Today, let's discuss how the online world can sometimes depict an oversimplified or overly techy view of any creative profession and how this often doesn't reflect our real-life offline experiences while actually working. This skewed perception isn't exclusive to photography; it can apply to any creative field.
Online Gear Debates
Ah, the great gear debate - one of the Internet's favorite hot topics. Whether in the comment section on Instagram, a TikTok feed, or during a YouTube video, you'll find an endless exchange of views on the latest and greatest in cameras, lenses, and accessories. The debates can heat up quickly, with passionate advocates claiming a specific brand or model is a game-changer.
Reality vs Hype: A Professional's Perspective
So what's the reality? As with most things, context is vital. This article concentrates on the perspectives of professionals and aspiring professionals who take a more business-oriented approach. However, if you're a hobbyist or collector, by all means, pursue what excites you.
When you disconnect from the online noise and ask questions with professionals about gear, the emphasis is generally on skills, vision, and understanding light rather than the specifics of a camera or lens. These foundational elements should take precedence. But once these are solidified, which gear should you invest in?
Your choice should be guided by several factors, including your type of work, how you like to work in the field and studio, and your style. For example, pouring $15-20k into a camera for creating YouTube videos and social media posts, primarily viewed on phone screens, might not be a wise investment. This sort of expense is a depreciating asset that may not align well with your current work context.
The Realities of the Creative Business
For daily operations, aim for a balance: gear that delivers professional, high-quality results aligning with the standard you aspire to in your final output but also makes financial and functional sense for an entrepreneur. For instance, in my studio work, I often rely on a pair of Mamiya RB67 Pro SDs, little tanks in design, but incredibly versatile. They accommodate various client price points (which is always important) and mobility needs while still delivering top-tier quality, thanks to the large 6x7cm negative they produce. They can handle a wide range of professional jobs from top to bottom.
Of course, I have other pricier, specialized film equipment for jobs outside of standard photography bookings, ones requiring larger negatives, higher quality, unique looks, etc. However, those types of jobs often ebb and flow with industry trends and seasons and aren't high in volume. As such, it's essential to plan for the day-to-day needs of your business while being prepared for these specialized projects when they come along.
It's also worth noting that some of those 'dream jobs' within the industry aren't always what they seem. Beyond the initial 'prestige', your life pretty much resumes its usual rhythm, and the grind continues the next day. Therefore, it's crucial to work towards establishing a solid business for sustained success, one that allows you to navigate the revolving doors of creativity and opportunity as they appear. The more you delve into this, the more you'll realize that the process is often more fulfilling than the elusive 'prizes'. Great outcomes with your work should be expected, and a brief moment of glory at the end of a project can't compare to weeks or months of being fully engaged with something you love doing. While it may sound cliché, the adage is true: Embrace the journey; it's where the real magic happens.
Suppose you're hired for a substantial job that requires higher-end specialty equipment, but it only happens four times a year, once every business quarter. What about the rest of the year? How do you improve your skills, earn money, and stay productive? Considering these realities rather than habitually upgrading to the latest equipment is critical. Interestingly, larger productions in creative industries, from independent film crews to big-budget movies, often rent the gear they need for those larger jobs. So, who exactly are these individuals who are constantly pushing for and upgrading their equipment every few months, and what sort of projects are they working on?
Seeing Beyond the Hype: A Case Study
Let's delve into a broader example: the recently released movie, "Oppenheimer." Despite a $100 million budget, director Christopher Nolan chose to film the entire project on a large-format film camera, a type of camera I often discuss. This seemingly unconventional decision underscores the gap between online gear hype and the reality of artistic professionals' creative work.
Think about it - with a budget that could afford virtually any equipment in the world, the choice was made to use what many consider to be an antiquated method - good old Kodak film. This disparity between what's marketed online and what's used in large-scale professional projects is revealing. In reality, skills, knowledge, and a well-chosen set of tools that align with the creator's style, vision, and job requirements often take precedence over owning the latest tech or the most expensive gear.
Aligning Your Tools with Your Art
As you traverse the complex terrain of the creative industry, whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer, it's essential to remember that while having up-to-date equipment can play a role in your success, it's far from the only factor. Your tools should align with your specific needs, artistic style, and business goals, not just mirror online trends or marketing pushes from brands. Brands can indeed offer valuable insights and cutting-edge technologies, but it's your creativity and how you wield these tools that truly distinguish your work. This is aptly demonstrated by Christopher Nolan, who, despite having access to state-of-the-art digital technology, still chooses to shoot his films on analog film, underscoring the ongoing relevance and artistic potency of this medium. So, remember to appraise your gear investments with a discerning eye, understanding that the true value lies in the creation itself, not just in the tools used to bring it to life.
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