This is by no means a complete list, but inspired by seeing one of these oddities in a post earlier today I thought I’d write it up.
- “Unboxing videos” of new cameras. Why would someone make a 5 or 10 minute video of the act of opening the box that their new camera came in and then lovingly taking out… the manual, the USB cables, the styrofoam inserts, the warranty card, and on and on and on – often with narration and sometimes even background music. Do people actually watch these?
- Spending thousands and thousands of dollars on “the best” camera, lens, etc. when one isn’t really a photographer and doesn’t really make photographs all that much and perhaps only shares the odd jpg or letter size print with friends and family.
- Getting caught up in the “brand wars” between manufacturers like Nikon and Canon. They both make really, really fine equipment. Both are used by a lot of excellent photographers. Really wonderful photographs are produced using both systems every day.
- Assuming that there is only one best “whatever” in photography. There is no such thing as “The Best… camera, lens, tripod, photographer, memory card, place to shoot, time of day to shoot, filter, brand, store, paper…” First, there are many good versions of each. Second, what is best for one person may not be best for another.
- Obsessing over very tiny and insignificant equipment “flaws” or differences. The classic is, of course, choosing a less functional lens over a more functional lens because the less functional lens might measure .001% better resolution at 100% magnification on the test bench. Related are obsessions over very tiny differences in noise in digital cameras, concern about small difference in camera burst rate, worry that your lens might vignette some…
- Thinking that you have to “take a position” on zooms versus primes. (Zooms and primes are both great, and you have my permission to use both… ;-)
- Secret shooting locations – unless the area is fragile and too much use would damage it, if ten good photographers shoot it you’ll get ten different interpretations.
Anyone else?
I definitely agree Dan, true photography and creating beautiful images is not a male/female thing at all.
My point is that all the fuss and internet wars over the technical minutia is to be blamed on men (ie, bored younger ones).
Great list, Dan – very entertaining! Here’s another one that I would have on my list:
Why do so many digital photographers insist on specifying the brand of memory card they are using when this has absolutely no effect on the image they capture? It’s not like the old Kodachrome/Ektachrome/Fujichrome debate – a file saved on a SanDisk card is identical to one on a Lexar! (I suspect sponsorship agreements may be the answer in some cases but not for most of them)
Yes, the memory card discussions are strange. Data is data… or, more correctly I suppose, data are data.
Thanks Dan you made me smile this morning :)
It’s not just “gear”, I’m a software developer by trade and the amount of threads I see arguing about which tech is better than another is amusing :)
Glenn
Hey, rambling can be good for the soul.
I realized a while back that I really don’t care to much about my gear beyond how it is useful for making photographs. If I could hold my hand in front of my face, frame a shot, and somehow have it magically captured that would be fine with me. :-)
I don’t think it is a male/female thing particularly. When I’m really focused on making photographs, I rarely think about “wow, cool lens” when I pull one out of the bag. The whole process is pretty practical and objective when it comes to the equipment for me – it is the photographs that I get passionate about.
Dan
Let’s be honest, these are all ‘male’ traits. We love gadgets, our toys, and are competitive. Our photos more of landscapes and technical/colorful subjects, while women shoot people.
I just love to sit back and ‘people watch’ these discussions, usually by anonymous internet warriors. The fun is, you name a hobby, and you’ll find there are 2 warring sides. Ford-Chevy, Nikon-Canon, Glock-SigSauer, AMD-Intel, PC-Mac, etc etc. Doesn’t matter which hobby, there will be two sides of guys that know way way too much and spend more time researching and arguing than actually enjoying the hobby. And never underestimate how deep and petty it can go; for instance, in the nerd realm (of which I’m a member), people take sides over video cards! Bring up 45cal vs 9mm in a firearm forum, and 15 pages of flame war will ensue. Actually, that last example is a great parallel to photography. Gun enthusiasts with way too much time will argue the ballistics of different loads to the most minor and scientific of degrees (MTF tests anyone?), yet occasionally someone much wiser will point out that the gun/caliber has almost nothing to do with how good a shot you are, or how well you react in a defensive situation. But hey, lonely bored guys needs sides(teams?) to pick and fight for, right?
And while I pick on fellow geeks for arguing over video card brands, lets look back at photogs and realize how insane this community can sound to the outside world when arguing to death over Aperture vs Lightroom. As anyone wise says, these are all just different tools to use for different situations.
There is something to say though, for having very nice equipment, especially after you have a basic foundation of experience in a certain hobby. I love well made tools, whether shooting, or shooting(other kind), or cooking, or woodworking, etc. Nothing better than having the right tool for the job. My first dslr (not first slr…) was a D50 and loved it for years. 18 months ago I went to the D300, and after a month, couldn’t bear to shoot my D50 again, the 300 was just so much more responsive, quick, solid, etc. And I recently sold it and moved to the D700, for FX (which I can actually get paid to shoot, architecturally). It’s much more camera than I might need I suppose, but really the only FX choice for Nikon right now. I’d love the 5d too, but have already made my lens investment.
I realize it’s not p.c. to generalize, but wouldn’t it be great to be a creative female photog and just go and shoot and not worry about the gear?
Sorry for the rambling!
When we were at one of the tourist-y places on Ireland’s west coast a few years ago, somebody (another American, as it turned out) asked me if I was getting any good pictures. I told him that I hoped not, because that would give me another good reason to return sometime.
Hah! Good answer – I’ll have to remember that one!
Trying to photograph an event (this case the AMGEN Tour of California Bike Race) and have a person walk up and start asking for you to “help” him with his camera which he just bought and doesn’t have a clue how to use. The stunned look is captured by your spouse as you stare at the person with $10,000 camera and lens.
And a big Thanks for sharing your great locations. that serve as inspiration for everyone. The hint for Micheal Frye’s book on Yosemite, was great starting point.
:-)
Yup, that is an interesting one, too!
I know people mean well when they say these things, so I’m really not upset with them, but it is often hard to know how to respond. Another question that I still don’t quite know how to answer is, “Are you getting (or did you get) any good pictures?” Currently I tend to answer, “I hope so!” But I really don’t know for certain until I take a careful look at what I’ve captured later on. (I guess the “I hope so” answer is actually the truth!)
Dan
What I want to know is why other photogs with equally as sophisticated gear will walk up to you and ask what you are shooting with as a greeting. Why not ask if I shoot that location frequently, or what I do? Photogs have never once walked up to me asking for shooting insights or anything like that except when it comes to Bishop Creek.