Well said!there's a point of diminishing returns - and that's where art lives![]()
If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).
Well said!there's a point of diminishing returns - and that's where art lives![]()
Not starting this thread to be overtly negative, I'm just genuinely interested in other photographers' experience and y'all are my favorite bunch I've found thus far.
Does anyone ever compliment your photography by saying, "You must have an expensive camera," or "That looks great, what a nice camera?" This happened today to me, it's not the first time, but I was just very aware of how it made me feel.
These comments aren't meant to be mean, but I can't help but take it a little personally - I've shown you my art, you've indicated you like it, but you seem to think that the reason the picture looks nice is because I have an expensive camera. Maybe people believe that, or maybe they just don't think about photography like an art form.
I've never heard somebody say, "Wow that song was awesome, sounds like an expensive guitar!" Or, DaVinci must have used the absolute finest brushes, look how nice his paintings are.
Makes me want to start shooting with a D40 and kit lens again.
It is just me?
Couple things going on here….Not starting this thread to be overtly negative, I'm just genuinely interested in other photographers' experience and y'all are my favorite bunch I've found thus far.
Does anyone ever compliment your photography by saying, "You must have an expensive camera," or "That looks great, what a nice camera?" This happened today to me, it's not the first time, but I was just very aware of how it made me feel.
These comments aren't meant to be mean, but I can't help but take it a little personally - I've shown you my art, you've indicated you like it, but you seem to think that the reason the picture looks nice is because I have an expensive camera. Maybe people believe that, or maybe they just don't think about photography like an art form.
I've never heard somebody say, "Wow that song was awesome, sounds like an expensive guitar!" Or, DaVinci must have used the absolute finest brushes, look how nice his paintings are.
Makes me want to start shooting with a D40 and kit lens again.
It is just me?
I like the way you phrased that.Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity
Not saying they were "stupid", I think innocent ignorance is a better descriptor (but I wanted to give the exact quote above).
Also, I think this kind of compliment stems form people's experience with cameras. For most people, they notice an increase in quality each time they upgrade to a better camera. They start with a cheap point & shoot (or phone) and as they get better cameras, they notice they get better photos. They are unaware that there's a point of diminishing returns - and that's where art lives![]()
That's why I love shooting ranges. Nobody can hear anyone else, good or bad![]()
Too old to get a thicker skin, but I have joined a shooting rangeCouple things going on here…...and I speak from experience. First… ya’ need a little thicker skin. You can smile and reply “Yes it is a nice camera…. It took years to acquire the skills to use it” Never get in a pissing match with a skunk
… You don’t win. Take the high road….always. Some people are just arrogant condescending jerks and you cannot change them. Why try? Smile and walk away…. Don’t waste your time explaining your craft, your art, your music to a “nipplehead”
As a guitar player I know that a 1937 Martin D28 will show my abilities better than a cheap mail-order plastic Roy Rogers’ special.. So there are some things that equipment, tools, etc. do for you… Those that understand photography and appreciate the years of trial and error you have invested are the audience that matters.
An expensive guitar is Aladdin’s Lamp waiting for the right touch. Or….”Wow, that’s a gorgeous table you made, you must have expensive tools!” You don’t need to be offended… they just don’t have a clue… I don’t suffer fools well either…. Just smile, thank them, walk on…. Laugh later and enjoy your work….. and don’t fish for compliments….. It’s always easy to distinguish the sincere people from the idiots…. Life is short……….
I know someone who opened a photography business back in the late-1980s, and she wasn't able to get enough clients to keep the business going, and was facing having to shut her studio after only a few months in business. Her products were great, and presented very well, but it just wasn't working."Please hire me I have real good equipment so I will get you the best results"
Double edged sword![]()
Semi related story, a portrait shooter I know told me a story about someone he knew that raised his prices, and immediately got more phone calls from people wanting stuff done.I know someone who opened a photography business back in the late-1980s, and she wasn't able to get enough clients to keep the business going, and was facing having to shut her studio after only a few months in business. Her products were great, and presented very well, but it just wasn't working.
She got some advice, and went to a trophy store and bought some First-, Second-, and Honorable Mention ribbons and put them on some of the work in her studio. After that, things turned around, and she is still in business, although semi-retired.
What it takes to make a go of it, huh? We never know what a potential client may be swayed by.
Yup - it's all about perception.I know someone who opened a photography business back in the late-1980s, and she wasn't able to get enough clients to keep the business going, and was facing having to shut her studio after only a few months in business. Her products were great, and presented very well, but it just wasn't working.
She got some advice, and went to a trophy store and bought some First-, Second-, and Honorable Mention ribbons and put them on some of the work in her studio. After that, things turned around, and she is still in business, although semi-retired.
What it takes to make a go of it, huh? We never know what a potential client may be swayed by.
I just say thanks if they compliment my gear. It really seems the simplest solution, and moves the conversation right along.Yup - it's all about perception.
I understand and agree on Hanlon's Razor - thing is this - I just never know how to answer anyone who tells me I have a stunning camera. I mean - what does one say? uhm thanks? it's not like it's one of my children who has a lovely smile or nice ears - its a black piece of "stuff" and a long "thing"
It's been a few years, but I once read an article about a retail "experiment." The store, I believe it was a large chain, had a bunch of seasonal sweaters out, priced sorta mid ranged. They were not selling that well. I can't remember the details, but they raised the price. And sales went ... up. Which probably isn't that big a mystery. The price was interpreted as a measure of quality, and hey, I want a *good* sweater.Semi related story, a portrait shooter I know told me a story about someone he knew that raised his prices, and immediately got more phone calls from people wanting stuff done.
Sometimes it's the strangest things that get peoples attention
Yes, it is. And the tech that likely leads it all is autofocus and digital sensors. Without both of these, we'd see nothing like we now do, photographically.I think photography is very tech heavy...