"...You must have a really great camera!"

I cannot tell you how many times I hear something like, "Wow, those are fantastic images. You must have a really great camera!"

I realize the first sentence is a compliment. However, when you follow the compliment with the second sentence, you're basically complimenting the capabilities of the camera and ignoring the skill and expertise of the person who took the picture. It's just like saying...

"These are fantastic h'orderves. You must have a really great oven!"

"That is a fantastic story. You must have a really great pen!"

"That is a fantastic painting. You must have really great brushes!"

Why is it that cooks, authors, and painters never hear things like that? The truth is, yes, I do have a really great camera (two, in fact). I own good cameras because I appreciate the nuances that differentiate them from other cameras (build quality, feature set, sensor size, etc). However, if you put the lowest end Rebel in my hand, I'd still produce something very similar.

/rant over

Great topic Sean, well presented argument, you must have a really good keyboard. ;)

Sean, You are not the only would that has experienced, trust me. Just last week my son exclaimed "Wow Dad, you have some really nice pictures, of course with a camera like that you couldn't take a bad picture"---Little does he know:confused:. I didn't even bother trying to invalidate his statement. Those outside the "realm" just can't understand.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Steve U

Great topic Sean, well presented argument, you must have a really good keyboard. ;)

---

I did LOL after reading that. Thank you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bob williams

Sean, You are not the only would that has experienced, trust me. Just last week my son exclaimed "Wow Dad, you have some really nice pictures, of course with a camera like that you couldn't take a bad picture"---Little does he know:confused:. I didn't even bother trying to invalidate his statement. Those outside the "realm" just can't understand.

---

Yeah. In inexperienced hands, a pen, chisel, paint brush, or stand mixer aren't going to produce outstanding results.

I understand the frustration -- especially for those of you who, like Sean, invest such time and energy into all the details....setting up lighting for 2 hours before a shoot, staking out the best time and location for a sunrise, elaborate hummingbird attractions, etc.

I even hear this about my photos sometimes, and I am not half the photographer of many who frequent this forum. The comment makes sense to me even though it can be insulting. Unlike cooking or painting, where the tools the pros use are quite similar to the amateur's, photography gear is an immediate distinguishing factor that looks so conspicuously different and "pro." Put a 7D with an EF 100L macro in my hands, and I can do things with a camera that the point and shoot crowd can only dream of. Yes, I've invested lots of time learning how to use the camera and lens, and I am not short changing myself. But all the skill in the world won't make a Canon PowerShot equal to a _D/100L macro combination. The same is true for depth of field. Shoot a portrait at f/2 with the EF 85 f/1.8, and your result will be dramatically different than what the photography masses can produce. That's what people are reacting too. They know enough to appreciate the difference in gear. They know that the gear really matters on some level, even if they have no idea how much time, skill and effort go into truly great photography.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Steve U

Great topic Sean, well presented argument, you must have a really good keyboard. ;)

---

Excellent comment, you must have a witty fingers... sorry, I couldn't help it.

I know what you mean Sean, I have heard that too as well. However I have had compliments on my ability as well. You have to remember that most of these comments come from people who don't understand photography and think that a little point and shoot should be able take the same type of photos that you produce or something that I would produce (not that I'm comparing my work to yours).

Edit: After re-reading thekingb's comments, I think they have a point as well. I've heard people say to me, "They have that big white canon lens; no wonder their photos come out so well". I've had some photographer friends schoff at my P&S that I started out with and have a hard time admitting that the photos it produced were good just because it was taken with a P&S.

[QUOTE=Photog82;68113]Excellent comment, you must have a witty fingers... sorry, I couldn't help it.[QUOTE]

Touche.
:D

I was showing examples of my photography to someone the other day using my phone. Their eyes lit up as they asked, "Wow! Did you do those with your phone??"

*sigh* Yes, yes I did. But it's a really good phone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sean Setters

I cannot tell you how many times I hear something like, "Wow, those are fantastic images. You must have a really great camera!"

---

+1 - I recognize the comment and know exactly what you mean. Still - as also stated above - the tools do make a difference, but good tools only isn’t enough.

Over time I've also noticed that what really makes people go "Wow!" is some basic post-processing. Many are used to watching 8-12 MPix JPEGs straight out of compact cameras on computer screens and/or TVs. Such images can usually suffer from poor contrast and poor sharpness due to the compressed view. A basic levels/curves adjustment followed by downsizing to 1080 px height and a simple unsharp mask can make wonders for the viewing experience on a TV. I believe that the extra touch that the devoted photographer adds in post processing may make just as much difference for the average viewer as the gear used.

Off topic, I’ve discovered that my jogging shoes have degraded heavily during their stay in the closet over winter - I suppose I have to get better shoes if I want to get back to my average kilometer pace from last October.

Despite the occassional urge to swing the heavy camera at their heads, you have to try to remember where these folks are coming from. They know there is a difference between a good DSLR and their P&S. In the back of their minds they sometimes think that if they had the same gear that they could just show up and take the same pictures. In reality, these folks just have no idea of the amount of time spent learning the basics of lighting, composition, etc. nor any appreciation of the learning curve separating those at the top of the field from those who are mastering the basics.

In order to advance photography as an art form in the public eye, it is still required to educate the public in order to increase the appreciation level.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by thekingb

Shoot a portrait at f/2 with the EF 85 f/1.8, and your result will be dramatically different than what the photography masses can produce. That's what people are reacting too.

---

Maybe. However, when that same photographer shoots an amazing portrait at f/16 (allowing for a DOF comparable to a P&S), I assume the reaction will be similar.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cls

I’ve discovered that my jogging shoes have degraded heavily during their stay in the closet over winter - I suppose I have to get better shoes if I want to get back to my average kilometer pace from last October.

---

Better shoes will help you run further and faster. :p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jrw

In order to advance photography as an art form in the public eye, it is still required to educate the public in order to increase the appreciation level.

---

I couldn't agree more.

The same person that offers these types of compliments, asks me to “zoom” in on something 500 yards away using my 24mm F/1.4.

I really hope you’re not serious about the rant. The individual that pay’s these types of compliments are offering them in sincerity (usually, see comment below). If we receive a compliment like this, and we show that it bothers us to the person offering we can come off looking like the Diva that needs the snickers bar on the snickers commercial.

But do consider the source; if you and I were out in the field taking pictures together and I worded the comment that way, I wouldn’t be surprised if you told me where I could place one of my long telephoto lenses. In fact I would probably be expecting it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HDNitehawk

I really hope you’re not serious about the rant. The individual that pay’s these types of compliments are offering them in sincerity (usually, see comment below).

---

The rant is mostly in jest, but there is humor in the truth it reveals. Mainly, that people believe that all you need to be a good photographer is "...a good camera".

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sean Setters

The rant is mostly in jest, but there is humor in the truth it reveals. Mainly, that people believe that all you need to be a good photographer is "...a good camera".

---

"P" for professional.

My wife follows Missy MWAC on facebook now.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HDNitehawk

"P" for professional.

My wife follows Missy MWAC on facebook now.

---

hehehe

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sean Setters

I cannot tell you how many times I hear something like, "Wow, those are fantastic images. You must have a really great camera!"

/rant over

---

DUH! Doesn't that person know it all done with trick lighting!

Sorry, Sean ...I couldn't resist :)

Back when my camera was a Rebel XT with grip while shooting engagement photos I had the groom ask me, "What makes your camera better than a Rebel?"
I answered, "ME" :cool:
Then I went on to explain that I was using a Rebel.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. When people ask me how my camera is capable of making such great photos, I let them in on the secret: "Most cameras only go to ten. But *this* one is unique. Let's say you're on ten on your camera and you're shooting at ten, but you need that extra push over the cliff... you know what I do? I put it up to eleven. One better."

I hear the "You must have a really great camera" comment all the time. I just smile and reply, "Actually, my secret is that I belong to a really great forum."

:D:D:D

Haha oh I can relate to pretty much all of the things in this topic :D Most are probably quite harmless and a bad choice of words or just a lack of knowledge. If it's not, it's still just what I keep telling myself so I feel better :p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sean Setters

I cannot tell you how many times I hear something like, "Wow, those are fantastic images. You must have a really great camera

---

Well I've also seen this one the other side around as well: "I have a great camera so my images are obviously fantastic." The P for professional mode is a good example of that. I even know a starting photographer(not really good) that charges direct family for shots that I'd consider "free modeling and practicing" shoots.

Luckily most of the feedback I get(if I get some:p) is positive, but sometimes I have some weird comments of people who have higher standards than I do I guess.

For example: I took photos of the Dutch Youth Figure Skating National Championships. I was invited as the only photographer who was there for the entire day.(not that weird because it was the first time I've seen that bad indoor lighting...ISO6400 and still pushing it to get some results)
Anyway, I was there on a voluntary base. Traveled an hour to get there(on my own cost). Took photos the entire day for free. Show the photos on my website and when people are interested I email them a 3000*2000p image(s) of their selves for free. My motto is that I take photos of people, for the people. Free photos at a National Championship is something that is probably done only by a crazy person like me:rolleyes:

I had dozens of interested people and I noticed there where quite a few people "demanding" photos. No thank you for the photos, nothing at all. Just an email with: I want that and that photo.
1 woman complained that the FREE images I send her (6MP) were too small....:eek: She probably has a test model of the new 36,4" 4K Eizo monitor:p
And 1 guy dared to ask me all the photos of his club so he could show them on their website and (like they did with all the other photos on there) most probably sell them to the players their selves.

In my time of doing hobby photography for free I've never had such crazy requests. I have done quite a few of different types of sports-photography. For some I get more responses than for others, but until this time I have had 99.9% positive reactions. I probably don't have to explain that I was pretty fed up this time. Good thing I had a nice event this eastern weekend:D There's always something better coming your way I guess:D

Quote:

---

Sean, You are not the only would that has experienced, trust me

---

OK, No more posts this early in the morning.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Daniel Browning

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. When people ask me how my camera is capable of making such great photos, I let them in on the secret: "Most cameras only go to ten. But *this* one is unique. Let's say you're on ten on your camera and you're shooting at ten, but you need that extra push over the cliff... you know what I do? I put it up to eleven. One better."

---

I will never tire of "This is Spinal Tap" quotes....especially that one!

That and:

"a musical trilogy I'm working on in D minor which is the saddest of all keys, I find. People weep instantly when they hear it, and I don't know why."

Quote:

---

"Wow, those are fantastic images. You must have a really great camera!"

---

So, to Sean and all of his loyal followers (me included), what can you say to this that vindicates photographers worldwide?

"You must have a really great camera!"

Well I'm afraid I must agree with that statement, "If it wasn't for the brilliance of Canon, I wouldn't have any good pictures at all!":(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Raid

"You must have a really great camera!"

Well I'm afraid I must agree with that statement, "If it wasn't for the brilliance of Canon, I would have any good pictures at all!":(

---

Thats good Raid, I like it.

Here's one:

Quote:

---

"Wow, those are fantastic images. You must have a really great camera!"

---

Your right, This camera has over a million setting combinations, it even has a self destruct mode for secret work---Wanna try it?

Actually I'm just really good at Photoshop. And with some of the new tools in CS6, you don't even have to hit your focus. Everyone will be a snapshot hero.;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bob williams

So, to Sean and all of his loyal followers (me included), what can you say to this that vindicates photographers worldwide?

---

Honestly, I usually pull up a very complicated lighting setup picture and say, "Yeah, I do have a really good camera. I also have a mobile studio, and that helps to."

Quote:

---

"Wow, those are fantastic images. You must have a really great camera!"

---

Yep. It pretty much takes the pictures by itself. *walk away*

(sarcasm wins)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ham

Yep. It pretty much takes the pictures by itself. *walk away*

(sarcasm wins)

---

Heh heh.
Yeah but it doesn't have a knuckle head filter for the subjests I shoot, so I still have to be here to press the button.

Quote:

---

"Wow, those are fantastic images. You must have a really great camera!"

---

"Yeah, she's great. She's lots of fun and she challenges me to be better than I am. I'm lucky to have her... She sure is expensive though. I'm always buying her new things."

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rlriii13

"Yeah, she's great. She's lots of fun and she challenges me to be better than I am. I'm lucky to have her... She sure is expensive though. I'm always buying her new things."

---

"Whenever we go to a formal get-together, she always dresses in white with a splash of red..."

[edited by moderator]

Sorry ham, I had to take that one down.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Steve U

Great topic Sean, well presented argument, you must have a really good keyboard. ;)

---

Ha. Well played, sir.