Going Bald
It’s not surprising that I hear this question all the time. When you consider that ads by the camera manufacturers imply that a “better” camera will make you a better photographer. If it were that easy, we’d all have the same camera and we’d all be shooting like Ansel Adams.
Sadly, the camera is just a tool that is no better than the person using it. You are the critical component in any photograph. You have to tell the camera what to do, not the other way around. So does the type of camera you use really matter? To a degree, yes. If you like photographing wildlife, then a substantial telephoto lens is a must. Macro photography also requires specific equipment. But for most applications, the type of camera really isn’t that important.
For grand landscapes and intimate scenes, shots of kids, etc., that most of us take, the photographer is far more important than the camera. It is your vision and your ability to capture that vision in a photo is what really counts. The photo at the top of this article wasn’t taken with my $5000 Nikon DSLR. To prove my point, I used a $300 Nikon Coolpix point-and-shoot. Can you tell the difference?
What matters in this photo is not the camera, but my ability to use the equipment in hand to create my vision of an aging flower.
If you’re not happy with your photos, don’t shell out a lot of money on new equipment until you’ve carefully asked yourself if the problem is the equipment or the photographer. If you decide that the photographer is the problem, then what do you do?
There are many places on the internet where you can learn to take better photos, this blog being one of them. You can also join a camera club where you’ll be exposed to a wide variety of ideas. There are also a lot of seminars available for a more personalized approach, albiet for a price. Most photographers are quite happy to talk about their skills, so don’t hesitate talk to other photographers.
Whatever your situation, always keep in mind that you, the photographer, creates the photos.