You must have a really nice camera

Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Alan said:
We have all heard that from someone and some of us take offense when someone opens a conversation with that remark. I think this blog post addresses it well...
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I've never really expected non-photographers to understand what goes in to good photography.

My typical response to this remark is, "No, my camera sucks."

Then too, I think a lot of people spend a lot of their time looking for reasons to feel offended.
 
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piperbarb

Senior Member
Rick M said:
Good post, I agree with him. I might also add: Yes I have a great camera, and I know how to use it! :)
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I agree with the article. Also, I think people who are not photographers do not know how to say they like your photo(s). Unless the person is being very sarcastic, I just say, "Thanks. Glad you like it." I have found that it does not pay to get snarky about it. That type of comment has helped to start a lot of interesting conversations over the years. I just think most people do not know what it takes to create a really nice image.

I get similar responses from my knitting. I have been knitting for close to 30 years and do a lot of elaborate cable-patterned sweaters (the so-called "Aran" or "Irish" knit sweater for those who are not knitters). The usual comment that non-knitters make is, "Wow, it must have taken a long time to make that sweater," or "You really made that???", etc. The only time I get ticked regarding comments about my knitting is when someone says, "Can you make me one?" At that point, I tell them that they probably could not afford it or not want to spend the $500 (or more) it would cost them for me to knit them a custom-made sweater.

My point is that no matter what creative endeavour we do, there will always be people who do not understand the amount of time, effort, and money that are invested in it. Also, we must admit, but without arrogance, a lot of talent is also required.

Okay, off my soapbox for a while. :)
 
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Moab Man

Senior Member
I am not that far removed from being the person that would have said it out of ignorance and not to disrespect someones skill. However, there is a compliment to be given for nice equipment. High end camera pictures do really have an image quality (better glass, better sensor to handle ranges of color light, etc...) that makes a picture pop due to better equipment, but the composure of the shot can't come from the camera.
 
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Rancher_RIP

RIP
A few photos that I am the most proud of didn't come from the camera I use now, they were from a P&S. It was the right time and the right place. It would have been hard to duplicate it with my camera now. If my eyes hadn't have seen the shot it would have been gone forever. Really little to do with the camera but I still give some credit to these computers with lenses that we carry around.

Dave
 
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Eye-level

Banned
I totally agree Dave. And in in immortal words of HCB... "Once the picture is in the box, I’m not all that interested in what happens next. Hunters, after all, aren’t cooks."
 
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grandpaw

Senior Member
I can't tell you the number of times I have heard the statement, "You must have a real good camera". My response is that I have very nice cameras for the last forty some years but no matter how much money I spend on one or how fantastic a camera I have had, I have never had one of my cameras take a picture by itself. That is usually followed up by a several minute conversation on photography.
 
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crycocyon

Senior Member
LOL. Good stove. :D

Well if someone said that to me, and I think they have, I just would say "yes a good camera certainly helps".

I guess one could ask a painter if a good brush makes for a good painting. Certainly having good tools helps in the process of producing a work of art. A broken camera and a broken paint brush do not serve much purpose. A very low resolution camera and a brush with bristles made of straw both don't serve the artist as well as higher resolution and beaver hair. Yes, they can still be used to create art, but whether it represents the vision of the artist or not is another question. If the tool suits the artist's needs, that is the main thing. Good camera? Sure it's good and thanks for noticing LOL.
 
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Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
I have seen people with top of the line cameras that have some of the worse photos I have every seen.... One of my best photos I have ever shot was with a POS Canon.

Good equipment does help but that is just a small part.
 
Roy1961

Roy1961

Senior Member
Contributor
piperbarb said:
I get similar responses from my knitting. I have been knitting for close to 30 years and do a lot of elaborate cable-patterned sweaters (the so-called "Aran" or "Irish" knit sweater for those who are not knitters). The usual comment that non-knitters make is, "Wow, it must have taken a long time to make that sweater," or "You really made that???", etc. The only time I get ticked regarding comments about my knitting is when someone says, "Can you make me one?" At that point, I tell them that they probably could not afford it or not want to spend the $500 (or more) it would cost them for me to knit them a custom-made sweater. :)
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Do you make the Aran cardigans too Barb, my mum and granny used to make us these every Easter when we were kids, brown leather buttons too, nice and warm.
 
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Sambr

Senior Member
Doesn't bother me anymore. I have more important issues to deal with then stroking my ego. If people think it's the camera, fine let them think that LOL :)
 
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STM

Senior Member
I know a great line to verbally throw a bucket of cold water on them when they say something like that. "Yup it sure is, and I'll bet the rightful owner is really missing it right about now...."
 
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Akiviri

New member
I have gotten that compliment now and then. I usually just say "Yeah, I like it" and if I happen to have it with me (not uncommon at all) show them a little bit about SLR's. Usually - not always but usually, that opens the door to some interesting local places I hadn't known about, or some that maybe aren't that far away, or an invitation to their land which is always nice especially if there are hills/rivers/lakes/etc. Especially nice if I'm in a new area, or even an old area because after all it's hard to get around everywhere lol. Overall I find people just wanting to be friendly but not sure how to start - so they start where they think they'd want someone to start - complimenting their gear. Unless their tone is derogatory, or just plain cocky - I'll respond with politeness.
 
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