Cameras and Style

If you are photographer that has been at it for a little while, chances are you get numerous emails from photographers asking a variety of questions.
Surprisingly, the question I am asked the most is, “What camera and lenses do you use?” This is usually followed up with, “How do you create the look of your images?” The first question is quite easy to answer; however, yields very little practical information. The second question is the purpose of this blog.

Personally, my photographic style is constantly evolving. At any given moment, one’s style is a culmination of where their life experiences meet their photographic knowledge. There is simply not an easy or short answer to how one creates their images. This is what makes the journey called photography so rewarding and frustrating, often at the same time.

The camera in its purist form is nothing more than a light tight box. It has the ability to capture a moment in time. Without creative vision, no matter all the bells and whistles a camera has, it is just a light tight box. Have you ever had someone approach you during a shoot, look straight at your camera, and say, “I bet that camera sure takes nice pictures?” Yes, it does. I don’t do too bad either.

A little over a week ago, I was out east attending a photography conference. On my way out, I spent a day in New York. I had the opportunity to spend a few hours at MOMA (New York’s Modern Museum of Art.) They had a wonderful small collection of photographs. The exhibit took me immediately back to my college photography classes and reminded me the quality of images that were created with film and gear that was so basic compared to what we have access today. Your artistic vision is the most important part of the equation for every shoot.

As someone who has drooled over and spent too much time reading the specifications on the latest camera, I know the ease of getting caught up in the technology. If a camera increases the ability or ease of capturing that moment in time, there is a strong argument in favor of good quality gear. The dependability of your equipment is important too. I have been fortunate to have used both Canon and Nikon cameras over the years. Both have their strengths. I truly wish they would get together and have a love child that combined the two. When all is said and done, if a photographer cannot create great images from the latest pro level Canon or Nikon cameras, there is an issue with the photographer and not the camera. If gear envy is preventing you from shooting, stop it. Go out and create.

On a little bit of a tangent, I talk to many photographers that are working as professional photographers that are contemplating lens purchases. Upon further discussion, I all too often discover the photographer I am speaking with doesn’t have back-up equipment. If you are being paid to photograph, it is important you have the equipment to complete any job. This is especially true with weddings where there are no second chances. If you are a dual camera shooter, you should have a minimum of three and ideally four cameras. If you photograph long enough you will experience the wrath of Murphy’s Law on many equations.

Promote your creative vision and have the tools at you disposal to consistently execute.

Biff Ulm – VADA Photography