Friday 15 February 2019

Has Camera Buying become like Hifi Buying?

We've been inundated and overwhelmed with loud and incessant chatter from self appointed champions of of camera buying from YouTube. And if you don't stop and think for yourself, you become hypnotized sheep, hanging on to these very opinionated people, emulating them and then becoming opinionated yourself and spreading toxicity.

In truth, these Youtubers are there to make an income from Youtubing - they dont need to work as photographers, their income is sufficient from YouTube and that depends on subscribers, hits, likes and being seen as influencers.

They try to appear and serve objectivity and comprehensiveness and all round knowledge. They need to appear to be the champions of vloggers, instagrammers, event photographers, sports, nature and landscape photographers, movie makers.

They want to be invited to press events because they gain reputation and credentials (if not swag, free flights and accommodation). And they get to test the gear for a few hours, or borrow for a couplenof weeks.

They have to appear familiar with different brand lenses, the quirks of different menus, buttons, dials.

When they can't figure out what opinion they should have, they open the floor to commenters on their videos and then it just becomes a loop of chatter. Self re- affirming and good for more hits.

Hifi gear used to be all about features and price and exclusive manufacture. Once you bought the gear, you could enjoy it. And then get dissatisfied because you really can't increase your enjoyment unless you upgrade.

Camera gear isn't an end in itself. Its a tool, a means to get your shot. The best camera won't get the most creative shot. You make up the rest of the contribution. Your personality, your heart, your talent, your skill.

The easiest way to fail in photography is to say to yourself "my camera gear can't do this" regardless of the quality of your gear.

Please Consider