people who care more about their gear than the art of photography itself

[investinlensesnotbodies]

does anybody see those type of people, who just suck at photography (centered photos of a boring flower in the center, and you know...) but have crazy gear? my friend has a brother, 12 years old, and has an insanely rich family. his brother has a d3. i'm serious. i saw it in his tiny hands. he even has the 85mm f/1.4. he's quite a little smartass also. he goes to a boarding school and he's going to the fifa world cup (he was chosen "photographer" to take pictures). and all of a sudden he wants a 1d mark iv, and we sell his gear and get the holy grail (as of 2010) and a 70-200mm f/2.8l is usm. he seemed to care more about the gear itself than photography, and it seemed he spent more times holding the shutter down going ratatatatat wasting frames and doing ISO tests than actually taking pictures. his gear sounds nice eh? he sucks at photography though... he has so many centered shots and out of center shots, and he takes pictures of plain items, like a pile of rocks or a window. or a flower. i wish he would improve, or get a compact, lately im seeing way too many people that have no talent buying photo gear because its "hip" or because they wanna take EXCELLENT pictures.

[440roadrunner]

Judging the intelligence and photo skills of a 12 year old, rich OR poor, is silly. People mature at different rates---but the average 12 year old is......12 years old

[FlyingPhotog]

Jealousy is such an ugly emotion...

[nanette37]

Judging the intelligence and photo skills of a 12 year old, rich OR poor, is silly. People mature at different rates---but the average 12 year old is......12 years old

exactly. this kid is only 12. and he has a rich family! if i had a rich family i wouldve done the same thing at that age. im sure as he gets older he will learn more and get better at photography. i dont know any artistic 12 year olds so i agree that you shouldnt be judging him. and it does sound like you are jealous. you would probably have the same camera if you were in his situation. as would anyone im sure

[S2K.OGRAPHY]

Jealousy is such an ugly emotion...

this




but yes, "gear junky" types are annoying. impress me with your photos, not your wallet

[fedaykin]

Though you do make a good point, and there is a growing number of people buying DSLRs only for the "cool" aspect of the gear; I stopped reading when you mentioned the kid is 12 years old. Seriously any 12 year old kid would act like that. Plus you reek of jealousy.

If you were talking about a grown man/woman and have written this in a less "I'm jealous" manner I would be more interested.

[Tee Why]

When he turns 16, he'll turn to cars...
I see what the OP is saying though. There are a lot of folks who buy top notch gears and produce very sharp images that lack composition and lack good lighting.

At the end, who cares, it's a free country and folks can overbuy gear if they want to. Doesn't hurt me any one bit.

[neilwood32]

I am slightly surprised at the family giving a 12 yo a 1Dmk4 etc but if you have the money to burn, why not?

Doesnt affect me (apart from the slightest twinge of jealousy- I can only dream of that sort of equipment)

[F/M Bill]

Jealousy is such an ugly emotion...
I'm jealous too, and now your telling me I'm ugly?

[Scatterbrained]

Try juxtaposing you 12yr old aspiring photog to another hobby/sport. What would you say of the rich parents who buy their son a motorcycle and take him racing, or a 4k mountain bike? Yet the best pro riders/musicians and other athletes all started out young and had parents who spent a lot on their childrens passions. If the kid is a douche I'd say that is more a product of his family than their money.

[gjl711]

but yes, "gear junky" types are annoying. impress me with your photos, not your wallet Can't we all just get along?
There is enough room on this planet for both, artsy photogs and technical photogs. I say do whatever brings you joy whether it's taking pretty pictures or enjoying high quality equipment.

[Josepi]

"and it seemed he spent more times holding the shutter down going ratatatatat wasting frames and doing ISO tests than actually taking pictures."

So, he's trying to learn the limits of the tools? No problem there.

"he sucks at photography though... he has so many centered shots and out of center shots, and he takes pictures of plain items, like a pile of rocks or a window. or a flower."

I suppose you could teach him to crop the shots for better arrangement, or show him ways to frame the photo better, but no, you'd rather criticize. So, I see two individuals here, one enjoying himself and what he produces, and you, an open sore on humanity and the internet.

Ultimately in the end my troll friend, this thread sucks.

[Scatterbrained]

but yes, "gear junky" types are annoying. impress me with your photos, not your wallet

Do these "gear junkies" actually try to impress you with their gear, or are you just annoyed that they have it? Do they walk up to you and show it off, do they call you and tell you about it?
If someone has nice gear and their proud of it is that any different that people who are proud of other things they have? Their cars perhaps? People who can't even join a forum without telling everyone what kind of car they drive annoys me, but I let it slide because it is something they are passionate about.

[440roadrunner]

One begins to wonder how old the OP is...........

[FlyingPhotog]

I'm jealous too, and now your telling me I'm ugly?

No, but your Momma dresses you funny! :p :lol:

[tkbslc]

One begins to wonder how old the OP is...........

I bet he is at least 14 and would never accept the gift of a pro camera from his parents....

[Vascilli]

If I was 12 I'd totally do that. If the opportunity is there, why not take it? There are worse things for a kid to be obsessed over. (Read: anything nonproductive) Still, it does seem a bit of a waste.

Btw I'm 17 with a 5D II and 1D II. :D

[birdfromboat]

i am admittedly drawn to the shiny metallic objects. I definitely advanced on the gear scale faster than I have advanced on the wow thats a great shot scale, but I am having fun on both scales. lots of it.
that red Ring might have a 'cool' factor for some, but most of the photographers i know understand that the ring just says "here is my money, all tied up in this peice of equipment, and I can't even drive it to work".
When I see young kids with expensive gear like that, I am inspired to keep looking for the craigslist ad that says: "Just got kicked out of boarding school and my folks won't let me into my trust fund till I'm 18, need cash for bus ride home, selling canon XXXX cheap. call today!"