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

yogestee wrote in post #9041193
I agree Derek.

The other thing that works is finding something interesting where you are. In the W.I. that was what made PJ easy, there was always something interesting going on it seemed. Walking down the street was one giant circus of entertainment. A benefit to being freelance rather than staff (there had to be some benefits) I suppose.

it's not the camera, it's the photographer I respond with that jokingly but true

And hence, all the Soccer Dads running to the local photo shop to buy a Nikon D90 system at $2,000...

JoePhotoOnline wrote in post #8997519
I don't care what one person thinks, but this kind of attitude is not just him. It's a growing perspective on photography from most people these days because of digital cameras.

Maybe this all just boils down to my/our/photographer's frustration with how photography has completely changed in just 10 years.

There's a digicam in everyone's pocket and lots of idiots out there giving their mediocre work away for free to businesses/companies/o​rganizations that use to pay for good work from real photographers. The expectations for good photos keep dropping and dropping. Very few people actually recognize a good photo anymore, and it's incredibly hard to actually ask money for a photo. ( After all, we "Only had to push a button" right?)

Actually, that's it. When I got my first SLR, people were like "you must be serious about picture taking".

Now, with digital cameras and the internet everywhere - pics abound...

dSLR's have turned into a "status symbol" (like those Mega-SUV's - especially in today's Economy) - "you can afford to have one".

int2str wrote in post #8998974
I often feel that way even here at POTN.

No one's ever commented on my pics or camera "being better" - most can't tell anymore with all the pics and cameras and "photographers" out there (cameraphones included)...

rral22 wrote in post #8988955
My advice is to smile and say, "I'm glad you liked it." Jeez, people!

That's what I do. I smile and say thanks.

I smack them upside the head with it, whilst saying "It also can take good hits"
I wish.

While I agree that the most important gear you own is between your ears, I without a doubt would not be able to take the photos I do with my phone camera. Gear, although not the only element in producing a stunning image,is still a crucial part of creating a work of art.

It is best to just to say "thanks".

However I love the one about the wife and a good set of pans.

However I can also be an a**hole.

Sometimes when I know it's a salesman who is calling, the conversation will go like this.

Phone rings:

Me: "Hello systems Robin speaking"
Salesman: "Hello is that Simon?"
Me: "Yes that's why I answered the phone and said Robin speaking !!!"
Salesman: "Oh sorry I wasn't listening"

He should have assumed that your name was 'systems Robin'.

bigrob wrote in post #9049035
It is best to just to say "thanks".

However I love the one about the wife and a good set of pans.

However I can also be an a**hole.

Sometimes when I know it's a salesman who is calling, the conversation will go like this.

Phone rings:

Me: "Hello systems Robin speaking"
Salesman: "Hello is that Simon?"
Me: "Yes that's why I answered the phone and said Robin speaking !!!"
Salesman: "Oh sorry I wasn't listening"

I've been known to respond to that response with Hello Mr Speaking...

LOL

I think if I was ever in the right "mood", and I had just taken a photograph, and while reviewing it on the rear LCD, and some "lookeeloo" happened to see it, and made the comment, "Wow, your camera sure takes nice pictures.", I might just set everything on the camera back to "D.I.Y. mode", and nicely suggest that they go ahead and take a picture themselves of the exact same scene.

I would just love to see what they'd do, and their reaction.

Not to be a jerk, but as I said, just if I was in the right "mood". Hey nothing wrong with having a little sarcastic fun once in a while. Don't have to be a "saint", or "Mr. Nice Guy" ALL the time, do we?

"Well it damn well better take great pictures since it costs more than your car."

Keep in mind that almost everyone who says "your camera takes good pics" means it as a compliment. They don't know the details, but they're complimenting the pictures they've seen come from the camera and you.

I'm happy to accept the compliment gracefully. If they seem particularly interested, I'm happy to explain more - but generally a "thank you" or "yes it does" suffices for me.