Get the Picture

Buying a camera?

In my photography classes I always emphasize the fact the the camera doesn't matter. It is, after all, the photographer that creates the photo. If you end up with a bad photo it's not the cameras fault. It only did what it was programmed to do, record. It cannot create.

If I truly believe that why not tell everyone to buy the least expensive camera.

I just bought a new camera and I chose one with a price tag of $3,000. That did not include the lens, just the body.

The reason I tell my students to buy the biggest and the baddest is because like any major investment you don't want to short change yourself. It is an investment and not something you'll replace in a month. Your camera will last for years so purchase something that you won't outgrow in 6 months. Plus, the higher end cameras are built tougher and can go through the paces and take a slight beating.

Having a more expensive camera doesn't mean you'll get better photos but you'll have a reliable piece of equipment always ready when you need it. Higher end cameras allow you to change lenses for different effects so they usually have a couple of extra bells and whistles.

My real message in telling people it doesn't matter what camera you have is this; if you have a camera, any camera, learn what to do to create great photos and then go out and have fun with it.

There will always be a new lens and a new camera. Camera companies are pushing out several new models a year. If you stop and think there are photos hanging in art galleries and museums that are 40 or more years old. Why are those photos so great? They where taken with antiquated cameras and not the modern marvels that we have today. The only difference is that those photographers invested in themselves and learned the steps to creating great photos.

So, go and pick up some books on photography, watch videos and go to seminars, sign up for my emails (they are free). The more you immerse yourself in photography the better and faster you will succeed in becoming a really good photographer. The more you understand photography the you'll realize it's not the camera