And the worst argument is that you must be jealous of the followers these fanatics have, when in reality, we pity them. We're from the era when we envied the photos, not the likes.
This really resonates with me. The older I get, the less interested I am in asking, “What camera should I use?” and the more interested I am in asking, “What am I actually seeing?”
Gear matters. Technique matters. Learning the craft matters. But none of them can tell me when to stop walking, when to wait, or why an ordinary patch of light suddenly feels worth paying attention to.
I’ve been learning that photography begins before I ever raise the camera to my eye. The photograph starts with seeing. The camera simply gives me a way to respond to what I saw.
That may be why I increasingly think of photography less as collecting images and more as practicing attention.
If the conversation is about how equipment choice allowed me to make a particular image, I’ll talk about that. But if it’s equipment fetishization then count me out.
The one thing you hinted at that I think needs more attention is that people are not prepared to frankly discuss work. The reasons are multifaceted but the only way to rectify it is by teaching people the language to do so. Which then gets back to your thesis regarding photography illiteracy.
Anyway, thanks for the thoughts, it’s got me thinking.
I always love when people ask me what gear I use because I'm still shooting with my 10+ year old Canon 6D, 17-40mm lens and a 7 year old Tamron 100-400. That's it. My whole gear list. And, it's old/ancient in these times. But it does what I need it to do for me. After I tell them that, they usually laugh and walk away. Otherwise, I tell them I'm not interested in talking about gear because I'm the one who creates the images, not the gear.
You make reference to someone noticing your Leica and wanting to talk about it (and nothing else, the problem) and describe the interaction as, "The kind of talk that happens when there’s nothing left to say about photography." That's one interpretation, of course. You had this interaction, not me, so all I have is your limited description of it. But I can also imagine that the other person was just trying to grab hold of an easy connection with you in order to start a friendly and safe exchange. Much the same way that two strangers wearing the same sports team's gear might spot each other at a bus stop and say, "Hey, you see the game last night?" I'm just saying that, while it's possible that the person you encountered had nothing of substance to say about photography, it's also possible that they just took the obvious and easy connection for the best chance for a positive interaction with you, knowing that they probably weren't going to have an hour to chat.
Secondly, I'll just say that I don't really love this analogy: "I left the event and on the bus back home, I kept thinking: why does nobody asks what paintbrush Michelangelo used?"
Analogies are notoriously difficult because they're almost always imperfect, which makes them at least partly invalid. (You'll notice that I used one in the previous paragraph, and you might think it inapt!) There's a whole world of difference between a paintbrush and a camera or lens, even an old vintage one. In fact, camera gear is so incredibly complex and interesting that it shouldn't be a surprise that it's all people want to talk about. Some people are drawn to the craft not because they want to be like the masters of old, but because they find the gadgets really fun to play with. I think those people can be photographers too, serious ones, even if they have nothing to say about Ansel Adams (or even care to find out who he was). Respectfully, you sound a little bit gate-keepy!
Love your comment! I agree with the first part, but in this case, the dude literally had nothing to say. I don't despise too much people praising the camera to sparkle a conversation, I even wrote an article about this here: https://www.cameraclara.com/p/snow-espresso-lasagna-and-an-unexpected
Regarding the analogy, I understand (and let me reply with another analogy LOL), in a live streaming I did with @Renato Rocha Miranda, he mentioned that paintbrushes are not pieces of tech, and I instantly rebated: “nobody is interested on knowing if <insert famous IT person> uses <insert OS (Linux, Windows…)>.
Choose a camera which feels comfortable, that you’ll enjoy using, and go out and take pictures. Yes specs are important for professional use cases, but much less important for personal use. Spend money on photo books, go to exhibitions and get inspired.
This article really popped into my feed at a great time for me. I need to rant for a second. I went to a photography meetup, and I was talked down to for about half of it. I should preface by saying I have a film degree. I've been taking photos for over 20 years. I taught photography classes. I understand technique. The SECOND I said I've been using my phone to take photos for over 10 years now, the entire vibe of these people shifted. When I showed them my work on my portfolio site prior to them knowing anything, it was positive. I actually got some good feedback, but then after I made the comment, it seemed like the 4 people I was talking to were lamenting about how I'm missing out on X by not using Y, "Don't you want to be taken seriously!?", and my favorite, "I couldn't put anything out I took on my phone!" Buddy, that's a you problem.
I have NEVER talked down to anyone using anything. The kids I taught photography to got joy from using the DSLR cameras AND their phones. They didn't care. They fell in love with the practice. They loved the creation. If an easy-bake oven could take a photo, I'm sure they'd use that too! Who gives a shit as long as you are experimenting with different concepts!? What mattered was that they learned something! That isn't reserved for a 10-year-old just getting into things. I'm still learning. I'm still playing with photography. I CAN use a DSLR, but I love the limitations the phone brings. Companies make lenses for phones if you really want some versatility, but using your phone, in my opinion, doesn't need to be a bridge to a "better" camera. Use both!? Can't people use both!? Maybe your phone is a bridge to more advanced equipment, but that decision should be based on what you enjoy and gets you taking more photos. It shouldn't be because a person on IG told you a thing was better. I've seen really cool photos taken on a Nintendo DSi console, for fuck's sake! ALSO some people can't afford these cameras, but a vast majority of the population has a phone with pretty HQ cameras! I started taking photos on a Nikon CoolPix camera my mom bought me as a teenager. If someone shamed me for using it to take photos when I was just starting, I might not have ever picked it back up. I went to this photo meet up to chat about photography and get inspired. I guess the latter happened because I went on a photo-walk and took some shots I really liked. I was happy.
Anyway, thanks for this write-up. Really well done.
I happened to come across this article just as I was reflecting on something interesting. When I bought my first telescope or microscope many years ago, I think I was almost more fascinated by the instruments themselves than by what they revealed. With photography, however, I feel none of that attachment to the equipment. Nor do I admire it. To me, it is simply a tool.
That's an interesting reflection. I was able to get that more clearly in my mind when I saw myself being an equipment-wh*re for musical instruments. I'm not a great bass player, and I found myself ONLY watching videos about basses, strings, pedals, plugins, pickups, etc., where (if I wanted to be a better musician) I should be looking for videos about scales, sheet music, chord progressions, etc.
Being less proficient in music helped me identifying this gear thing, which led me to this post! When I'm a beginner, the gear, in fact, gets in the way, for mostly two reasons: GAS and not being humble enough to identify that the inability to execute something well is on me, hence *I* need to get better!
When I walk in a public place holding a long white lens by canon the amateurs, usually men look at the camera or ask about it, not ask about what or why I’m shooting.
Yeah. Same with film cameras, man. People usually praise the camera, not the film stock. I realized that asking what film stock the person is shooting, instantly sparkles a way more interesting conversation! Thanks for your comment!
Social media has really created brain rot when it comes to photography. It's not about the photo itself, it's about the likes and attention it gets, how it ranks in the "algorithm". Being candid, I am guilty of it, our brain loves that dopamine hit. Substack and Threads has been a breath of fresh air because I actually have conversations with people about the photos, not just the gear, not just "vibes" or any of that stuff. I am learning to rewire my brain away from the instant gratification of social media, it's not easy.
I got into a conversation with a guy once, me with a camera, him with a camera, camera bag, a tripod strapped to the bag, two other cameras strapped around his neck a vest—a photographer’s vest (those vest are always a good GAS indicator) and a CANON ball cap. He started the conversation with, “What do you shoot?”, and sarcastically I said, “Photos mostly.” He chuckled then he began to run down his list of gear as he produced a business card with his social media @‘s on it. Seeing his work, it showed that he definitely invest in gear, but not “photography” as you mention.
Being a frugal photographer (two words that rarely never appear next to each other), I take great comfort and pride that the image should always come first regardless of the gear.
Being a wedding pro for 25 years, I've NEVER been asked by a bride what lens or camera I used.
Thank you, Chris! This post was born out of a 1.5h conversation with Renato (who commented above), in portuguese, in Fotografia Cotidiana, which is CameraClara's sibling newsletter.
And the worst argument is that you must be jealous of the followers these fanatics have, when in reality, we pity them. We're from the era when we envied the photos, not the likes.
I agree, man!
This really resonates with me. The older I get, the less interested I am in asking, “What camera should I use?” and the more interested I am in asking, “What am I actually seeing?”
Gear matters. Technique matters. Learning the craft matters. But none of them can tell me when to stop walking, when to wait, or why an ordinary patch of light suddenly feels worth paying attention to.
I’ve been learning that photography begins before I ever raise the camera to my eye. The photograph starts with seeing. The camera simply gives me a way to respond to what I saw.
That may be why I increasingly think of photography less as collecting images and more as practicing attention.
Thanks for giving me something to sit with, Raf.
Peace,
Earl J.
I wish Substack had a way to pin a comment! 📌
Thanks for the kind and wise words!
Thank you, Raf. That means a great deal. Your piece gave me something worth sitting with. Keep seeing—and keep making photographs. 📷
If the conversation is about how equipment choice allowed me to make a particular image, I’ll talk about that. But if it’s equipment fetishization then count me out.
The one thing you hinted at that I think needs more attention is that people are not prepared to frankly discuss work. The reasons are multifaceted but the only way to rectify it is by teaching people the language to do so. Which then gets back to your thesis regarding photography illiteracy.
Anyway, thanks for the thoughts, it’s got me thinking.
I agree with you. Equipment is relevant when considered as a tool. Equipment “fetishization” also downs me. “Fetishization” ahaha I love that term!
I always love when people ask me what gear I use because I'm still shooting with my 10+ year old Canon 6D, 17-40mm lens and a 7 year old Tamron 100-400. That's it. My whole gear list. And, it's old/ancient in these times. But it does what I need it to do for me. After I tell them that, they usually laugh and walk away. Otherwise, I tell them I'm not interested in talking about gear because I'm the one who creates the images, not the gear.
And your photos are very beautiful and cool! When the photographer is good, gear is just gear!
Thank you, So much!
A couple small bits of push-back, just for fun 😊
You make reference to someone noticing your Leica and wanting to talk about it (and nothing else, the problem) and describe the interaction as, "The kind of talk that happens when there’s nothing left to say about photography." That's one interpretation, of course. You had this interaction, not me, so all I have is your limited description of it. But I can also imagine that the other person was just trying to grab hold of an easy connection with you in order to start a friendly and safe exchange. Much the same way that two strangers wearing the same sports team's gear might spot each other at a bus stop and say, "Hey, you see the game last night?" I'm just saying that, while it's possible that the person you encountered had nothing of substance to say about photography, it's also possible that they just took the obvious and easy connection for the best chance for a positive interaction with you, knowing that they probably weren't going to have an hour to chat.
Secondly, I'll just say that I don't really love this analogy: "I left the event and on the bus back home, I kept thinking: why does nobody asks what paintbrush Michelangelo used?"
Analogies are notoriously difficult because they're almost always imperfect, which makes them at least partly invalid. (You'll notice that I used one in the previous paragraph, and you might think it inapt!) There's a whole world of difference between a paintbrush and a camera or lens, even an old vintage one. In fact, camera gear is so incredibly complex and interesting that it shouldn't be a surprise that it's all people want to talk about. Some people are drawn to the craft not because they want to be like the masters of old, but because they find the gadgets really fun to play with. I think those people can be photographers too, serious ones, even if they have nothing to say about Ansel Adams (or even care to find out who he was). Respectfully, you sound a little bit gate-keepy!
Love your comment! I agree with the first part, but in this case, the dude literally had nothing to say. I don't despise too much people praising the camera to sparkle a conversation, I even wrote an article about this here: https://www.cameraclara.com/p/snow-espresso-lasagna-and-an-unexpected
Regarding the analogy, I understand (and let me reply with another analogy LOL), in a live streaming I did with @Renato Rocha Miranda, he mentioned that paintbrushes are not pieces of tech, and I instantly rebated: “nobody is interested on knowing if <insert famous IT person> uses <insert OS (Linux, Windows…)>.
Choose a camera which feels comfortable, that you’ll enjoy using, and go out and take pictures. Yes specs are important for professional use cases, but much less important for personal use. Spend money on photo books, go to exhibitions and get inspired.
I agree. I think that the best investment one can do in photography is to learn the culture, references, and then techniques!
We stand on the shoulders of those who came before. Fail to do so, and you never get off the ground.
What a great quote!
This article really popped into my feed at a great time for me. I need to rant for a second. I went to a photography meetup, and I was talked down to for about half of it. I should preface by saying I have a film degree. I've been taking photos for over 20 years. I taught photography classes. I understand technique. The SECOND I said I've been using my phone to take photos for over 10 years now, the entire vibe of these people shifted. When I showed them my work on my portfolio site prior to them knowing anything, it was positive. I actually got some good feedback, but then after I made the comment, it seemed like the 4 people I was talking to were lamenting about how I'm missing out on X by not using Y, "Don't you want to be taken seriously!?", and my favorite, "I couldn't put anything out I took on my phone!" Buddy, that's a you problem.
I have NEVER talked down to anyone using anything. The kids I taught photography to got joy from using the DSLR cameras AND their phones. They didn't care. They fell in love with the practice. They loved the creation. If an easy-bake oven could take a photo, I'm sure they'd use that too! Who gives a shit as long as you are experimenting with different concepts!? What mattered was that they learned something! That isn't reserved for a 10-year-old just getting into things. I'm still learning. I'm still playing with photography. I CAN use a DSLR, but I love the limitations the phone brings. Companies make lenses for phones if you really want some versatility, but using your phone, in my opinion, doesn't need to be a bridge to a "better" camera. Use both!? Can't people use both!? Maybe your phone is a bridge to more advanced equipment, but that decision should be based on what you enjoy and gets you taking more photos. It shouldn't be because a person on IG told you a thing was better. I've seen really cool photos taken on a Nintendo DSi console, for fuck's sake! ALSO some people can't afford these cameras, but a vast majority of the population has a phone with pretty HQ cameras! I started taking photos on a Nikon CoolPix camera my mom bought me as a teenager. If someone shamed me for using it to take photos when I was just starting, I might not have ever picked it back up. I went to this photo meet up to chat about photography and get inspired. I guess the latter happened because I went on a photo-walk and took some shots I really liked. I was happy.
Anyway, thanks for this write-up. Really well done.
Thanks for your brain and organic comment (haha the times we live in…)
I agree with everything you wrote.
Nice one!! Well done and well said!
I happened to come across this article just as I was reflecting on something interesting. When I bought my first telescope or microscope many years ago, I think I was almost more fascinated by the instruments themselves than by what they revealed. With photography, however, I feel none of that attachment to the equipment. Nor do I admire it. To me, it is simply a tool.
That's an interesting reflection. I was able to get that more clearly in my mind when I saw myself being an equipment-wh*re for musical instruments. I'm not a great bass player, and I found myself ONLY watching videos about basses, strings, pedals, plugins, pickups, etc., where (if I wanted to be a better musician) I should be looking for videos about scales, sheet music, chord progressions, etc.
Being less proficient in music helped me identifying this gear thing, which led me to this post! When I'm a beginner, the gear, in fact, gets in the way, for mostly two reasons: GAS and not being humble enough to identify that the inability to execute something well is on me, hence *I* need to get better!
When I walk in a public place holding a long white lens by canon the amateurs, usually men look at the camera or ask about it, not ask about what or why I’m shooting.
Yeah. Same with film cameras, man. People usually praise the camera, not the film stock. I realized that asking what film stock the person is shooting, instantly sparkles a way more interesting conversation! Thanks for your comment!
That’s a great way around it! Back in the day when shooting 4×5 that always got a few comments
Social media has really created brain rot when it comes to photography. It's not about the photo itself, it's about the likes and attention it gets, how it ranks in the "algorithm". Being candid, I am guilty of it, our brain loves that dopamine hit. Substack and Threads has been a breath of fresh air because I actually have conversations with people about the photos, not just the gear, not just "vibes" or any of that stuff. I am learning to rewire my brain away from the instant gratification of social media, it's not easy.
And influencers talk about whatever piece of crap they’re getting paid to help some company convince us we need this week
Yes.
Preach!
I got into a conversation with a guy once, me with a camera, him with a camera, camera bag, a tripod strapped to the bag, two other cameras strapped around his neck a vest—a photographer’s vest (those vest are always a good GAS indicator) and a CANON ball cap. He started the conversation with, “What do you shoot?”, and sarcastically I said, “Photos mostly.” He chuckled then he began to run down his list of gear as he produced a business card with his social media @‘s on it. Seeing his work, it showed that he definitely invest in gear, but not “photography” as you mention.
"photos mostly" HAHAHAHAHA. This one cracked me out!!! So wise! I'll steal it! Thanks for the comment!
I couldn't love this piece more!
Being a frugal photographer (two words that rarely never appear next to each other), I take great comfort and pride that the image should always come first regardless of the gear.
Being a wedding pro for 25 years, I've NEVER been asked by a bride what lens or camera I used.
Thanks for this!
Thank you, Chris! This post was born out of a 1.5h conversation with Renato (who commented above), in portuguese, in Fotografia Cotidiana, which is CameraClara's sibling newsletter.