Timothy S

This question is simply to see what thoughts are out there on the equipment that I am using vs the level of photography that I want to strive for. I am in the difficult position of being a photographer on a budget. I don’t have a bunch of money to work with, but at the same time after only a couple years I have won a good number of awards and was told by the gallery owner where my work is that I have been more successful than any other photographer at the shop. I am first of all confused about my identity, as I have taken no formal photography courses and as a business have not had a year in the black. The definition of “professional” seems very vague. But my main question is concerning my Canon EOS Rebel t7i. I still love it that so-called “entry level” camera. It does everything I want in a very light and simple format, and I get great results. But I tend to be hesitant to display what equipment I use when posting on elite sites such as NANPA where the best “professional” grade equipment is proudly displayed. But to me, the label of equipment levels (entry level, enthusiast, professional) has little to do with image quality. I understand that full frame could produce improved results with enlarged images and low light, but I mostly do wildlife, so I like the crop advantage for distance. By the way, I purchased all of my more expensive equipment as used in excellent condition on eBay and have never been disappointed. Some lenses are older versions, such as my Canon 100mm macro and my work horse, the Canon EF 100–400 mm f/4.5–5.6L IS USM I. Thoughts?

BebuLamar

Buy the camera you like and have to features you want. That's all.

LarryFB Loc: Depends where our RV is parked

I'm sure someone else will also made this same comment, "good photographs are made by the photographer, not the camera!"

Timothy S

Thanks for the concise bottom line, and I understand what you are saying. I agree, but as I strive for the best, I just want to know if I am missing any important features on the “professional” level cameras that I was unaware of. And sorry about my long drawn out question.

Timothy S

Originated by Amstel Adams, I understand.

Quixdraw Loc: x

What equipment you use under the circumstances you describe is probably not terribly important except to you. Results are the key, and you apparently get them. Many years ago, film days, I only upgraded equipment when I had a job, for the needs of that job and from its profits. Buying used makes sense. Best of luck!

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

If it works for you then who really cares what anyone else thinks?
It is the photographer that is the more important part of the equation. Cameras don't take pictures by themselves. You chose the subject, you frame the image, you pick the exposure settings and you do any post processing. The camera is just your tool. Ansel Adams started with a Kodak Brownie.
When your skills get to where the camera you have absolutely cannot make the image you want/envision - then think about a more advanced camera.

There are a lot of people out there who can afford top end professional grade cameras whose skill levels aren't up to your camera. All they have to brag about is their gear, not their images.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The EOS T7i is the most advanced 'Rebel' ever released by Canon, until the T8i. The camera features a 24MP sensor, 45 cross-type AF points, 6 fps continuous shooting, and the advanced EOS AF system that retains autofocus with lens configurations that max at f/8. The tromebone-style 100-400L remains professional grade, a lens that Canon produced for almost 20 years prior to an update. You'll struggle to find any EOS DSLR model, full-frame or cropped, that delivers a tangible difference in technical capability or pixel resolution.

If you let them, the UHH crowd will spend your money for the highest-end camera equipment and subscriptions to the highest-end processing software. Unless you need a low-light lens, you have all the camera equipment you need. You just need to maximize the possibilities, such as shooting in RAW, processing the files in their native format, and using a quality tripod, when appropriate. You also should be maximizing your shooting technique, using the lowest ISO for the situation, AI Servo (BBF), and off-center selective AF points. The camera (any camera) is only as good as you can use it.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

Stop worrying about what others think of you and your gear, Please thyself. I am impressed that you are producing award winning images with “entry level” gear. Maybe your gear is not so “entry level” as what you may believe.

Timothy S

Indeed you are correct. I think it helps to see the words of encouragement to take ownership of that. Thanks. 🙂

Hip Coyote

You’re not going to get better advice than what chg canon wrote. Dead on.

BebuLamar

I am not the one that say so. The equipment is important but it's you the photographer to determine which features are important not some one else.

Timothy S

Thanks so much for the confirmation. I am doing all those things you mentioned at the end, and I respect you as a strong contributor to UH. I have read what Ken Rockwell has written on the camera, and he says much the same, as the pro level cameras mostly just have more options with buttons for settings which might never be used. The entry level label is just something a pro wouldn’t want to have stuck to their equipment.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...The definition of “professional” seems very vague..." Timothy possibly your first challenge is getting over the brutal reality that Photography is not a "Profession" it is merely a Craft... Photographers are not licensed nor do they require academic credentials.

The "Myth" of a Professional Photographer is a marketing ploy created by the manufacturers and vendors of photographic equipment. From the film Fight Club "The things you own will eventually end up owning you" Timothy you and the lion's share of UHH members are consumers of kit most likely in order to establish a persona a.k.a. status among peers. Like a multitude of others you've fallen under the sway of marketing hype that uses "Lifestyle" to convince the naive that they to can travel to exotic destinations to photograph breathtaking vistas to win them top honors in their local gallery shows. That award and $5 will get you a latte at Starbucks.

No Timothy get over the illusion of "going pro" and start shooting commercially...
It's the best you can ever hope for...

You need "named" tearsheets not gallery awards... Food for thought, you'll remain totally invisible until you have at least 500 IG follows... Once you have 20,000 IG followers then clients might take you seriously.

Bottom Line...
Want to make money in photography?
Learn how to light, direct and solicit clients…
Easier said than done…

btw when I was starting out and went to NYC to live with a friend... She introduced me to several NYC commercial photographers. I found it strange that each had taped over their camera's branding i.e. logo. I asked them why... Their answer? "It's a distraction while on an assignments." Follow their lead, black electrical tape is cheap... Thus your quandary is solved... No distraction about kit...

Looking for an effective path to take to shoot commercially?
Assist other commercial shooters... that worked for me...

However if you really have your heart set on becoming a "Professional Photographer" maybe join the PPA they will sell you this credential. :)
Albeit if you want to work your way up through the ranks in the craft of commercial photography try to find a member of the ASMP to sponsor you... again that was my path...

All the best on your epic photographic journey Timothy

Timothy S

Thanks, but believe me, I will be satisfied with my equipment for years to come as far as I can see. It is difficult, as I have to work full time in unrelated occupation for money to live. I do appreciate your clarifications and advice. If I never make significant money with my craft, at least I thoroughly enjoy it.