I’m excited to announce that I wil be starting a new series of free live…
Is more always better? Sometimes, only better is better – Seth Godin
Think about that when you look at a new camera body, or lens, or megapixel count. Galen Rowell used 35mm cameras throughout his whole career at a time when medium and large format cameras were viewed as the only credible tools worth using.
His response? Would a great photograph be any better if shot with a larger format? I think the answer is no.
Consider his incredible body of work before we had any of the conveniences of digital technology. These days I hear other photographers complaining of limited dynamic range from last years camera model. Are we getting better as photographers or just asking for more?
What’s your perspective? Have a different view or opinion? Let me know…
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I think the point is well taken — we can forever learn to take better pictures with what technology we have. So we’re only fooling ourselves if we think the latest technology is going to be the next thing that advances our discipline (and skills). That said, new technology does almost always provide for new capabilities.
So again, yes, I think in our day and age, and culture, the trap and myth is ever stronger that the latest and greatest is the answer to take us to the next level…
Speaking of which, I just purchased 4 year old technology, but I thought that of all my options, it was what would serve my needs best for the long term.
Thanks!
Thanks for the feedback Hillel, have fun with the new gear!
RR
A lot of people think that the camera takes the picture, not the photographer. The more range a camera can have is great but there’s no magic setting in the camera that will capture a jaw dropping photo. Ultimate creativity is still in the hands of the photographer.
Great points Andrea, thanks for the feedback – really appreciate it!
RR
Great comments, Andrea! As you say, ” The photographer takes the picture, not the camera”.
I am a photographer who owns a fine art print studio as well. I see a lot of images produced with a wide variety of equipment (cell phones to view cameras). Some aren’t camera’s at all (CGI). My feeling is the technology is a tool. You choose the tool that best suits your creative purpose. My $10 Diana produces the images I am looking for as does my Nikon. We should always be asking for better tools. Just keep in mind it’s not the tool that creates the art its the mind controlling it.
Thanks Tony for your feedback and perspective. You are correct that ultimately it’s the story that an artist conveys that is most important – otherwise as Ansel famously said, we have a “sharp image of a fuzzy concept”.
RR