How do you guys handle the "Your camera takes good pics" comments on your photos?

JeffreyG wrote in post #8988555
It's only insulting if you are naive enough to think they meant to insult you.

The vast majority of people regard a camera as a little magic box that takes pictures. They put it in 'auto' and let the camera figure everything out. The sophisticated ones use the little icons of the mountain and the guy running.

To these people, better camera = better photo.

When these people tell you that your camera takes nice photos they are at worst just displaying their ignorance in the control that the photographer has.

+1 to the above. It's been my experience that the average non-photographer means it as a compliment - they don't realize the implications of what they're saying. I've tried the witty little replies and they inevitably look confused and wonder why you took offense to their compliment or seemed irritated by it. IMO, trying to explain it to them comes off as elitist and condescending, so I don't bother - I just say "thanks" and let it go at that.

Veemac wrote in post #8989895
+1 to the above. It's been my experience that the average non-photographer means it as a compliment - they don't realize the implications of what they're saying.

yeah, in the few times i've heard it, it's been from friends or relatives that are genuinely impressed by some of the pics i've taken, but i can't help tossing a sarcastic reply back their way on occasion (all in good fun with friends and family..... i wouldn't act that way with someone i didn't know, lol).

Tact was invented by those who possess no wit.

So a scathing reply is appropriate in my book.

It's just a script, like "Have a nice day." No content. Fills gaps in the conversation. Not meant as an insult. In fact, it sounds like they were impressed by your work. Chill.

Explain to them the importance of a photographer. Not being condescending, but stating the camera is only as smart as the person using it.

Well, it does take good pictures. This is why I don't use a cell phone, point-and-shoot, or a Nikon instead

I corrected a friend of mine one time that said that and said something like "I take the photos, no the camera". I didn't say it in snobby or condescending way, but I sure felt like a prick after I said it.

Now I just say something like "Thanks, it is a great camera. Helps me get some great shots."

Karl Johnston wrote in post #8988286
Simple, don't care.

Yep. Same here. Ignorance is bliss.

I go for the jugular.

What works best is, 'thank you.'

dave

JoePhotoOnline wrote in post #8988277
I'm honestly getting really tired of this. Everyday I get this kind of comment. I'll be at school with my computer out, someone sees my desktop pic, and says "Wow, did you take that?" I say "Yes I did, about a month or so ago I was at..." and they usually quickly say "Your camera takes great photos. Which one do you have?"

I've tried replying:

"A digital one."
"An SLR"
"Canon"
or even
"One that takes old film lenses."

They still don't get the hint. How do you guys deal with this everyday? And I go to art school, for Pete's sake.

Tell them it's your phone's camera, then go on to explain how the equipment doesn't matter.

I say thank you very much-I will sell it you for £1500.

Dunedan wrote in post #8990269
Tact was invented by those who possess no wit.

So a scathing reply is appropriate in my book.

Are you saying that witty people have no tact?

Cadwell wrote in post #8989416
It's quite funny, really, people bang on and on endlessly on this forum about L series lenses and the awesome capabilities of the Canon EOS XYZ camera and then when someone mentions that their camera takes good photos they get all offended.

+1 to this.

Just say "Yes, my camera captures really nice images, but the more sophisticated the camera, the more work and advanced knowledge is required to capture the image perfectly. "