If you want to learn more about taking photographs from still life through to portraiture at a much more in depth level than youtube allows, head here tinhouse-studio.com/studio-access/
An exercise for those of us who have ever been affected by GAS (gear acquisition syndrome): find youtube videos that sing the praises of the camera/lens you have then go out and make photographs with it.
"If William Eggleston can do it wit a Leica and roll of Kodakchrome, and I can't even get close with a 100 MP technical camera, what does that tell you of the importance of photography".... I think that is the most accurate truth of photography, period. Excellent video, very down to earth
One of my favourite quotes (from a photographic "God" of mine, Edward Weston) " the simplest camera has more potential than any photographer will ever exceed."
I shot the 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII flyover, from inside the formation, with a Nikon D700, and Gen1 70-200 f/2.8. The things that saved me more than anything were understanding my subjects (military helicopters), knowing how the pilots would be flying the mission, and being able to read light.
I have shot over 600 weddings on a Mamiya 645 with Vericolor III ISO160 film. No AF, no high ISO, using fixed 80mm and 55mm lenses (no zooms). The guy that I assisted before I started shooting on my own, used a Koni-Omega Rapid 100 with a 90mm lens. His work was terrific! When I hear people say that they can't shoot a wedding with a Canon 5d2, I suggest they shoot 25 weddings with a Mamiya 645 or 15 weddings with a Koni-Omega and I guarantee that by the time they're done, they'll be able to shoot ANYTHING with a 5d2.
I agree with Scott-camera choice doesn’t matter that much. My priority was the lens, not the camera body, which is why I chose the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8. As an event photographer in Brussels, Belgium, specializing in political and cultural events, I need gear that’s practical and versatile. Since I’m not a fan of the Nikon mirrorless lineup, I opted for Sony (this lens is compatible with both systems). The Tamron 35-150mm is ideal for my work, sparing me the hassle of carrying the typical 24-70mm and 70-200mm kit. Ultimately, it’s not the camera that matters-practicality is everything. Tin House Studio is one of the best photography infotainment channels. I love the relaxed, casual vibe of this couch setup-much better than a formal studio feel.
I see your point, but in my case upgrading from 5Ds to GFX100 was one of the biggest upgrades, period. Maybe just after switching from 17-40L to 17TS-E. Files are just amazing, after few months i still can't believe i don't need to worry about HDR artifacts because one shot with this camera is just enough. It absolutely changed the way i shoot and edit photos. But then, as you said - bad foto taken with good camera is just a bad photo.
The photo of Lee in Hitler's bath was actually shot by David Scherman. She returned the compliment by taking a shot of David in the same tub. Lee Miller was not only an incredible photographer but an extraordinary person. I admire her greatly. A wonderful video, by the way.
I've commented this recently on another video: Save your money and go and take a fine art course. Or buy some books on painting. Learn about composition, framing, use of light, contrast, shadows etc. This understanding and knowledge will transform most photographers pictures far more than any new kit. Too many photographers want to believe the difference is the kit, not their artistic skills and knowledge. Photography is art, not tech. Understand the art, not just the tech. Learning how to paint or draw really well is really hard but learning the concepts are not hard at all, transferring those concepts over to photography is really easy if you understand them properly.
As a child I started with 110 as my first camera, then 35mm, then 120/220, and now digital. From darkroom to lightroom, it's all gotten so much easier. Too much easier to be honest, the art of photography is being sacrificed on the altar of convenience. But the convenience is amazing when you understand the technical aspects. I do natural light outdoor portraitures, I love the technical challenges, and how it forces me to adapt. I've got the portable lighting kit, but it's too much hassle for most shoots. At the end of the day, I get to do what I love pretty much every week while being paid. I'm now working on collaborating with other local photographers and exploring new avenues. I absolutely love it!
I use a mirrorless with IBIS and lens stabilisation because it helps me get a decent shot. I had a disease which left me with physical shaking in my hands. Having said that, I don’t need all of that to get a decent shot. I sometimes need a tripod and remote on a particularly bad day.
Speaking outside of exceptionally talented photographers and more about the industrial photography world, the company I work for only allows us to use a d7000 on their shoots and while frustrating as a photographer that likes kit, goes to show that you can deliver a product and make a tremendous amount of money using a system most people would probably just ignore. Which isn't to say that using newer systems wouldn't have benefits, but you can absolutely get the job done with it.
I suffered hard from GAS several years ago. But, thanks to videos like this and some great mentors, I was fortunate to get past it quickly. And now I have more than I'll ever need and have focused on getting great shots. Not the gear to think I'll get great shots with.
There are so many different trolls on the internet regarding photography. There are the trolls that say if your primary income isn't photography then you are not a professional. The trolls who say if you don't shoot RAW exclusively then you are an amateur. Then of course, there are the equipment trolls who say if you don't have the latest and greatest equipment then you simply can't be successful. After years of all this BS, I just don't give a sh%t. I purchase what I need to get the images that please me, and me alone. I think what experience gets you is the ability to understand exactly what it takes to produce the images that you see in your mind. Wasn't that how Ansel Adams did it?
Very refreshing! Love the message! Agree... number 1 reason to buy a camera is because it's fun to use and inspires you to shoot. The second reason - it makes it easier to get a shot. Neither reason is essential. I am not a pro photographer, but love photography. My main camera is from 2017. My second body is from 2015. My film camera is from 1983 (Nikon FA). I get great shots on all of them. The reason they are not older is that I switched early to mirrorless because the size got me out shooting more. I have to confess though - I bought a Leica Q3 last year for my 40th because the engineer in me wanted to try a Leica for some casual stuff. It's fun (No 1 reason right there). I have been tempted to get a new body because I am getting more into wildlife photography, my second body has a broken screen, the viewfinder has some issues and both camera's autofocus is not ideal for wildlife. Sure, a newer body would have made things a little easier at points on my recent photo trip, but it is not essential. I have not purchased anything because the cost/benefit analysis is not working for me right now. Give me any camera and I will get some compelling shots!
Reminds me of a challenge that was on UA-cam years ago. Pro photographer, toy camera. Literally a toy camera. And still amazed about the photos some came up with.
I love my little X-E4. Sure, there's no stabilization and the rolling shutter could literally give me motion sickness, but I plan the hell out of my shots and I use a solid tripod. My preparation, rig and lens are what make the shoot work.
What an absolute classic of a video….I think people who are hell bent on “needing” the latest gadgets and gizmos are kidding themselves. I recently saw a video from a professional photographer using one of the latest Nikon cameras….his comments were “I don’t need this camera but I want it”…says it all for me. Some time ago I ditched my Nikon gear and everything that went with it and purchased a 9 year old Fujifilm X-T1 and do you know what …I’ve never looked back…my interest has been rekindled again and my knowledge of doing this that and the other with a camera has improved dramatically. Your comments about some of the “older” gear are so true. Thank you.
Totally agree with you. We have all been there. However I am in the process of upgrading my kit due to weight. I am over 60 and although my old gear is more than good enough, my back isn't.
Thanks Scott! You are a much needed voice in our industry. There are artists and there are gear heads who call themselves artist. I unfortunately used to be in the latter camp until I started freelancing and realised that some things slowly stack sunk costs... - Your point about artists could totally be proven more: I know someone I shot a fashion show/week with and for the first day he got loaned a GFX 100 ii... but comparing the photos of the GFX 100 ii and the Nikon Z9 there was no change in the way the photos looked or the style of the photos. One (or even a client) would be remiss on the detail if they weren't a photographer - and then again...
It’s more about being there at the right time learning to use your instincts rather then relying on gear Subject matter over megapixels or dynamic range
OK you make good points. I'm an amateur generalist photographer and I have been getting great shots for circa 30 years. I loved the rugged durability of my Nikon F4 and F5 back in the day. Nikkor glass was pretty good too, albeit today's Sony GM glass and 61 Mp sensors can reveal a heap more detail than I ever got on Velvia at ISO 50. IMO good technique, an eye or feel for photography and great subjects, composition and lighting are all more important than the camera brand. There have been few bad cameras made since 2000 from any of the major brands. So I get why, to some extent, that a new supposedly better camera can only help to a limited degree and in many situations adds little or nothing extra in order to help one shoot better images. Although a generalist I love skiing and shooting ski action/jump pics. When I shot my D800 with a wide lens I could maybe get 2 out of 3 pics sharp, when subjects were moving towards them away from me. Focusing was slow by today's standards. Later using a D500 I managed a faster shooting rate and got more in focus. Later, post switching to Sony my a9 achieved maybe 8 out of 10 shots sharp at rate I couldn't possibly achieve on early Nikon kit. Now I own an a9iii (amongst several other bodies) with a broad range of expensive GM glass (primes and zooms). Not tried shooting ski action since buying my a9iii, but expect it to help facilitate an much higher level of 'good' shots. OK I doubt that they will be materially better than what I could shoot before, but I will have a higher level of good/keeper shots to choose from. So yes it's progress and better than I ever had before. Did I truly need it? No. Do I like it and am I glad I bought arguably the best 'sports' camera around at the moment? Heck yes! I can afford It so why wouldn't I want to get the best kit going? Would you try to shoot your studio images by candlelight? Probably no.... 'cus it's hard, limiting, albeit potentially creative. Stanley Kubrick managed to shoot his excellent film, Barry Lyndon, by candlelight and pretty fast glass as a creative exercise - so many things are possible with old tech. But..... newer tech kit opens up newer possibilities and makes life easier. So why not embrace it?
After a period of gear hunting about 5 years ago, moving up the Nikon range from D3500, where I discovered I wanted buttons not menus, to the D7200 then the D810, then on to mirrorless with the Z6 I, I decided I needed to give it a rest and focus on taking decent photographs whatever I might be using. If they could take great photos 70 years ago we can probably manage with our superduper equipment today. So when I snagged a slightly used D850 for €1300, I sold the Z6 and associated lenses (great pictures but a bit pricey and I did not like the electronic viewfinder at all) and moved back to DSLR. I'm sure they've improved the viewfinder on the mirrorless but the weight and feel of the D850 is just right for me. And if you can't take a decent photo with the D850 you should probably rethink your hobby/career.
I happen to shoot a 5D II mostly with a 24-70L and a 10 megapixel Nikon D200. These cameras fit my eye. I’ve never had anyone that likes my photos say that these are crap cameras so I don’t know why there’s so much pressure for new gear. What’s funny is that I’ve been doing research for years on my next moneys-no-object modern day camera but I still haven’t decided…maybe next year.
I agree specs don't matter. What matters however is how you feel with a camera (very same as with a musical instrument). I make my best work on a rangefinder because how it makes me see and feel. It inspires me differently than say a mirrorless, and for me that has more value than megapixels.
Totally agree. Some of the most amazing photos ever taken were on a simple Leica M6 analogue camera with a standard lens. Better equipment does not equal better photography. I made these same mistakes to the point where my camera bag was full of lenses and bodies (weighing 20kgs) and then decided on 'one camera one lens' and my photography improved dramatically as a result. The really big development was the transition from analogue to digital making post processing a breeze.
My wedding setup was Fuji Film, ISO 125, Contax Quartz, Metz 45 CT5, Lens either 50 mm or 70-210 Zoom. At most 72 frames. No auto focus. Never owned a digital until 3 years ago.
I found this out some years ago when I experimented with micro-four-thirds gear. Once i understood it i found i could get results that were just as good as my full frame DSLR (shooting dark stages at events). Pretty much any camera made in the last 15 years is amazing!
Being able to operate the camera as an extension of your mind and eye and clearly understanding what you want to achieve, technically and artistically, are of paramount importance imo. For some images, I gravitate to an old 15mp camera body to achieve the desired result, when I have a far more sophisticated camera available.
After a long break from photography... I originally shot film on 35mm, 6x6 and 6x7, always fun especially a wedding with the RB67, but got repeatable results. So taking it up again a few years ago I purchased a used Z7 Kit a couple of month after they were released. A big learning curve on how the camera worked but got good results, the only issue I found was the auto-focus and exposure calculation couldn't keep up when shooting runway with lots of flashing lights, so lots of noise in some images. Then I tried the Z9 which I wouldn't have purchased because it was primarily designed for sports. Well the auto-focus and exposure problem was solved so more "keepers". To get used to the camera, I tried taking pics of the beach and water sports folks where I live. This has given a whole new life to my photography, getting shots I know I couldn't achieve with my older cameras. That's not to say my photos back in the late 70's of motor sports were bad, it's just a lot easier to take with the modern cameras. Having beginnings in film, I definitely don't run off hundreds of exposures, the knowledge of how your subject moves will always trump any technical advancements in camera design. Lastly, why did I take a break from photography? Well I got fed up with all the so called creative types copying each other, and the GAS (lighting) by people with more money than skills.
Love that F1n. Yours sounds nice and smooth. I'll admit that a fair bit of my inspiration to shoot for the last few years has been nested in the inspiration I get from the equipment I shoot, but I've kind of turned around against the forward stream of technological developments. I've been shooting film quite a bit and in cameras with very limited technology, range finders and folders with no meter and scale focuss with distance markings on the lens with black and white film, TLRs, 70s-90s SLRs. It's all fairly inexpensive gear compared to the newest equipment that is setting the bar for what professionals today think they need. I am also a 5DIV, and 5DSr shooter and it's primarily how I found your chanel. I do recognise and feel the limits of the 5DSr but it's utility surpasses any complaints I could have, and I appreciate seeing the incredible work you produce with it. It really all comes down to understanding these are just tools and it is the compitant crafted work that is done with them that matters most. Some of the my favorite images I have ever captured were on a Pentax K1000 signed out from my highschool's AV Department in the 80's.
This is ace, Scott. You've saved me a ton of money previously and have just done it again, the 80D lives to see another couple of years! Lot's to think about in here, thanks for your work.
Very sensible POV again. Got back into photography about 10 years ago with a 1300D and 18-55 plastic kit lens. have since worked my way through a 70D, 7D, 6D (wish I hadn't sold that!) and ended up with a 5DIII with a crop of L lenses (all this lot secondhand, so not bank busting). However, have recently acquired a D700 with a 50 and 85 1.8 - am rather surprised how much I love using it, handling it, and the output is fantastic and am now selling the 5DIII and lenses. I shoot mainly equine sports (as a hobby) and the D700 can do it easily. Its also more fun. Should have bought one years ago and saved a bucket load of pennies. Really ought to get some tutoring and buy some books too (magazines don't count)...
I mainly shoot Rugby, and do some PWR games..I use a pair second had Canon 1DX iii , I'm very happy with the DSLRs and don't need the latest mirrorless gear, 20 mp and 14 FPS is enough and I mainly use single focus point.... I do love my EF 400 2.8 mk2 lens though, I still feel good glass makes a difference. Having twin CF express slots to record to both is nice as a backup but I've not had an issues with CF Express card yet.
Your spot on I’ve been saying this for almost a decade and these people are absolute gear hungry which is fine, but it does not make anything better. Yes, we all loved the new gear and we all promote it, but do you need? It is a very different thing it’s more than want than the need.
i need a large format because i like it. no other reason. i have a mk ii, which ended up as my webcam. love it. but every time i think about shooting something i automatically try and find a way to do it with "the beast". also i do not aspire to be a pro. so there is that. i watch your videos because youve never once tried to sell me kit, and it is cool to have insight on the professional world. not because i want to do it, but because information of all kinds is power.
I used a Canon XSI for (crop sensor) 13 years before I purchased my first full frame Canon 5D markii (used). I did some great work with my crop sensor and I pushed the heck out of that thing before I decided to invest more. Of course now still using my 5D mark ii and now RP, I am happy as a lamb. I don't see any reason to change my camera bodies. But yeah, I'm trying to save up to get L glass. But my opinion is if I can't make $$ with what I have, then I'm not good enough to spend that extra money on glass. Good glass is great but photography is about light. Great video, Scott!
I agree with you.. I do a lot of sports photography and I still shoot manually.. If you understand the sport you will know the best locations to take a shot.. Having all the latest and greatest is nice to have but not required. I would say 99% of todays features didn't exist when I started in the early 80's... It's more important to understand light and exposure then composition.. First..
Excellent, great real world talk, i started on the 5d (classic) never felt i needed to upgrade, when i did upgrade i discovered ok the auto ISO helped a bit but that was it, and as you mention fun i ended up with a fuji xt1 and that has been my fun camera, they are all only tools just enjoy, oh maybe print some of your photos its a better buzz than any upgrade, cheers for your real world views, love your vids
I have an Olympus EM1X not the best camera in the world but I love it. I'm no means a professional but I love doing concert photography, I recently did some for my favourite bands and it managed brilliantly. A friend was there with a Canon R5, were her photos any better?? no!! Could you tell which pictures were taken on which camera?? No!! I know my camera has some limitations but I concentrate on what I Can do and not what I Can't do.
I think it sometimes all it takes is for us to actually spend a lot of money on the kit we think we need to realise we actually don’t Despite watching many videos for many years it still took me it to do well in my career and buy a lot of kit that I thought I need to strip it back down to the bare minimum.
Yep had this conversation with a famous photo content maker just a few weeks ago. Having any camera does not make anyone a photographer. It what you do with it.
Once you have tried a camera with focus peaking etc there is no going back… I went from a 1dx to an R6 and it is superior in almost every way except using the camera as a hammer
@whatcouldgowrong7914 I do like the "analog-ness" of the 5D2. I used to shoot 35mm in the 80s and 90s, so this 5D2 is like alien futuristic technology to me. I do like the R6 MKII.
@@Twobarpsi It is nice I agree if you like slow shooting styles. That said I shoot infrared now and the revolution of mirrorless and seeing exactly what the sensor sees has been a big change and allows me to frame my shots with more intention
the time point is my favourite. i'm just a hobbbyist shutter presser dummy with a 2000D who turns up to about 7-10 motorcycle races a year. about 1.5-2k photos per day on a 2/3 day weekend - about 100 of them are ever worth keeping. i would quite like an r7, because 15fps (and some other things), and because i'm just a hobbyist shutter presser i don't have to think about 'will i make the money back'. but, realistically, doing 5x more fps is just going to get me 5x more shite photos. the better autofocus might reduce that to like 4x more shite photos. but it's a lot more to sift through to get to the few good ones - i am capable of getting >some< good, or at least ok, ones. but if i take my 300 good photos from a weekend and stick them in lightroom - which i don't understand - i probably end up with 50-80 that i consider 'keepable' and probably about 3-5 that i'm actually happy with. i have to keep coming back to these videos to remind myself that a fucking r5ii isn't going to make me polarityphoto, i have much more fundamental problems haha.
I shot weddings for several years using an RB67 with a metz CL4 strapped to the side and a cheap sekonic light meter. I used the same camera for my black and white topographic landscape photography.
I did three seasons of MX Photography with an 5Dii without any problems. Last season I started to film these events as well and for that a DSLM really makes a difference...
I've recently been going thru my Film Archive with negatives and slides dating from 1970 ranging from 35mm up to 4x5. I cannot agree with you more, it's not the camera, it's HOW the camera is used. BTW, shot some Kodachrome 64 with my Mamiya C220 when it was available and wish I had spent the money to shoot a lot more of that K64, the slides I have are wonderful. Just went out to today and stocked up a bit on Extar 100 in 35mm and 120 format.
Something that often gets ignored is that most people want a better camera not for better results but because they want an easier to use and more enjoyable camera.
Great argument. A University Journalism/Communication Arts programme, in my day, (early seventies) required ONLY an Olympus Trip 35, film, and the darkroom. No other camera and or gizmos. A rapid buildup of portfolio was the requirement. The only reason I bought my D7100 was because I missed a huge contract, (~2003 or so) He wouldn't accept scanned images from film even if it was Kodak who did the scanning. Enjoy your blogs. Love that Canon F1! Folk interested in photography are just being led down the path of one-upmanship. Sad state.
I agree that camera doesn’t matter. I personally shot my best work using a 4mp Canon years ago. Granted, my work with my Mamiya RZ67 exceeds the size prints I could have ever made with my older Canon with 4mp but for computer monitors or phones the Canon is more than sufficient. Having said that I also use a Hasselblad H5Dc 50mp and I love what it produces.
Love the video. Upgraded to an Canon Eos R from a 5d mkii to have a great 4k camera for the youtube channel that gives me the best of both worlds. The other reason for mirrorless is using some of my favourite old manual focus lenses with more precise contrast detect manual focus Otherwise I really miss using my 5d mkii. Otherwise, if I only shot photography, I would only use my 5d mkii or if weight is no issue, my old time favourite camera the Canon 1Ds mkii.
So true. I have a near library of books from people who came before me. Mirrorless make stuff easier, but not impossible. More photographers need to buy books
100% agree with you there. I used to work for Jessops and the number of gear freaks I used to serve or work with was amazing. I saw their work quite a lot and it wasn't always great. I occasionally challenged people to take a dirt cheap SLR and a roll of film and go and take some photos of whatever they wanted. The best photographers could always handle it.
Last century my friends and I loved to shoot pictures. I had a Nikon F2 and he had a Canon F1. Being military overseas was great as these cameras were cheap compared to the US prices. So, why not. I worked in the media and used the F2 exclusively. Before that I had the Pentax Spotmatic F I got while in the Philippines. Got lots of great images with that little camera. I know, we all know, the camera name is not the ticket to great photography. We need to bring out the artist in us, to be able to see a picture waiting to be taken. I love photojournalism as it seems to cover most aspects of photography. Be it street photography or a job given to you by the editor, we are all journalists. Our pictures tell a story or supplement a story. It's our eye and our ability to translate that onto film. Oh, I love Kodachrome 64.
Thanks for this Scott, I dropped my camera in the sea and they told me they can't fix it so I'm looking at new cameras. But do I need the latest model for what I shoot? No, probably not, and my bank balance will thank me for it! It's nice to think a new camera will make my photos a 1000% better but sadly that isn't gonna happen!
I'm always telling students that I mentor that before you upgrade, you need to outshoot the gear you have. Especially for sports, timing is everything, assuming you have a good grasp on exposure. As a sports and portrait photographer, I rather have a slower frame rate and a higher ISO capability then 20 to 30 frames per second any day
excellent, thank you. I am an amateur but find your videos very thought provoking. I need a small camera otherwise I often can't be bothered to pick it up when I go out. In 1981 it was an Olympus XA, still works; today it is an Olympus EP 7. In between have been various full frame APSC 6x9 film etc. they gather dust.
knowing what your camera is capable of is the important part and play to its strengths, same with any tool of any trade, note, a photographer known for/by their camera, Horst Hamann (leica Rangefinder) shooting super verticals! his work is fantastic!
When I got my first "real" camera I took a class with a NatGeo landscape photographer. First day and last day the whole class went out in the parking lot, students with their shiny new gear, instructor with a disposable 35mm. We all got better, but he won both times, hands down.
This reminds me of the old saying wedding photographers hear from guests, "You have an amazing expensive camera, that must be why your photos are so good." Take the same subject, lights and camera and give it to 10 different photographers and you will get 10 completely different images. The photographer makes the shot. The camera is tool the same way a light is a tool. If you camera is more important than you are then you just make yourself into a tool.
When you see these old digitalrev videos where they send a pro photographer on a mission with the worst cameras ever imagined - there were still amazing photographs. A good photographer can work around limitations or use them to enhance the craft. It's like comparing your camera to the pots and pans, spoons and forks, oven and salamanders of a chef. Will the meal become better with the new pot or stove?
This is absolutely true! I used to own the 5d mk2 back in the day. I primarily do street and outdoor photography but I had a close friend that started a wedding photography business. I helped her out on her first few photo shoots and the images I got with that camera were stunning! The only reason I moved off that camera was to shrink my kit to something that fits the stuff I want to do, but even my current camera is over 8 years old! If I were to start a wedding photography business today I'd almost 100% get a used 5d mk2, the 50, 85 and an 18-35 zoom and call it a day. If you can't build a business off that then maybe photography isn't for you. There's an oversaturation with cameras and everyone is chasing specs instead of getting out and creating images.
💯, although I would do the 6D just just get the wider dynamic range. Put that thing on auto iso and it's set and forget, and you can make life a little easier.
Thank you for this. Much appreciated. Substitute drum sets, golf clubs, F1 cars LOL. Last question I asked, if I ever even asked, was, what brand was that paintbrush?
Hope you have watched the film Lee. It implies it wasn't a selfie. She styled it, but David Scherman pressed the shutter. My favourite of her photos is the girls with the fire watch masks.
Minimum wedding kit - two Fuji GFX 100’s with several fast lenses, Leica back up, two M11R plus two Monochrome- several fast lenses, full studio fast set up with generator plus 3.5 van to move it all around , got to the venue and shit I forgot the SD cards 😵😮😟
Having driven to Scotland and back in the crappiest clapped out Morris Marina and later in a lovely Jaguar S type I know which “tool” I would choose for the journey. But i guess your point is don’t risk your business by wasting money 😊
I once shot football with a Nikon F3, MD4 and a Tamron 300mm f2.8 at 400ASA (yeah im old). Did I miss a few shots, yes however, I was quite successful the majority of the time
I liked what you said! Twenty years ago I did many weddings with a Nikon D70 and 18-70 kit lens, and regularly sold 16x20 bridal portraits. I knew my work was good in that several time I did multiple sisters in the same family. Would anybody shoot a wedding now with a 6 mp D70?
Great video, Scott. I love it, and I can sum it up with one quote: "The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!" - Ansal Adams -. I love my Canon F1, too.
Me photographing 2 federal politicians opening a new medical department & unveiling the plaque in a tight confinement with a Canon 200d & its 55-250mm & a sigma 30mm felt very much an amateur, compared to the bloke next to me for the local newspaper with 2 Canon R3 slung over his shoulders one with a 70-200 f2.8 & the other with a 24-70 f2.8 but i got the job done & the client got all the images they requested in the brief. One of the politicians used the other guys plaque unveiling images on her socials, and to be honest as we were next to each other at that particular time i actually thought she had somehow got hold of my image because you literally couldn't tell the difference.
I think there is a big difference between yes you can do it and do you want to do it. You can build yourself a house with only a handsaw and a hammer, but you would be much better off doing it with modern power tools all things being equal. I think people get caught up in thinking wants are needs. You need something when you can not readily accomplish your goals with the tools you have on hand.
While this may seem to be pedantic, the Lee Miller bath tub photograph wasn't a selfie, but taken by the Life photographer David Scherman. Lee also took one of him in the bath tub, but that, for some reason, hasn't become as famous. That apart I'm really pleased you are continuing this type of post on You tube, I was worried they might end up on your paid for site, which unfortunately isn't something I can afford.
Scott not taking any prisoners. I will say - those old Canon DSLRs weigh a TON. Big heavy cameras are not my thing. I’m thinking an iPhone, some Reeflex lenses & decent lighting.
True. If good photo can be taken using half-frame format film camera, then it could be done using anything. Technical quality not equals content quality.
I agree with the overall stance here but I think people still get this argument wrong… I think all real photographers understand that any camera can get the job done and your skill is really what’s on display BUT the desire for different gear is more so based on simplifying your workflow! What will get me to the result I want, with the least work. That’s important when you’re editing 50-100+ photos. I think the idea of this video more so suits some newer photographers who are not thinking about workflows but seeing certain gear as means of making them better photographers and that’s never going to be the case!
If you want to learn more about taking photographs from still life through to portraiture at a much more in depth level than youtube allows, head here tinhouse-studio.com/studio-access/
One of the main reason why I stuck with the channel Scott because you are you!
An exercise for those of us who have ever been affected by GAS (gear acquisition syndrome): find youtube videos that sing the praises of the camera/lens you have then go out and make photographs with it.
@@SteveBonario knowing me, I’d end up buying a second one 😂
I do that exact thing. :)
Instructions unclear. Now using a Cambo for sports.
@@WhenWillILearn Ha ha ha...brilliant!!
@@SteveBonario As someone with severe GAS, I think I understand... Basically your saying sell everything (apart from my gear) and buy a UA-cam?
"If William Eggleston can do it wit a Leica and roll of Kodakchrome, and I can't even get close with a 100 MP technical camera, what does that tell you of the importance of photography".... I think that is the most accurate truth of photography, period. Excellent video, very down to earth
One of my favourite quotes (from a photographic "God" of mine, Edward Weston) " the simplest camera has more potential than any photographer will ever exceed."
I shot the 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII flyover, from inside the formation, with a Nikon D700, and Gen1 70-200 f/2.8. The things that saved me more than anything were understanding my subjects (military helicopters), knowing how the pilots would be flying the mission, and being able to read light.
I have shot over 600 weddings on a Mamiya 645 with Vericolor III ISO160 film. No AF, no high ISO, using fixed 80mm and 55mm lenses (no zooms). The guy that I assisted before I started shooting on my own, used a Koni-Omega Rapid 100 with a 90mm lens. His work was terrific! When I hear people say that they can't shoot a wedding with a Canon 5d2, I suggest they shoot 25 weddings with a Mamiya 645 or 15 weddings with a Koni-Omega and I guarantee that by the time they're done, they'll be able to shoot ANYTHING with a 5d2.
I agree with Scott-camera choice doesn’t matter that much.
My priority was the lens, not the camera body, which is why I chose the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8.
As an event photographer in Brussels, Belgium, specializing in political and cultural events, I need gear that’s practical and versatile. Since I’m not a fan of the Nikon mirrorless lineup, I opted for Sony (this lens is compatible with both systems). The Tamron 35-150mm is ideal for my work, sparing me the hassle of carrying the typical 24-70mm and 70-200mm kit. Ultimately, it’s not the camera that matters-practicality is everything.
Tin House Studio is one of the best photography infotainment channels.
I love the relaxed, casual vibe of this couch setup-much better than a formal studio feel.
I see your point, but in my case upgrading from 5Ds to GFX100 was one of the biggest upgrades, period. Maybe just after switching from 17-40L to 17TS-E. Files are just amazing, after few months i still can't believe i don't need to worry about HDR artifacts because one shot with this camera is just enough. It absolutely changed the way i shoot and edit photos. But then, as you said - bad foto taken with good camera is just a bad photo.
I went same path. The GFX has to last 10yrs min before next purchase. Still shoot with my old 1DSmk3
Everything you said - true.
There is a difference between "nice to have/more useful/faster/fancier" and "necessity"
The photo of Lee in Hitler's bath was actually shot by David Scherman. She returned the compliment by taking a shot of David in the same tub. Lee Miller was not only an incredible photographer but an extraordinary person. I admire her greatly. A wonderful video, by the way.
I use a 5Dii and a 1DXmk1 and I never needed anything else.... this kit rocks the boat as long as I use good glass.
I've commented this recently on another video: Save your money and go and take a fine art course. Or buy some books on painting. Learn about composition, framing, use of light, contrast, shadows etc. This understanding and knowledge will transform most photographers pictures far more than any new kit. Too many photographers want to believe the difference is the kit, not their artistic skills and knowledge. Photography is art, not tech. Understand the art, not just the tech. Learning how to paint or draw really well is really hard but learning the concepts are not hard at all, transferring those concepts over to photography is really easy if you understand them properly.
What art courses would you suggest to get started with ?
The last 20 seconds of this video brings it all home.
As a child I started with 110 as my first camera, then 35mm, then 120/220, and now digital.
From darkroom to lightroom, it's all gotten so much easier. Too much easier to be honest, the art of photography is being sacrificed on the altar of convenience. But the convenience is amazing when you understand the technical aspects.
I do natural light outdoor portraitures, I love the technical challenges, and how it forces me to adapt. I've got the portable lighting kit, but it's too much hassle for most shoots. At the end of the day, I get to do what I love pretty much every week while being paid. I'm now working on collaborating with other local photographers and exploring new avenues. I absolutely love it!
I use a mirrorless with IBIS and lens stabilisation because it helps me get a decent shot. I had a disease which left me with physical shaking in my hands. Having said that, I don’t need all of that to get a decent shot. I sometimes need a tripod and remote on a particularly bad day.
Speaking outside of exceptionally talented photographers and more about the industrial photography world, the company I work for only allows us to use a d7000 on their shoots and while frustrating as a photographer that likes kit, goes to show that you can deliver a product and make a tremendous amount of money using a system most people would probably just ignore.
Which isn't to say that using newer systems wouldn't have benefits, but you can absolutely get the job done with it.
I suffered hard from GAS several years ago. But, thanks to videos like this and some great mentors, I was fortunate to get past it quickly. And now I have more than I'll ever need and have focused on getting great shots. Not the gear to think I'll get great shots with.
There are so many different trolls on the internet regarding photography. There are the trolls that say if your primary income isn't photography then you are not a professional. The trolls who say if you don't shoot RAW exclusively then you are an amateur. Then of course, there are the equipment trolls who say if you don't have the latest and greatest equipment then you simply can't be successful. After years of all this BS, I just don't give a sh%t. I purchase what I need to get the images that please me, and me alone. I think what experience gets you is the ability to understand exactly what it takes to produce the images that you see in your mind. Wasn't that how Ansel Adams did it?
Very refreshing! Love the message! Agree... number 1 reason to buy a camera is because it's fun to use and inspires you to shoot. The second reason - it makes it easier to get a shot. Neither reason is essential. I am not a pro photographer, but love photography. My main camera is from 2017. My second body is from 2015. My film camera is from 1983 (Nikon FA). I get great shots on all of them. The reason they are not older is that I switched early to mirrorless because the size got me out shooting more. I have to confess though - I bought a Leica Q3 last year for my 40th because the engineer in me wanted to try a Leica for some casual stuff. It's fun (No 1 reason right there). I have been tempted to get a new body because I am getting more into wildlife photography, my second body has a broken screen, the viewfinder has some issues and both camera's autofocus is not ideal for wildlife. Sure, a newer body would have made things a little easier at points on my recent photo trip, but it is not essential. I have not purchased anything because the cost/benefit analysis is not working for me right now. Give me any camera and I will get some compelling shots!
Reminds me of a challenge that was on UA-cam years ago.
Pro photographer, toy camera.
Literally a toy camera.
And still amazed about the photos some came up with.
@@pd1jdw630 I remember that.
Under this video I'm being shown an ad for a 5D mk IV - brilliant :)
I love my little X-E4. Sure, there's no stabilization and the rolling shutter could literally give me motion sickness, but I plan the hell out of my shots and I use a solid tripod. My preparation, rig and lens are what make the shoot work.
What an absolute classic of a video….I think people who are hell bent on “needing” the latest gadgets and gizmos are kidding themselves. I recently saw a video from a professional photographer using one of the latest Nikon cameras….his comments were “I don’t need this camera but I want it”…says it all for me. Some time ago I ditched my Nikon gear and everything that went with it and purchased a 9 year old Fujifilm X-T1 and do you know what …I’ve never looked back…my interest has been rekindled again and my knowledge of doing this that and the other with a camera has improved dramatically. Your comments about some of the “older” gear are so true. Thank you.
Totally agree with you. We have all been there. However I am in the process of upgrading my kit due to weight. I am over 60 and although my old gear is more than good enough, my back isn't.
Thanks Scott! You are a much needed voice in our industry. There are artists and there are gear heads who call themselves artist. I unfortunately used to be in the latter camp until I started freelancing and realised that some things slowly stack sunk costs...
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Your point about artists could totally be proven more: I know someone I shot a fashion show/week with and for the first day he got loaned a GFX 100 ii... but comparing the photos of the GFX 100 ii and the Nikon Z9 there was no change in the way the photos looked or the style of the photos. One (or even a client) would be remiss on the detail if they weren't a photographer - and then again...
It’s more about being there at the right time learning to use your instincts rather then relying on gear
Subject matter over megapixels or dynamic range
OK you make good points. I'm an amateur generalist photographer and I have been getting great shots for circa 30 years. I loved the rugged durability of my Nikon F4 and F5 back in the day. Nikkor glass was pretty good too, albeit today's Sony GM glass and 61 Mp sensors can reveal a heap more detail than I ever got on Velvia at ISO 50.
IMO good technique, an eye or feel for photography and great subjects, composition and lighting are all more important than the camera brand. There have been few bad cameras made since 2000 from any of the major brands. So I get why, to some extent, that a new supposedly better camera can only help to a limited degree and in many situations adds little or nothing extra in order to help one shoot better images.
Although a generalist I love skiing and shooting ski action/jump pics. When I shot my D800 with a wide lens I could maybe get 2 out of 3 pics sharp, when subjects were moving towards them away from me. Focusing was slow by today's standards. Later using a D500 I managed a faster shooting rate and got more in focus. Later, post switching to Sony my a9 achieved maybe 8 out of 10 shots sharp at rate I couldn't possibly achieve on early Nikon kit. Now I own an a9iii (amongst several other bodies) with a broad range of expensive GM glass (primes and zooms). Not tried shooting ski action since buying my a9iii, but expect it to help facilitate an much higher level of 'good' shots. OK I doubt that they will be materially better than what I could shoot before, but I will have a higher level of good/keeper shots to choose from. So yes it's progress and better than I ever had before.
Did I truly need it? No. Do I like it and am I glad I bought arguably the best 'sports' camera around at the moment? Heck yes! I can afford It so why wouldn't I want to get the best kit going?
Would you try to shoot your studio images by candlelight? Probably no.... 'cus it's hard, limiting, albeit potentially creative. Stanley Kubrick managed to shoot his excellent film, Barry Lyndon, by candlelight and pretty fast glass as a creative exercise - so many things are possible with old tech. But..... newer tech kit opens up newer possibilities and makes life easier. So why not embrace it?
After a period of gear hunting about 5 years ago, moving up the Nikon range from D3500, where I discovered I wanted buttons not menus, to the D7200 then the D810, then on to mirrorless with the Z6 I, I decided I needed to give it a rest and focus on taking decent photographs whatever I might be using. If they could take great photos 70 years ago we can probably manage with our superduper equipment today. So when I snagged a slightly used D850 for €1300, I sold the Z6 and associated lenses (great pictures but a bit pricey and I did not like the electronic viewfinder at all) and moved back to DSLR. I'm sure they've improved the viewfinder on the mirrorless but the weight and feel of the D850 is just right for me. And if you can't take a decent photo with the D850 you should probably rethink your hobby/career.
I happen to shoot a 5D II mostly with a 24-70L and a 10 megapixel Nikon D200. These cameras fit my eye. I’ve never had anyone that likes my photos say that these are crap cameras so I don’t know why there’s so much pressure for new gear. What’s funny is that I’ve been doing research for years on my next moneys-no-object modern day camera but I still haven’t decided…maybe next year.
Preaching to the choir! I knew right from the start I don't _need_ any camera. But we _wants_ them, my precious...
I agree specs don't matter. What matters however is how you feel with a camera (very same as with a musical instrument). I make my best work on a rangefinder because how it makes me see and feel. It inspires me differently than say a mirrorless, and for me that has more value than megapixels.
Totally agree. Some of the most amazing photos ever taken were on a simple Leica M6 analogue camera with a standard lens. Better equipment does not equal better photography. I made these same mistakes to the point where my camera bag was full of lenses and bodies (weighing 20kgs) and then decided on 'one camera one lens' and my photography improved dramatically as a result. The really big development was the transition from analogue to digital making post processing a breeze.
My wedding setup was Fuji Film, ISO 125, Contax Quartz, Metz 45 CT5, Lens either 50 mm or 70-210 Zoom. At most 72 frames. No auto focus. Never owned a digital until 3 years ago.
I found this out some years ago when I experimented with micro-four-thirds gear. Once i understood it i found i could get results that were just as good as my full frame DSLR (shooting dark stages at events). Pretty much any camera made in the last 15 years is amazing!
Being able to operate the camera as an extension of your mind and eye and clearly understanding what you want to achieve, technically and artistically, are of paramount importance imo. For some images, I gravitate to an old 15mp camera body to achieve the desired result, when I have a far more sophisticated camera available.
Whatever camera you have now was at one point the top of the line camera tech.
After a long break from photography... I originally shot film on 35mm, 6x6 and 6x7, always fun especially a wedding with the RB67, but got repeatable results. So taking it up again a few years ago I purchased a used Z7 Kit a couple of month after they were released. A big learning curve on how the camera worked but got good results, the only issue I found was the auto-focus and exposure calculation couldn't keep up when shooting runway with lots of flashing lights, so lots of noise in some images. Then I tried the Z9 which I wouldn't have purchased because it was primarily designed for sports. Well the auto-focus and exposure problem was solved so more "keepers". To get used to the camera, I tried taking pics of the beach and water sports folks where I live. This has given a whole new life to my photography, getting shots I know I couldn't achieve with my older cameras. That's not to say my photos back in the late 70's of motor sports were bad, it's just a lot easier to take with the modern cameras. Having beginnings in film, I definitely don't run off hundreds of exposures, the knowledge of how your subject moves will always trump any technical advancements in camera design. Lastly, why did I take a break from photography? Well I got fed up with all the so called creative types copying each other, and the GAS (lighting) by people with more money than skills.
I worked with a photographer that shot 4x5 fashion often with strong motion.
Love that F1n. Yours sounds nice and smooth. I'll admit that a fair bit of my inspiration to shoot for the last few years has been nested in the inspiration I get from the equipment I shoot,
but I've kind of turned around against the forward stream of technological developments.
I've been shooting film quite a bit and in cameras with very limited technology, range finders and folders with no meter and scale focuss with distance markings on the lens with black and white film, TLRs, 70s-90s SLRs. It's all fairly inexpensive gear compared to the newest equipment that is setting the bar for what professionals today think they need.
I am also a 5DIV, and 5DSr shooter and it's primarily how I found your chanel. I do recognise and feel the limits of the 5DSr but it's utility surpasses any complaints I could have, and I appreciate seeing the incredible work you produce with it.
It really all comes down to understanding these are just tools and it is the compitant crafted work that is done with them that matters most.
Some of the my favorite images I have ever captured were on a Pentax K1000 signed out from my highschool's AV Department in the 80's.
This is ace, Scott. You've saved me a ton of money previously and have just done it again, the 80D lives to see another couple of years! Lot's to think about in here, thanks for your work.
Glad to help!
Very sensible POV again. Got back into photography about 10 years ago with a 1300D and 18-55 plastic kit lens. have since worked my way through a 70D, 7D, 6D (wish I hadn't sold that!) and ended up with a 5DIII with a crop of L lenses (all this lot secondhand, so not bank busting). However, have recently acquired a D700 with a 50 and 85 1.8 - am rather surprised how much I love using it, handling it, and the output is fantastic and am now selling the 5DIII and lenses. I shoot mainly equine sports (as a hobby) and the D700 can do it easily. Its also more fun. Should have bought one years ago and saved a bucket load of pennies.
Really ought to get some tutoring and buy some books too (magazines don't count)...
I mainly shoot Rugby, and do some PWR games..I use a pair second had Canon 1DX iii , I'm very happy with the DSLRs and don't need the latest mirrorless gear, 20 mp and 14 FPS is enough and I mainly use single focus point.... I do love my EF 400 2.8 mk2 lens though, I still feel good glass makes a difference. Having twin CF express slots to record to both is nice as a backup but I've not had an issues with CF Express card yet.
Your spot on I’ve been saying this for almost a decade and these people are absolute gear hungry which is fine, but it does not make anything better. Yes, we all loved the new gear and we all promote it, but do you need? It is a very different thing it’s more than want than the need.
i need a large format because i like it. no other reason. i have a mk ii, which ended up as my webcam. love it. but every time i think about shooting something i automatically try and find a way to do it with "the beast". also i do not aspire to be a pro. so there is that. i watch your videos because youve never once tried to sell me kit, and it is cool to have insight on the professional world. not because i want to do it, but because information of all kinds is power.
I used a Canon XSI for (crop sensor) 13 years before I purchased my first full frame Canon 5D markii (used). I did some great work with my crop sensor and I pushed the heck out of that thing before I decided to invest more. Of course now still using my 5D mark ii and now RP, I am happy as a lamb. I don't see any reason to change my camera bodies. But yeah, I'm trying to save up to get L glass. But my opinion is if I can't make $$ with what I have, then I'm not good enough to spend that extra money on glass. Good glass is great but photography is about light. Great video, Scott!
I've watched so many of your videos lately that you are literally my conscience at this point.
The video that many real photographers wanted to make but didn't dare. 👏
I agree with you.. I do a lot of sports photography and I still shoot manually.. If you understand the sport you will know the best locations to take a shot.. Having all the latest and greatest is nice to have but not required. I would say 99% of todays features didn't exist when I started in the early 80's... It's more important to understand light and exposure then composition.. First..
Spot on!
As confirmed by any photographer's work prior to ~1990, say.
Excellent, great real world talk, i started on the 5d (classic) never felt i needed to upgrade, when i did upgrade i discovered ok the auto ISO helped a bit but that was it, and as you mention fun i ended up with a fuji xt1 and that has been my fun camera, they are all only tools just enjoy, oh maybe print some of your photos its a better buzz than any upgrade, cheers for your real world views, love your vids
I have an Olympus EM1X not the best camera in the world but I love it. I'm no means a professional but I love doing concert photography, I recently did some for my favourite bands and it managed brilliantly. A friend was there with a Canon R5, were her photos any better?? no!! Could you tell which pictures were taken on which camera?? No!! I know my camera has some limitations but I concentrate on what I Can do and not what I Can't do.
I think it sometimes all it takes is for us to actually spend a lot of money on the kit we think we need to realise we actually don’t
Despite watching many videos for many years it still took me it to do well in my career and buy a lot of kit that I thought I need to strip it back down to the bare minimum.
Yep had this conversation with a famous photo content maker just a few weeks ago. Having any camera does not make anyone a photographer. It what you do with it.
With the budget to buy a R5, I chose the 5D MKII. I have yet to run into a situation where the body was a limiting factor.
Once you have tried a camera with focus peaking etc there is no going back… I went from a 1dx to an R6 and it is superior in almost every way except using the camera as a hammer
@whatcouldgowrong7914 I do like the "analog-ness" of the 5D2. I used to shoot 35mm in the 80s and 90s, so this 5D2 is like alien futuristic technology to me. I do like the R6 MKII.
@@Twobarpsi It is nice I agree if you like slow shooting styles. That said I shoot infrared now and the revolution of mirrorless and seeing exactly what the sensor sees has been a big change and allows me to frame my shots with more intention
100% agree with you. Cameras and lenses are tools for a photographer to learn how to use and use well.
the time point is my favourite. i'm just a hobbbyist shutter presser dummy with a 2000D who turns up to about 7-10 motorcycle races a year. about 1.5-2k photos per day on a 2/3 day weekend - about 100 of them are ever worth keeping. i would quite like an r7, because 15fps (and some other things), and because i'm just a hobbyist shutter presser i don't have to think about 'will i make the money back'. but, realistically, doing 5x more fps is just going to get me 5x more shite photos. the better autofocus might reduce that to like 4x more shite photos. but it's a lot more to sift through to get to the few good ones - i am capable of getting >some< good, or at least ok, ones. but if i take my 300 good photos from a weekend and stick them in lightroom - which i don't understand - i probably end up with 50-80 that i consider 'keepable' and probably about 3-5 that i'm actually happy with. i have to keep coming back to these videos to remind myself that a fucking r5ii isn't going to make me polarityphoto, i have much more fundamental problems haha.
I shot weddings for several years using an RB67 with a metz CL4 strapped to the side and a cheap sekonic light meter. I used the same camera for my black and white topographic landscape photography.
I did three seasons of MX Photography with an 5Dii without any problems. Last season I started to film these events as well and for that a DSLM really makes a difference...
I've recently been going thru my Film Archive with negatives and slides dating from 1970 ranging from 35mm up to 4x5. I cannot agree with you more, it's not the camera, it's HOW the camera is used. BTW, shot some Kodachrome 64 with my Mamiya C220 when it was available and wish I had spent the money to shoot a lot more of that K64, the slides I have are wonderful. Just went out to today and stocked up a bit on Extar 100 in 35mm and 120 format.
Something that often gets ignored is that most people want a better camera not for better results but because they want an easier to use and more enjoyable camera.
Great argument. A University Journalism/Communication Arts programme, in my day, (early seventies) required ONLY an Olympus Trip 35, film, and the darkroom. No other camera and or gizmos. A rapid buildup of portfolio was the requirement. The only reason I bought my D7100 was because I missed a huge contract, (~2003 or so) He wouldn't accept scanned images from film even if it was Kodak who did the scanning. Enjoy your blogs. Love that Canon F1! Folk interested in photography are just being led down the path of one-upmanship. Sad state.
I agree that camera doesn’t matter. I personally shot my best work using a 4mp Canon years ago. Granted, my work with my Mamiya RZ67 exceeds the size prints I could have ever made with my older Canon with 4mp but for computer monitors or phones the Canon is more than sufficient. Having said that I also use a Hasselblad H5Dc 50mp and I love what it produces.
Love the video. Upgraded to an Canon Eos R from a 5d mkii to have a great 4k camera for the youtube channel that gives me the best of both worlds. The other reason for mirrorless is using some of my favourite old manual focus lenses with more precise contrast detect manual focus Otherwise I really miss using my 5d mkii. Otherwise, if I only shot photography, I would only use my 5d mkii or if weight is no issue, my old time favourite camera the Canon 1Ds mkii.
So true. I have a near library of books from people who came before me. Mirrorless make stuff easier, but not impossible. More photographers need to buy books
100% agree with you there. I used to work for Jessops and the number of gear freaks I used to serve or work with was amazing. I saw their work quite a lot and it wasn't always great. I occasionally challenged people to take a dirt cheap SLR and a roll of film and go and take some photos of whatever they wanted. The best photographers could always handle it.
Fully agree. I just had a really big picture published in The Guardian ...... taken with a GoPro.
Last century my friends and I loved to shoot pictures. I had a Nikon F2 and he had a Canon F1. Being military overseas was great as these cameras were cheap compared to the US prices. So, why not. I worked in the media and used the F2 exclusively. Before that I had the Pentax Spotmatic F I got while in the Philippines. Got lots of great images with that little camera. I know, we all know, the camera name is not the ticket to great photography. We need to bring out the artist in us, to be able to see a picture waiting to be taken. I love photojournalism as it seems to cover most aspects of photography. Be it street photography or a job given to you by the editor, we are all journalists. Our pictures tell a story or supplement a story. It's our eye and our ability to translate that onto film. Oh, I love Kodachrome 64.
Thanks for this Scott, I dropped my camera in the sea and they told me they can't fix it so I'm looking at new cameras. But do I need the latest model for what I shoot? No, probably not, and my bank balance will thank me for it! It's nice to think a new camera will make my photos a 1000% better but sadly that isn't gonna happen!
I'm always telling students that I mentor that before you upgrade, you need to outshoot the gear you have. Especially for sports, timing is everything, assuming you have a good grasp on exposure. As a sports and portrait photographer, I rather have a slower frame rate and a higher ISO capability then 20 to 30 frames per second any day
Thanks! I just bought a Canon 5D mark I due to this video!
Just kidding, I bought it a couple months ago, fantastic camera 100% recommend.
excellent, thank you. I am an amateur but find your videos very thought provoking. I need a small camera otherwise I often can't be bothered to pick it up when I go out. In 1981 it was an Olympus XA, still works; today it is an Olympus EP 7. In between have been various full frame APSC 6x9 film etc. they gather dust.
knowing what your camera is capable of is the important part and play to its strengths, same with any tool of any trade, note, a photographer known for/by their camera, Horst Hamann (leica Rangefinder) shooting super verticals! his work is fantastic!
Agree. The only time gear matters to me is for two reasons…makes my workflow better, and the joy of use.
When I got my first "real" camera I took a class with a NatGeo landscape photographer. First day and last day the whole class went out in the parking lot, students with their shiny new gear, instructor with a disposable 35mm.
We all got better, but he won both times, hands down.
Screenshots of video will be the future of modern day photography.
It's All about Composition!
This reminds me of the old saying wedding photographers hear from guests, "You have an amazing expensive camera, that must be why your photos are so good." Take the same subject, lights and camera and give it to 10 different photographers and you will get 10 completely different images. The photographer makes the shot. The camera is tool the same way a light is a tool. If you camera is more important than you are then you just make yourself into a tool.
When you see these old digitalrev videos where they send a pro photographer on a mission with the worst cameras ever imagined - there were still amazing photographs. A good photographer can work around limitations or use them to enhance the craft. It's like comparing your camera to the pots and pans, spoons and forks, oven and salamanders of a chef. Will the meal become better with the new pot or stove?
How's that laowa tilt shift working out?
This is absolutely true! I used to own the 5d mk2 back in the day. I primarily do street and outdoor photography but I had a close friend that started a wedding photography business. I helped her out on her first few photo shoots and the images I got with that camera were stunning! The only reason I moved off that camera was to shrink my kit to something that fits the stuff I want to do, but even my current camera is over 8 years old! If I were to start a wedding photography business today I'd almost 100% get a used 5d mk2, the 50, 85 and an 18-35 zoom and call it a day. If you can't build a business off that then maybe photography isn't for you. There's an oversaturation with cameras and everyone is chasing specs instead of getting out and creating images.
💯, although I would do the 6D just just get the wider dynamic range. Put that thing on auto iso and it's set and forget, and you can make life a little easier.
@@boredboiseboy I never tried the 6d but it also looks like a pretty amazing camera.
@@zachbenson9548 it doesn't have the outputs the 5d mk2 has for tethering, but the raw files are super easy to edit.
Always an inspiration to me and my 5d MKII and old lenses.
Same here, 5Dii and good glass rock the boat, still my backup body.
Thank you for this. Much appreciated. Substitute drum sets, golf clubs, F1 cars LOL.
Last question I asked, if I ever even asked, was, what brand was that paintbrush?
Hope you have watched the film Lee. It implies it wasn't a selfie. She styled it, but David Scherman pressed the shutter. My favourite of her photos is the girls with the fire watch masks.
Made me remember the time Annie Leivobitz said she doesn't care about equipment while holding a freaking Hasselblad. The nerve...
Minimum wedding kit - two Fuji GFX 100’s with several fast lenses, Leica back up, two M11R plus two Monochrome- several fast lenses, full studio fast set up with generator plus 3.5 van to move it all around , got to the venue and shit I forgot the SD cards 😵😮😟
Thank you.
Totally agree on cameras. But: does your theory also apply to studio equipment?
Scott you’d be mad at me bruv, I just bought a Fujifilm XT5 and it was pricey 😅
Having driven to Scotland and back in the crappiest clapped out Morris Marina and later in a lovely Jaguar S type I know which “tool” I would choose for the journey. But i guess your point is don’t risk your business by wasting money 😊
I once shot football with a Nikon F3, MD4 and a Tamron 300mm f2.8 at 400ASA (yeah im old). Did I miss a few shots, yes however, I was quite successful the majority of the time
I liked what you said! Twenty years ago I did many weddings with a Nikon D70 and 18-70 kit lens, and regularly sold 16x20 bridal portraits. I knew my work was good in that several time I did multiple sisters in the same family. Would anybody shoot a wedding now with a 6 mp D70?
Great video, Scott. I love it, and I can sum it up with one quote: "The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!" - Ansal Adams -. I love my Canon F1, too.
Me photographing 2 federal politicians opening a new medical department & unveiling the plaque in a tight confinement with a Canon 200d & its 55-250mm & a sigma 30mm felt very much an amateur, compared to the bloke next to me for the local newspaper with 2 Canon R3 slung over his shoulders one with a 70-200 f2.8 & the other with a 24-70 f2.8 but i got the job done & the client got all the images they requested in the brief. One of the politicians used the other guys plaque unveiling images on her socials, and to be honest as we were next to each other at that particular time i actually thought she had somehow got hold of my image because you literally couldn't tell the difference.
I think there is a big difference between yes you can do it and do you want to do it. You can build yourself a house with only a handsaw and a hammer, but you would be much better off doing it with modern power tools all things being equal. I think people get caught up in thinking wants are needs. You need something when you can not readily accomplish your goals with the tools you have on hand.
While this may seem to be pedantic, the Lee Miller bath tub photograph wasn't a selfie, but taken by the Life photographer David Scherman. Lee also took one of him in the bath tub, but that, for some reason, hasn't become as famous. That apart I'm really pleased you are continuing this type of post on You tube, I was worried they might end up on your paid for site, which unfortunately isn't something I can afford.
I always love your videos attacking the gear obsession. This is another one to love. :-)
Scott not taking any prisoners.
I will say - those old Canon DSLRs weigh a TON. Big heavy cameras are not my thing.
I’m thinking an iPhone, some Reeflex lenses & decent lighting.
True. If good photo can be taken using half-frame format film camera, then it could be done using anything. Technical quality not equals content quality.
I agree with the overall stance here but I think people still get this argument wrong… I think all real photographers understand that any camera can get the job done and your skill is really what’s on display BUT the desire for different gear is more so based on simplifying your workflow! What will get me to the result I want, with the least work. That’s important when you’re editing 50-100+ photos. I think the idea of this video more so suits some newer photographers who are not thinking about workflows but seeing certain gear as means of making them better photographers and that’s never going to be the case!