i'm just want to get this off my chest

A pro has a different vision, a completely different purpose for their photography. My satisfaction for what I do probably has as much focus on my equipment as taking pictures. Some pros may not care what they are shooting with but those that can afford it will have the very best.
Long ago in my lfe as a professional musician I played guitar on a crappy plank of wood excuse for a guitar. When I was able to afford the best I got it. Did I play better. Maybe not but it is much nicer to play on a fine instrument than a peice of crap. That was just my desire to have better equipment. I never made more money having better equipment but I enjoyed myself more. I don't know if pro photographers think the same way but I can't imagine any full fledge serious pro would not own the very best equipment possible.

Me either, but you can be a stand-in for Bloo!
Actually, we should all be happy with the "green box" dufi who walk around with 20Ds & 70-200 f/2.8 lenses just 'cause thier neighbor recommended & bought one. They help to keep the prices down for the rest of us. Imagine what a 20D would cost if only qualified pros were allowed to buy one? About as much as the 1Ds MkII I'll bet.

that's true. One thing I am not stressed out about. HAHAHA!!!

Ah Johnlo we live in the age of instant gratification. For me, photography is a passion, a passion to be creative, to learn and be the best that I can be. I have bought what I needed to get started, and for sure, living in the Bahamas, there is no way I could afford film and be able to enjoy this as a hobby/possible money making venture. I'm not about to load myself down with a lot of hi-tech stuff beyond my means or knowledge, but gradually have been collecting things, step by step as I grow in order to improve the art. After raising two kids, two marriages and working in dead end jobs with other people's stress, I think I have earned some enjoyment, and photography is it. No matter how good the equipment is, whether the picture is shot in film, slide, jpeg or RAW, it is only going to be as good as the eye that sees it. I don't think of myself as being an expert by any means, I've only been at this for less than 2 years, but I have seen people with some really fancy equipment, way more than what I have, produce some really lousy work. But if they are having fun, more power to them. Digital does make it easier, but I bought my Digital Rebel because I wanted the challenge of learning to use the manual settings and doing it "right". I got Photoshop because I wanted to learn how to take creativity beyond what I saw through the lens. I quit my boring day job so I could spend more time doing what I love most. When it pays off, as it does from time to time, that is an added bonus. Then I think about buying a new filter or lens, but I am trying to be practical and only get what I know I can use or need. I get pleasure and relaxation out of life now like never before, and it seems I have been able to give some of that pleasure to others who have seen and bought my work. Life couldn't be much sweeter!

hey Elizabeth-Ann. I agreed with you 100%. Photography is a passion for me as well. I took a HUGE paycut and followed my love and became a full time photography. You are right... there are ppl out there with the high end equipments, but have no idea where the power button are located... But of course not everyone.

btw, you got some beautiful photographs......

*"CAUTION** USELESS RANT BY OP

Thank you Johnlo, I appreciate that - I took a look at your images also, seems like people are your thing - I especially liked some of the portraits of children.

PhotosGuy wrote:
Me either, but you can be a stand-in for Bloo!
Actually, we should all be happy with the "green box" dufi who walk around with 20Ds & 70-200 f/2.8 lenses just 'cause thier neighbor recommended & bought one. They help to keep the prices down for the rest of us. Imagine what a 20D would cost if only qualified pros were allowed to buy one? About as much as the 1Ds MkII I'll bet.

Then I am doubly grateful that the demand for the 20D and the Canon Digital Rebel XT caused the price on the 300D to go down so that I could afford that! LOL

btw, had a look at your gallery on photobucket, and you have some really awesome shots too.

Thanks. ya, I love people subject. Thats how I got into photography in the first place. hehehe! Some of those kids - I used to do Preschool photography. Recently I closed that line of business, because its too much headache dealing with parents and director at the school. So now its mainly weddings and events.

Hi, JohnLo!

You'll be pleasantly surprised to find that there is a reverse trend occuring where digitally astute people are heading back to traditional film. There are a growing few who, because of the skills they have developed using digital, are now wanting to explore the challenges of shooting film.

However, as with trends, e.g., low-carb/Atkins/South Beach diets, political correctness, Low-fat, low-this and that, blah, blah, blah, there is a possibility that it won't last... or on the other hand become a niche that camera manufacturers will simply not ignore.

As for amassing a huge number of lenses, camera bodies, and whatnot, consumerism is driven by the manufacturers themselves through the release of the latest and greatest gizmos and gadgets. It is up to the individual to either succumb to the lures, or be happy with what he/she has got in the bag... It takes skill, wisdom, and discernment to have only what you need and get rid of the surplus. It is also not what you have, but how you use it that matters.

My 2-cents for the day... Spring does that to me...

Cheers!

Wow interesting read. I checked out a Photo message board called Two Peas. Now that Photography Fourm is all about equipment and beyond n00bies buying Cameras because they think the more expensive the camera the better the image.

I am a believer in using what you have the best you can. I've done pretty good myself for a guy who came here to POTN with a camera that cost $120 CAD (after $30 coupon) and then in July with a small upgrade of a $245 CAD camera.

I bought a XT and I returned it after 3 days because I did not need it and was not comfortable paying that sort of money for it. Sure it isn't that much money but it is more then enough for me to not have fun with it and start babying it.

Photography for me is an Art form. But for others like my mom or my sister it is picture taking. Others its a business. Everyone takes pictures for their own reasons.

I do admit though I pretty much stand on the same side of the room as johnlo. I know exacly where he is coming from and some of the "photogaphers" I have met in person are nothing more then picture takers with an expensive camera. I show them some of my pictures I've taken with Film or Digital and they are blown away. They have a hard time believing I took my pictures with basically "junk".

Anyways whatever, nothing more to add. Good thread (even if someone bumped up a 3 week old thread )