participant of the benefits of excellent photography training:
“If I'd spent more on Mike's training and less on gear, I'd be a lot further down my photography path - and have change in my pocket!”
Like the participant, I have spent too much on equipment over the years and not enough on honing my skills.
“If I'd spent more on Mike's training and less on gear, I'd be a lot further down my photography path - and have change in my pocket!”
Like the participant, I have spent too much on equipment over the years and not enough on honing my skills.
GAS is good to a certain extent. It encourages the buying spirit to “upgrade” obsolete gear and provides much needed business for camera companies and camera shops. GAS is out of control when moneys spent should have been used for paying family bills, etc. True upgrades are nice but is the purchase because it improves the quality of the end product or makes accomplishing that end product easier or is it just being tired of current gear and the desire for “new”? I know people who get new cars and photo gear every three years because they want the “latest and greatest”. That’s fine, nothing wrong with that, it’s their money but have they learned how to operate the current one? Personally I prefer to “hone my skills” and totally learn my current gear no matter how long it takes. And it takes me a long time!! But I do prefer to “upgrade” lenses and have accumulated quite a few for the current cameras. Someone recently stated “you date your camera but you marry your lens(es)”.
,
Nov 18, 2020 10:45:11 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
When you measure the ingredients of success, what is the ratio of talent to practice to equipment?
80% talent
15% practice
5% equipment
If ya ain’t got da talent, all the practice you do will just make you consistently mediocre
Equipment is not important. I’ve seen Competition Art at > 90 pts from a cellphone
Nov 18, 2020 11:16:07 #
xt2
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
lwerthe1mer wrote:
An endorsement by a participant of the benefits of excellent photography training:
“If I'd spent more on Mike's training and less on gear, I'd be a lot further down my photography path - and have change in my pocket!”
Like the participant, I have spent too much on equipment over the years and not enough on honing my skills.
“If I'd spent more on Mike's training and less on gear, I'd be a lot further down my photography path - and have change in my pocket!”
Like the participant, I have spent too much on equipment over the years and not enough on honing my skills.
Amen...
Cheers!
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.