Seems like the more I listen, the more I hear people talking about the gear, the business of photography, the widgets. Let us not forget the simple love of photography.
I understand why there’s so much rhetoric in our industry about the business of photography and the gear and the gadgets. There is the common stereotype that most creative people aren’t good business people. There is fear. Gear is easier to talk about than vision. Exposures are exact, the camera dials have numbers. There is a ‘right’ answer to many of these questions.
But where is your love of pictures? Where are your actions that back this up?
Can you pick up a book of photographs and get lost in it?
Can you walk around with your iPhone or Android or your point and shoot or whatever and take 100 pictures knowing that they’ll never be for a client or a portfolio?
Do you love hunting for pictures?
Will you stay up late or get up early for pictures?
Do you sometimes ‘see’ life as a photograph?
It’s different for all of us, but when you can take a break from all the chatter, remind yourself–as often as you can–why you love photography.
It’s something that has been perpetuated for quite awhile. I assisted photographers that had gear closets filled with everything you could imagine as if it made them a better photographer. I own the gear needed to express my personality and I can carry it in about three cases to wherever I need to go. I spend my time trying to figure out how to utilize natural light and a basic kit to do what I see in my head. Keep up the great work!
My photos improve to the extent that I tune myself as well as the white balance. If for example I go for a walk or to a sports or stage event and make a solemn promise that I won’t take a photo that doesn’t come from the heart. To save words, I made some notes on preparation here: http://bit.ly/29TV658. – George