It's a simple equation, but good access beats top camera equipment every time. Because we need to be somewhere to make the photo, and where that is matters first, much more so than what camera and lens is in our hands. An example will make this clearer. I was at a friends' house on Christmas... Continue Reading →
Gear Deals Abound When You’re Not Looking
You can't be looking. This is my mantra, I will always find deals on gear, I always do, but it's when I'm not looking for it. You can either pay in time or cash. By that I mean if you want it now, you pay the price. If you're open to finding a deal, then... Continue Reading →
Story Content vs. Bokeh + Corner Sharpness
Since the first photograph in 1839, photographers have been asking the question, "What should I photograph?" The best answer is, "What can you photograph?" Meaning, what do you have access to? The first photograph--a street scene at the Boulevard du Temple in Paris in 1838 by Louis Daguerre. Can you photograph the Hollywood premiere from... Continue Reading →
If New Camera Equals Inspiration Then Go Get It
Whatever it takes. Call it GAS (gear acquisition syndrome), JWSN (just wanting something new) or NWCIB (now what can I buy), but if a new camera is what it takes to inspire us to create, then get the new camera. The end result is all that matters. The photographs. They don't care what they were... Continue Reading →
Don’t Be Good (There are Lots of Good), Be Remarkable, Be Unforgettable
I heard an interesting interview with the celebrity photographer, Albert Watson, and he made a couple of points that resonated with me. You can listen to the whole interview on The Candid Frame's podcast. When he had other photographers show him work, some his own assistants, the photos would often be proficient but forgettable. He... Continue Reading →
Why Gear Does and Doesn’t Matter
What is the need for the biggest and best most expensive gear? I was out and about this weekend and saw protesters for the Black Lives Matter movement in my town and made photographs in both digital format with a Nikon D610 and 35mm and 120 film in a Leica M3 and a Rolleiflex 2.8C.... Continue Reading →