Are you a photography snob?
Aug 26, 2019
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Do you carry your camera everywhere and try to capture the beauty in different things? Or do you only bring it to a few selected locations for strictly planned shoots? In this video, James Popsys discusses what he calls being a “photography snob,” and how he stopped being one. Do you recognize yourself in the situation he describes?
While James himself admits that the video is kinda random, he does make some good points (and a few jokes, as usual). He admits that he became the kind of photographer he always mocked. He stopped carrying his camera to cities and he stopped shooting in the streets, despite the fact that his interest in photography started there. Instead, he only started bringing it to photography trips in stunning locations, where he traveled particularly with a task of taking beautiful photos.
However, James claims that it’s easy to take stunning photos in spectacular places (especially when the light is also spectacular, if I may add). On the other hand, in cities and in everyday life, you need to work much harder to find and shoot something photo-worthy. I tend to agree with this. I mean, I always find breathtaking scenery easier to photograph than the “Dirty Old Town” in which I live.
Still, James says that his love for street photography has reinstated when he brought his camera to Manchester streets recently. While the city streets certainly aren’t glamorous in a gray, rainy day, they do offer interesting subjects to photograph. You just need to know where and how to look for them.
I personally wouldn’t call it being a “photography snob” if you only bring your camera to beautiful locations. But I’d say it’s limiting, and perhaps less challenging. Taking great photos in the city streets when the weather is bad takes more effort, but that’s why it boosts your creativity and challenges you to become a better photographer.
What do you think? Would you agree with James’ and my points? And are you “a photography snob,” as James would call it, or you still take your camera everywhere and capture the beauty even in the ugliest locations?
[Are you a Photography Snob? | James Popsys]
Dunja Đuđić
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, concerts, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.




































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8 responses to “Are you a photography snob?”
My camera is my “Linus’ security blanket”. ;-)
Yes but I’m also a shit photographer, so I really shouldn’t be…
I already routinely wear a Leica M10 and 35mm f/3 Summicron-M ASPH, or an EOS R and RF 50/1.2L or Sigma 24/1.4 Art. It’s good to discover I’m not a snob by Mr. Popsys’ standards, though I have thought at times I shouldn’t be shooting in crap light, especially when no one’s paying me. One thing I always heard Moose Peterson say was, “The pro knows when not to shoot the picture.” I don’t always follow his advice, but I try.
that you quote Moose Peterson proves you aren’t a snob…you are a numbnuts
Isn’t everyone a boring snob at what drives them. Most likely Elitist ?
Male shit photographers are always so snob and treat people at camera store badly …. lol . you can always tell of a great photog from its humble demeanor and low maintenance
wtf does that even mean? stfu
I don’t go to galleries anymore. I don’t go to club shows anymore either. Photography has been usurped by pixel peering obsessives who are never happy. Check out the many sites and blogs where never ending disatisfaction is the theme. Self styled and self designated ‘photographers’ always making statements about inferior and superior equipmment. Who has credibility and who doesnt.
I had the great experience of inheriting my grand mothers photographs – all taken with what would be considered by these excesivley fastidious ‘experts’ as basic ‘amateur’ gear for hobbyists. The pics taken by my grand mother have solidified my decision never to purchase expensive cameras – I am not a professional, I am not a ‘photographer’. I just like taking ‘pretty good’ pictures with average rated gear for unpretentious people. Composition and subject matters far more than forensic acuracy.