LA Loc: Little Rock, AR

I don't have a Canon or Nikon either - a Sony a77 II - but I ALWAYS get comments when I'm using my Sony 70-400 lens. The oddest comment I got was from a professional photographer (OK, she was with the photo shop on a cruise ship, not the hardest of hard core professionals) who asked about the lens and said it was the biggest lens she had ever seen. I wanted to say, "You need to get out more," but instead said, "Thank you, I like it," or something like that, adding that there are telephotos that make my lens and the owner's bank account look small.

Naldo

Great link Jerry. I always look forward to reading your posts.

Naldo

Often, when people compliment you on your camera (or anything else for that matter), they are also trying to strike up a friendly conversation with you. I usually reply with "Thank you very much" and then "Are you into photography too?", which invites them to chat if that is what they wish (usually they do). If not, then I wish them a great day, and I go back to what I was doing.

Unclehoss

Having been on the other side of that comment and being a bit shy and wanting to learn more from someone who may have more experience, thus expensive looking camera gear. The compliment may be a way of trying to break the ice and screw up enough courage to start a conversation to learn more about photography. I am a member of different forums on different subjects and they all purport to be the 'friendlist' activity around and everyone will gladly share their knowledge and experience when in my experience the truth is quite the obvious. My sister in law organized a family shoot a little while ago and when things were winding down, people moving on, I asked the photography what she was using and I was told just the barest facts available and nothing more in a tone that implied it was none of my business. My equipment is nothing to be jealous of but when complimented, I will thank the person and try to engage them in a little more conversation to find the true purpose for their inquiry, such as, "Thank you, what to shoot with?"

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

No, but I had a friend get his replaced after ten years! He fell from a tree, cut his head and filled hat with blood. Tilley sent him a brand new one, no hesitation,

Photocraig

With the very wide "Dynamic Range" of people's actual intent, I've confined my self to a simple smile and "thank you." If they want to engage in a conversation, I'm in. Some times they're "Casing" people to decide what to steal. Most of the time it is a polite and innocent complement. Street and self AWARE at all times. And a smile works miracles.

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

A simple thanks you or thanks will suffice.

Stephan G

Sorry that you felt miffed.

Let's say some stranger approached you and you had to be somewhere else in 5 minutes, and it will take 10 minutes to get there. What would your response be? Not wanting to divulge personal information? Let's say that your body is rebelling and wanting you to check out the plumbing? How about, you are approached for the sixth time with the same "come on" line? Maybe you are soured by the fact that everybody left? The point is that you did not know what her situation was at that moment. Maybe her camera "blew up" on her?

I start up conversations with anyone around me. And that is the way I am. If the person doesn't want to converse, I say "Time constraints? I understand. If you like, I'll talk to that person over there." Nine of ten times, the person opens up and we strike up a conversation. But if they don't have time, they tell me. I reply, "Don't let me hold you. Be careful and have a good day." And then there are those folks who have other plans, bad plans. These folks are rare, but they do exist.


The same variances can be experienced when one photographs situations that are away from home. You have to be both flexible and cautious. That's Life.

Just something to mull over.

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

My guess is if someone with a great camera was hurrying to get somewhere that no one would comment about their gear. Virtually every time I have had someone comment it was in a situation where we were standing there, or sitting, and it is just idle conversation.

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

I've received a few "nice camera" comments in the last few years and always say thank you. The funny thing is the comments only came when I had the 150-600 lens on the camera. I guess size does matter.

GAS496 Loc: Arizona

Charlienow I always try to make time to talk to someone too. Unless of course the light is changing rapidly. Photography is a great ice breaker and people are curious about our equipment, especially large format.

One early morning in Death Valley I was the first to arrive in the dark at a very popular spot called Zabriskie Point. Knowing it would take me longer to set up I had preplaneed for the sunrise shot. I was in the “zone” and throughly enjoying the place and had my 8x10 all set up before anyone else arrived. As the sun came up there were at least fifty other photographers around me now. Some even put their head under the dark cloth and marveled at the scene. We all were having what I felt like a family reunion of fellow photographers. Then some older crabby guy with an expensive Nikon rig and a long lens comes, no tripod by the way, over as I was about to take the shot and says, “Hey you with the view camera move!” Being in the zone I moved my camera over to let him in without thinking. Not until we were back at the truck did my wife say something about how rude that guy was. I said hey yea he was rude now that I think about it. There is always one.

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

Again I will say it. I wish there was a simple like button for each comment.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I have been taking pictures in public places, at events and weddings and in the "public eye" professionally and recreationally for a very long- lone time. Seems to me that most folks are polite and friendly. Usually people just let me go about my business without interruption. Even in a public parks, the zoo or on the street, I find that most folks will not walk in front of me when I am getting ready to shoot. Occasionally someone will com over, inquire about my gear and I am always kind and polite. People who are seriously interested in photography may engage me an a conversation and if I am not crazy busy, in the midst of an assignemnt, I certainty don't mind stopping for a chat.

In my own situation, I am a local business operator- I have a studio and good public relations is important to me. I always hand out business cards and quickly tell folks what I do. I have actually met some of my best clients "on the street"!

I have shown up in places with everything from an 8x10 view camera to 35mm equipment. My old film SLRs were so worn out a beaten up, I don't remember anyone being impressed with any of that old stuff. One bystander asked me where I got the "golden' camera- all the black finish was worn off and the brass was shinning through!

I never get aggravated when folks say that I have a good camera that takes good pictures or that I take good pictures because I have a good camera. As long as they know I take GOOD pictures, my answers is "YOU BET- I can take some good pictures- of you! Oh- they gotta pay me a lot of money too!

What's with will all this resentment of folks with cell phone cameras- good for them! I'm for anyone who likes to take pictures and have fun! It's a good way for kids to get acquainted with photography- the talented ones will advance to better gear if they are encouraged and inspired.

I was never an "equipment" snob". We all know, those of us who know our craft, that good photographer make good pictures- good camera just make it more fun and a bit more convenient.

Magic words for getting along with folks when shooting are PLEASE, THANKS, EXCUSE ME- some folks are surprised on how far those word can get you!

Oh, ain't nobody ever tried to rip of my gear- perhaps because I am big and kinda ugly! Age has endowed me with bad case of perma-frown, but I try to smile as much as I can!

nikonuser750 Loc: Monroe, LA

I have that happen a lot to me when traveling. I usually carry my D750 with the 24-120mm lens with my other equipment and lenses in my backpack. Maybe I'm a bit paranoid about letting it out of my hand when I travel. ☺️ As my wife and I were boarding a cruise ship the photographer who photographed us as we boarded mentioned how he wished he had my camera. He was shooting with a Nikon as well. On several different flights an airline stewardess has said "my what a nice camera". Once was as I was exiting the plane so no time for more than just a thank you. Usually I do just say thank you unless l'm not walking away and they seem to want to talk more. I have been asked if I was a professional photographer which I'm not.

Stephan G

I can relate.