Stop buying stuff! Having the latest gear won’t make you a better photographer
Aug 18, 2020
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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We can argue forever if gear matters or not, and we won’t get anywhere. Sure, in some cases it does, but you don’t need the latest gear to take some epic photos. If you’re feeling frustrated because you can’t afford to upgrade, this video from Taylor Jackson could boost your confidence and inspire you to go out and shoot regardless of the gear that you have.
The video is pretty humorous and has an interesting concept. Taylor from 2020 phones Taylor from 2007, updating him a bit about the current year. Although he spared him the details about the coronavirus, he probably didn’t want to freak him out. But what matters for this video is that the 2020 Taylor asks the 13-year younger version of himself not to buy so much gear.
What’s more, Taylor found a DSLR kit from 2007 that costs around $200 nowadays. He bought a used Nikon D300 and the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 lens on eBay for around $100 each. He took some shots with them to show you that you can take beautiful, professional-looking photos even with a pretty old camera and lens.
Taylor reminds you not to spend so much money on gear, but rather spend it on new experiences. This reminded me of the words a friend once told me while I was telling him about my travel plans: That’s awesome. You should travel! Happiness is not in things, it’s in experiences.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think there’s anything bad at buying new gear and upgrading when the time comes. But I also think that it’s important to set priorities and know when to stop. After all, your memories are something no one can take away from you – and you can photograph them even with the camera and lens that aren’t the most recent or the most expensive.
[I’m Addicted… via PetaPixel]
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 “Stop buying stuff! Having the latest gear won’t make you a better photographer”
I recently stepped back from a Panasonic mirrorless to a Canon T6s. The mirrorless camera was too much techno geek for me. I’m much happier.
It is true you don’t need the latest gear to take epic photos, an iPhone will do that just as fine. If you can upgrade, then it is worth doing so. Just did upgrade from a Canon T5 to a Canon RP and the amount of resources that I have now is far more than the T5 has ever offered. Just the live feed from the camera to the phone is a feature that I believe all cameras should have.
My D7000 still work. And will use it until it die.
Mine too, most of my gear will replace only when they die, my smartphone have 7 and half years, my laptop more than 11 years …..
“We can argue forever if gear matters or not, and we won’t get anywhere. Sure, in some cases it does, but you don’t need the latest gear to take some epic photos.”
“STOP BUYING STUFF! HAVING THE LATEST GEAR WON’T MAKE YOU A BETTER PHOTOGRAPHER”
Firstly, I don’t know if I even agree with this but it’s probably above your head (no offence). I enjoyed switching cameras and it did make a huge difference in my workflow which made a huge difference to my skill. Let’s ignore that fact (the fact you’re wrong) and concentrate on the title. This title and your stance towards improvement has been written elsewhere 100 times. I know, I know, you’re trying to be controversial and you’re trying to be unique as if EVERY photographer hasn’t seen this written somewhere else before. It is unoriginal writing. Plagiarism will not make you a better author :).
Are you trying to convince yourself photography is skill and not luck / gear, or are you trying to convince others? Serious question.
I couldn’t imagine shooting film and carrying huge flash strobes for a wedding even though I know it’s been done, I tip my glass to those folks.
hi mates. i would like to advice you one camera. it is very good option if you cannot afford to buy very expensive cameras. personally, i use this camera already for a half year and i am professional photographer and i love it so much. even, i dont need to buy very expensive one. ah forget to write. hurry up, because now it is on discount 30% you can check this camera here: https://amzn.to/2Ef4sc.
hi all.. i bough yesterday very cool camera with nice features. i was surprised because have not though that camera for this price can be so perfect for me. i just wanted to share my opinion and maybe some other photographers would like to get it as well, if they do not have budget to buy very expensive ones.hurry up,because it is now in discount 25% in amazon. find the link below:
https://amzn.to/2Ef4scb