Beyond Gear Wars: Embracing Functionality, Craft and Vision

Do I have favorite gear brands? Sure, but there are more worthwhile questions to be asked. I'd rather not engage in the endless debates over the "best" and "worst" brands. The perpetual ranking of which brand is superior often distracts from understanding the core purpose of the gear itself.

Gear is not an accessory; it's a fundamental tool in the photographer's toolbox (encompassing both stills and motion photographers here). There is no photography without "gear," whether it's a pinhole box made of cardboard, a modern mirrorless Z9 with tech bells & whistles, or a smear of chemical on a paper used for cameraless photographs. "Gear" is fundamental to the act of creating a photograph as a photograph is a visual image or representation obtained by the capture of light on photosensitive surfaces, by whatever means, chemical or digital (see my Statement on AI). To me, it makes the most sense to focus on the gear's functionality, technical limitations, and durability. Understanding the scientific and personal reasons behind why specific gear works for a photographer in a particular setting is vital to the craft and art.

While possessing high-quality gear is undoubtedly beneficial, an unskilled photographer with top-tier equipment will still produce lackluster photos, though they may get a few extra lucky shots. Conversely, a skilled photographer can create compelling images even with supposedly inferior gear, showcasing the importance of expertise.

However, even a skilled photographer may not be able to achieve shots they're envisioning with certain gear due to technical limitations. To use an obvious example, imagine attempting to photograph Neptune without the necessary telescope - the significance of having gear that can handle the specific technical requirements of a situation or vision is as relevant as ever! You could be a legendary photographer with your camera pointed towards Neptune, but if the gear doesn’t have the technical and scientific means of capturing Neptune, you’re not going to get the shot.

In the intersection of craft and art, a photographer integrates skill, vision, and gear. A “great” photographer’s emphasis shifts from possessing the "best" gear to utilizing the appropriate tool - choosing gear based on technical capabilities and personal ergonomics to capture a moment in a specific situation. When it comes to gear discussions, I aim to engage in a more nuanced approach, focusing on functionality and pros and cons with context of the photographer and their situation (hey, shameless plug here => please subscribe to my upcoming YouTube channel!).

In summary, consider these key concepts: Photography is both a craft and an art. Gear is a Tool in the Director of Photographer's toolbox. Although skill trumps gear, the technical limitations of any given gear are relevant and the appropriate gear can facilitate documentation and creative expression in critical ways.

So yes, gear matters, but it can not take the place of a great photographer or create in and of itself a great photograph. Great photos and great photographers come from more than just great gear.