The Photographer and the Journalist

The Photographer and the Journalist
A photographer and a journalist worked together on an
article for a glossy magazine. The article was a big hit,
and after publication they got together for a drink. "You
know," said the journalist, "that was some great
photography. You must have a great camera."

"Thanks," said the photographer. "And that was some
terrific creative writing. You must have a great
typewriter."

If you get this joke, you are probably a photographer who
puts up with ridiculous comments every day. If you don't
get it...read on, my friend, and learn.

If you eat a great meal at a restaurant, you don't
compliment the chef on the quality of his saucepans. When
we appreciate a great painting, we don't automatically
think about the brand of paintbrush. When you hear your
favourite song...well, you can see where I am going with
this. So why is it that so many people think that good
photography is all about how much money you spend on your
camera?

A camera is the tool a photographer uses for their craft.
There are dozens of brands and models available, with
myriad minor features that sound good in a camera shop. But
good photography, as it always has, requires only the most
basic features available in just about any camera:
aperture, shutter speed, and a good lens.

In the days of film, these features were only available on
SLR and larger format cameras, so it could be argued that
they belonged to the realm of 'serious' photographers.
However, in the digital age, these essential features are
available on almost any camera, should the owner take the
time to learn how to use them.

Looking beyond the camera, a photographer employs their
appreciation of light, an individual flair for composition,
and a sense of timing that captures the subject in a way
that makes a point, tells a story, or just looks pretty.
These skills are the product of experience and creativity,
and have nothing to do with technology.

I was guest speaker at a camera club where one of the
members brought a suitcase full of camera gear to the
meeting. There was no reason to bring cameras to that
particular meeting, and by all reports he wasn't much of a
photographer, but he wanted everyone to see how much gear
he had. What he did not seem to grasp was that cameras
don't earn you respect as a photographer - photos do.

If you want to improve your photography, never assume it
will automatically happen with a better camera. Instead,
settle for the camera you can afford, and learn to use the
camera you have. Remember; aperture, shutter speed, a
decent lens and a flair for composition and light. Master
these and you will get results no matter what sort of
camera you have.

Don't be intimidated by photographers with thousands of
dollars worth of equipment. Instead, intimidate them with
your photography...in the end, only results matter.

----------------------------------------------------
Andrew Goodall is a professional nature photographer of
over 20 years experience, and has released two ebooks on
the art and skills of nature photography. Find out more at
http://www.naturesimage.com.au

Andrew's simple philosophy
is that good photography is not just about technology, but
about skill and sensitivity to nature.