How Do We Know When We Need A New Camera?
The Background Motivation For This Post.
Today was the last meeting of an Introduction To Photography class. While reviewing the topics from the previous three meetings, a participant in the class mentioned that the class made them realize that they didn’t need a new camera. Based on that statement, I’m assuming that before they enrolled in the class and maybe even during the previous three weeks of the class, they thought that they might need a new camera.
Assuming that we ‘ve got the cash to plunk down for a new camera, I think that in order for us to answer the question “how do we know when we need A new camera” we need to ask ourselves two questions; why? and how?
Why?
If we ask ourselves why and the answer is “because there’s a new model out”, I don’t think that’s a good reason to get a new camera. Its kinda like sayin’ that even though our older car runs well we need to get a new car because a new version of the car is out.
In addition, if we ask ourselves why and we answer because it’ll help make better photographs, then the second question of “how” should immediately follow. Note that I didn’t say that it’ll help make me be a better photographer. That’s because we can become better photographers with whatever camera we’ve got. And if we become better photographers we make better photographs.
How?
If we can answer, with complete understanding, of how the camera will help us to make better photographs, then getting a new camera would be justified. On the other hand, If we can’t answer, with complete understanding, of how the camera will help us to make better photographs, then getting a new camera would be not justified.
So, How Do We Know When We Need A New Camera?
Simply put, when the camera prevents us from creating the work we need/want to create.
Which brings us back to the background motivation for this post. It seems to me the realization that a new camera wasn’t needed is because the class helped this participant to make better pictures by becoming a better photographer.
Remember, a camera can create better quality photographs in terms of digital files. But a camera can’t help us to be better photographers.
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