This is the most recent instalment of my column in Wetpixel Quarterly, called The Photographic Eye.
The subject of this issue’s column is Vision vs. Technology.
I love all the new gadgets and functionality that the camera manufacturers are cranking out these days, and I’m usually the first in line to play with new stuff. But what I try to highlight here is that it’s still the basics…vision, creativity, interpretation…that produce great images.
To paraphrase a pithy bit of wisdom I heard from another photographer: “99% of all equipment is better than 98% of all photographers.” So my point is, concentrate on getting into the 2%, instead of obsessing over the 99%.
Ha, ha my favorite subject…I have written many articles on this subject so I keep this brief today.I forgotten which Photographer said many moons ago…anyway it was a famous one. Out of 100% 10 % is technical and you should know that but the rest is creativity and up to you. Lets not forget it is the Eyes who sees the image first…and sometimes I am quiet content if I miss that shot to bring back the memory instead. I might not be able to share the visual but at least I can talk about it and that is nice too.
Nothing wrong with technology, I use it too, but Photography is about seeing things and not all those technical gadgets.
Sometimes I am thinking to go back to film for a few weeks just to proof a point of course above the waves and not below.
GD
Agree completely Gunther!
Hi Tony,
I have just read your article and what you describe reminds me of what is known hygiene factors in business.
You could draw an analogy and say that the absence of technology technology will be missed in photography, but in itself it adds nothing. So you have to have the right equipment to take photos but the equipment alone can’t do it for you, hence you gain nothing by having it.
I find a great way to approach any equipment purchases (and be nice to my credit card at the same time) is to ask myself “what does this do that I currently can’t?” if that makes sense.
Then again I fail and buy stuff to toy with, I guess i’m just your average male
Cheers,
Simon