We certainly live in interesting times. Often it feels like we are in some kind of twilight zone where one enters through the ‘you must have’ door. With photography, the current ‘you must have’ appears to be a full frame (or larger) sensor camera. If some of the articles on the internet are to be believed, unless we own a full frame camera we are incapable of creating a good photograph. Truth is, a camera is much more than a sensor.
Category Archives: Essays
Photographers are Problem Solvers
On the surface it’s quite funny to consider how much time photographers spend assessing gear and debating with each other about the importance of various camera capabilities. Interactions can get quite heated at times as people exchange their viewpoints. It occurred to me this morning that there is a very good reason why that happens. At the end of the day… photographers are problem solvers.
After a Catastrophic Event
It can be a revealing exercise to consider a catastrophic event happening. Let’s define that as one that is photographic in nature. For example, imagine all of your camera gear getting lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair. Each of us would suddenly go from having our photographic needs met by our current gear… to having to start over and build a new kit from scratch. Deciding what we would do after a catastrophic event isn’t as easy as it first appears. A number of factors come into play when starting from ‘ground zero’ again.
Assessing Camera Gear Differences
Whenever there is a major camera or imaging show happening, or when a number of new pieces of gear are introduced, I tend to get more emails from readers. The common question raised is “Should I upgrade my gear?” Assessing camera gear differences can be difficult. It seems to me that the vast majority of differences with which we concern ourselves are marginal at best. Truly meaningful differences are few and far between. Those differences are the ones that may justify us opening up our wallets… beyond just being affected by GAS (gear acquisition syndrome).
What Makes Us Better Photographers?
It is always an interesting process to go back and review old photographs. Over the past year or so I’ve reviewed tens of thousands of my images as I searched for photographs to include in various eBook projects. Throughout these image review sessions I often found myself asking the question, “What was I thinking?” as I pressed the delete key. The many hours spent in front of my computer screens reviewing old images has culminated in one, simple question. What makes us better photographers? Continue reading What Makes Us Better Photographers?
Waiting for Ideal Photographic Conditions May be Detrimental
Within the context of my business I meet quite a few people. As could be expected, discussions about various approaches to photography often ensue. Each of us makes decisions about photography, and our lives, based on our experience and philosophy. This article discusses why waiting for ideal photographic conditions may be detrimental. Continue reading Waiting for Ideal Photographic Conditions May be Detrimental
Why Keeping Existing Camera Gear Can Make Sense
Major camera shows bring a plethora of new product introductions, and the accompanying ‘greatest thing since sliced bread’ commentary on many photography sites. All of this stokes gear acquisition syndrome in us, as it is always tempting to buy new equipment. This article discusses why keeping your existing camera gear can make sense. Continue reading Why Keeping Existing Camera Gear Can Make Sense
The Connection of Photography with Intuition
It seems to me that too much time is spent on the technical aspects of photography, rather than on a far more important issue… the connection of photography with intuition. Continue reading The Connection of Photography with Intuition
Photographic Regrets: We’ve All Had a Few
It is always interesting to meet other photographers when I’m out with one of my cameras creating a few images. The discussion often leads to the ‘missed shot’ or other photographic regrets. Continue reading Photographic Regrets: We’ve All Had a Few
Happy 150th Birthday Canada!
Tomorrow, July 1st 2017, is a milestone for Canada…the country’s 150th birthday! Since the majority of our readers are from outside of Canada, I thought some folks may like to read a short summary about Canada and some notable Canadians. I’ve added a few images to provide some visual breaks for readers…all were captured in Canada. Continue reading Happy 150th Birthday Canada!