Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/06/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Mark Langer <langeratcarleton@gmail.com> wrote: > One hardly needs to state the obvious -- it isn't the > equipment that makes photography. It is the photographer. It is safe > to say that a great photographer will make more arresting images with > a disposable camera than an idiot can with the most advanced Leica or > digital equipment available. Yet it keeps being repeated. IMHO this is an over-simplificiation of what makes a good photograph. An idea, an eye for composition, an understanding of lighting, technique, capture medium and processing, and the equipment's capabilities all play a part. IMHO the concept is of primary importance but it will be weakened by poor execution. Likewise poor lighting weakens the impact of the photo, inadequate technique and indifferent processing can also diminish a photo's impact, and poorly-performing equipment takes another bit out the picture. We don't all have the concepts or the eye of the masters but we can improve our pictures - or at least reduce the second- or third-order weaknesses - by paying attention to the other factors that make up a good photograph. If the equipment truly doesn't matter we might as well be using a Yashica or Ricoh and have more money in our pockets for other toys. If the quality of the equipment does make a difference, even if it's a third-order factor, then a photo with a good concept, good lighting, good composition and good technique made with a good camera will be stronger than the same photo made with a plastic disposable. We're looking at one variable here, the equipment, and assuming the others are held constant. Doug Herr Birdman of Sacramento http://www.wildlightphoto.com