Coming from a film photography background, when cameras were mechanical and simpler tools, it boggles my mind how the level of technology has exploded with digital cameras.
But just because there’s more technology doesn’t mean we have to use it.
That’s a lesson I learned early as I adapted to digital cameras.
For what it’s worth, I think the “simpler is better approach” is the best approach when it comes to both
photography and living life.
There’s a lot of new camera and editing technology (and it keeps coming), and we’re often curious if it’ll help us make better pictures.
But does more technology really help make us better
photographers?
The answer ain’t so cut and dry because we’ve got to figure out what technology will help us operate our camera more effectively and efficiently,
Choosing What Works for Us
There’s a lot of gear and software out there that the
manufacturers of this stuff would have us believe makes our photography studies and practice photography easier or more creative.
I’ll agree with the easier part, but I’m skeptical of the more creative part.
That last statement aside, the truth of the matter when it comes to technology is that most, if not all, of what we need is already in whatever camera we have.
As long as we know how to use our camera—whether it’s a phone or a complex camera like a DSLR or mirrorless—and understand light and composition, you’re already ahead of the game.
The rest?
We can kick it to the curb.
It’s not about having the latest technological marvels; it’s about
knowing how to use the camera as a tool that’ll allow us to communicate what we wanna communicate in our photographs.
How Do We Figure Out What’s Useful?
- We’ve gotta ask ourselves what do we really need in terms of technology to make the pictures we want.
- When it comes to the tools (and the functionality of those tools) and techniques we use to help us effectively communicate our unique vision, keep in mind that less is always better.
- The pressure to keep up with every new technological update can act as a distraction from our studies, practice, and learning; don’t let it do that.
If you have a film camera, DSLR, or mirrorless camera, I want to help you improve your skills with whatever camera you’ve already got.
My Photography Basics/Introduction to Photography classe is all about learning camera operation, composition, and working with light— you’ll learn photography, know what technology you’ll find helpful, and what technology gets in your way.
Keep making pictures (at least one a day, and make ’em the best you can), keep questioning what you really need, and remember— when it comes to our photography studies and practice, the simpler the better.
Or, if you want one-on-one attention, you can always book Private Lessons.
If
you'd rather learn at your own pace, check out Sam's Online Learning Platform for more ways to study and practice with me.
I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me.
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