Because Camera Equipment Really Does Matter

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camera-takes-nice-pictures-600x296 Because Camera Equipment Really Does Matter Business Tips Guest Bloggers

I think it’s safe to say that most photographers are a little sensitive when they get comments like “Wow that’s a great picture what kind of camera do you own.”   It makes me chuckle a little when the most common question I get from other photographers is “Would you mind sharing what kind of camera and lens you use?”   It seems like the industry is saying “it doesn’t matter” to the outside world but in reality we know it really does.

I’m not saying that anyone could purchase the Nikon D4 and immediately start putting out awe-inspiring photographs.  But I will say this; I think we are kidding ourselves when we pretend like equipment doesn’t make a difference because in my opinion it makes a significant difference.

I used to shoot with an entry-level camera and I loved it.  75% of the time I could produce good photographs.  But that other 25% of the time was driving me nuts.  I didn’t want to be restricted to perfect lighting anymore.  I was begging for more freedom.

mcp Because Camera Equipment Really Does Matter Business Tips Guest Bloggers

If you are thinking about upgrading your equipment, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

  • Is my current camera limiting my creativity?  If you feel like you are capable of more but your camera’s ISO capabilities are too low, or your autofocus is too slow investing in a full frame camera might be a good decision.
  • I’m not feeling limited but what do I do if I feel like my images don’t stand out as much as I’d like?  A new camera will give you more flexibility but if you are looking for sharper images, creamier bokeh, or more vibrant colors it might be time to invest in a new lens.  Don’t cheat yourself here.  Good lenses are sometimes expensive but they are worth the investment especially if you are photographing for income.
  • I have a top of the line camera, and nice lens, but I still want more is there anything else?  Yes.  Sometimes we like to turn up our noses at artificial light.  But when it’s used correctly you can get beautiful soft light that opens up a whole new world to you and your creativity.

Technical knowledge, creativity, and artistic vision can’t be purchased.  Hopefully if you are already a photographer you’ve noticed those skills in yourself.   An expensive camera won’t make you an amazing photographer but it will help you to improve on the beautiful abilities that you already have.

This article was written by Kristin Wilkerson, a Utah based photographer.  You can find her on facebook.

Now it’s your turn.  What do you think?  Does the camera or lens you use help create a better image?  Yes or No – tell us what you think.

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  1. Courtney on March 8, 2010 at 9:16 am

    beautiful and oh so true.

  2. michelle a on March 8, 2010 at 9:18 am

    Great article. Gail is a rockstar! <3

  3. Skye on March 8, 2010 at 9:54 am

    This is SO what we need to hear…thanks for this post – it certainly hit home. 🙂

  4. Amy Fraughton on March 8, 2010 at 10:01 am

    I have to say, I’ve been stuck in that same place, and have tried to stop and capture the everyday more with my kids too… very well written.

  5. Michelle Sidles on March 8, 2010 at 10:18 am

    I was guilty of that last year when I “became” a pro. However, this year I’m doing a personal 365 project with another group of pros. We are capturing self portraits, the mundane moments around the house, family shots… everything that we might have forgotten to shoot when we are all wrapped up in the biz. Great reminder. 🙂

  6. Eileen on March 8, 2010 at 10:32 am

    I LOVED this post. Seriously.

  7. Krista on March 8, 2010 at 10:42 am

    Thank you. This brought tears to my eyes.

  8. HollyB on March 8, 2010 at 11:33 am

    I love this. Really hit home for me. I love your line about getting lost in the photography. I feel like that a lot. I’ve forgotten to shoot for me. Thank you.

  9. Rae on March 8, 2010 at 11:39 am

    This article really resonates with me. I have spent so much time learning and perfecting my craft & taking client portraits, that I forget to just take “pictures” of our family and our times together. Thx for the reminder. Great article!

  10. Becki on March 8, 2010 at 12:08 pm

    What a great reminder and inspiring article – thanks 🙂

  11. deirdre on March 8, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    Go Gail! Inspirational article!

  12. Amanda on March 8, 2010 at 1:21 pm

    Wonderful post! You really spoke to what is on my heart right now. I enjoy photography and have toyed with the idea of one day being a pro, but I’ve decided that for the next several years I just want to be a really good MWAC taking awesome pictures of her kids and their life.

  13. Melissa on March 8, 2010 at 1:23 pm

    Thanks for sharing. I can so relate and was a needed reminder for me! Appreciate it!!

  14. Amanda Zika on March 8, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    I am amazed at how much we have all grown the few years we have been online photo friends 🙂 I love your work and you are an inspiration to all photogs out there. Great article 🙂

  15. Sarah Raanan on March 8, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    wow, this posting totally spoke to me, it’s amazing how much I identified with that, feeling very choked up. Thank you for being so honest..

  16. Sari on March 8, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    Beautifully written post and so very true. It really is easy to get lost in the photography. I’ve done it myself. Thanks for the reminder to keep capturing those imperfect moments with our own families.

  17. Brandilyn Davidson on March 8, 2010 at 7:44 pm

    ahhh… just perfect. thank you so much. this was some incredible advice that came at just the right moment. beautiful.

  18. Alexa on March 8, 2010 at 7:45 pm

    Gorgeous post. Love it. 🙂

  19. Christina on March 8, 2010 at 8:05 pm

    Said perfectly, Gail! So proud to call you my friend!

  20. Lori M. on March 9, 2010 at 7:14 am

    Excellent post! I so needed to read that today!

  21. Linda / Seattle on March 9, 2010 at 12:08 pm

    WOW……that post really hit home……thank you for the reminder…..

  22. Debbie on March 9, 2010 at 3:30 pm

    Thank you Gail. You gave us words to live by! This article has given me a lump in my throat! I’m soooooo guilty of the very things you mention in here! But I’ve been guilty of that all of my life. I’ve just recently lost someone very close to me, and I’ve realized that in all the picture taking, my children will not have many photos of me with them because I’ve always told them, “You don’t need me in the photo, you know I’ve been here because I’m always the one behind the camera.” This is such an injustice to them. I’m going to start including myself whether I like it or not, because my kids deserve to have the memories.Thank You for such an eye opening lesson!

  23. donna good on March 10, 2010 at 1:49 pm

    what a great post. made me think….

  24. Vanessa Day on March 11, 2010 at 12:25 am

    I feel like my story is very much akin to yours in regards to our journeys through photography! Thanks so much for sharing!

  25. Tammy on March 4, 2011 at 11:20 am

    Wow, powerful for me to hear. First of all, it’s almost my story to a T! Capturing the real moments of my children is why I started. I do have to step back and remember to take pictures of my sweet babies while I’m posting this, editing that, snapping whatever. I can spin out of control. And you are so right about not being in the pictures!!! I take a million and there are barely any of me! I’m working very hard to remedy that. When I’m gone, I want my kids to have pictures of me too! LOL. Thanks very much for the article. Love it. 🙂 PS – photo attached is me and my hubby. No makeup, no hair fixed, hubs is in sunglasses but my kids will treasure this someday. 😉

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