Photographic myths #1

Beach talk: shot on Nikon FM2 with 80-200mm Nikkor zoom on Fujifilm in 1996.

There are a number of myths that the majority of photographers seem to believe without question. Occasionally someone will come along like the little boy in the story of the Emperor's New Clothes, and point out the truth, but that does not appear to affect photographer's behaviour and desire to acquire all that is shiny and new.

Meet Jack. He is a keen photographer and a marketer's dream. When a new camera comes out, especially one with a faster burst rate, more options, focus points and more mega pixels, he wants it. He's been photographing using a digital DSLR with a crop factor, but now he realises that he really needs to go full frame. Several lenses he has are not going to work on a full frame but the manufacturers have brought out new lenses with special coatings, so his problem is solved.

Jack is camera manufacturer's marketing dream.

The reality is that the latest cameras available today, 27 October 2012, make it far easier to take pictures that are technically well exposed, have well rendered colour and show very little noise. What they do not do is make better pictures.

The simple truth is that all the images that have gone down in history and have proven to have staying power were taken on old equipment; from Ansel Adams landscapes to Henri-Cartier Bresson's decisive moment images on film, and that amazing photograph which you saw x-years ago and made you want to become a photographer - yes may have been taken on a 4.1 megapixel professional camera (eg D2Hs from 2005).

Don't get me wrong. I love new gadgets and buying cameras. But if you are a passionate photographer, and you're not well off, maybe in a country that has a difficult economy at the moment, then don't feel you're missing out by not having the latest cameras and lenses. Just remember all those amazing images, in museums, books and galleries that were all taken on equipment much older than what you're probably using today.

Ultimately it is the photographer that makes the image, the camera is just a mechanism for taking it.

Till soon,
Paul
www.indigo2photography.co.uk

The image above is available to buy from the Saatchi Online gallery here.

Comments

Bill Gatesman said…

Hear, hear! Well said, Paul.

18:06

Beyond the Obvious: Lessons from the Masters of Photography

In photography, there’s more than technical skill or gear; the real art is in connection, storytelling, and moments that matter. In this blog, I’ll explore what I have learned by taking master classes with photographers like Steve McCurry, Joel Meyerowitz, and Albert Watson. One of the surprising outcomes of learning from them was discovering just how closely my thoughts and practice aligned with theirs although I've always carved my own path. There is something delightful about finding kindred spirits. I wanted to share what I've learnt and remind us of our true practice as photographers behind the lens. Storytelling Through Human Connection A photograph should convey more than just skill—it should capture a story that resonates. Steve McCurry’s iconic Afghan Girl does this beautifully, capturing strength and vulnerability in a single frame. Like McCurry, I believe photography should reveal the depth and uniqueness of our subjects. This requires empathy, patience, and a ...

The Story Behind the Stories in My Photography

Thank you for taking the time to explore my work. Photography, to me, is a meditative act—an opportunity to be fully present and notice the smallest details. The interplay of colour and light, the textures and shapes, the shift of an expression, a gesture — these subtle moments bring me pure joy. They are why I love storytelling and creating visual poetry. Every image in my portfolio is born from a moment of connection or curiosity. Whether I’m in a bustling city street, a quiet room, or a remote location, I aim to create photographs that resonate with empathy. Take "The Cyclists," for example—what appears to be a simple scene of people pedalling along the pier transforms into a visual symphony of movement and stillness, the hurried energy balanced by the serene focus of the riders. This interplay between action and calm often draws me in. I’m drawn to capturing the essence of a person—their inner world, not just their outward appearance. My approach often dances between the...

Curiosity

Photography is more than just capturing moments; it's about telling stories, evoking emotions, and portraying the world through the lens's perspective. At the heart of our creative endeavour lies an essential trait: curiosity. This picture shows a man peering through a window cut in the wall of a hoarding around a construction site. He was fascinated by the activity, and I was fascinated by his curious gaze. Curiosity fuels the photographer's journey, propelling us to explore the world with fresh eyes and an insatiable appetite for discovery. Creativity: Curiosity is the cornerstone of creativity. It compels photographers to push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and step out of their comfort zones. Photographers can unlock their creative potential and produce remarkable work by embracing curiosity. Storytelling: Every photograph has a story to tell, and curiosity is the key to uncovering these narratives. Whether delving into a location's history, connecti...

Beyond the obvious

Search This Blog