Abi Coop
Melissa Richard
Kristen Ryan
If you’re lucky enough to be buying your own Christmas present this year, you’ve probably got a long list of photography related items that you want to check off your wish list. Before you invest all your Christmas cash into new gear, here are some things to think about when considering gear vs. education.
First, remember that gear doesn’t make good photos. Good photographers do. Gear is simply a tool we use to make the photos. Just like a new oven won’t produce a better tasting holiday meal, a new camera won’t make better pictures. For this reason, I highly recommend putting education at the top of your wish list.
However, there are times when new gear is the exact tool we need to bring our vision to life. I remember my first DSLR and learning the ins and outs of my kit lenses. I pushed them to the limit, studying how to make images with the compressed background I wanted. But the gear I had back then was not ideal for my shooting style today. Along the way, I have learned a few things about making intentional purchases that I hope are helpful to you. Here are some questions I’ve asked myself when considering investing in new gear.
Sometimes we need a creative push. Sometimes we want to create a specific look. Other times we may choose to inspire a certain feeling. Being mindful of what we are trying to achieve will help drive our purchase decisions.
Once again, education is key, and therefore it is always my first recommendation. If you have narrowed down your goals, be sure you have the knowledge to get you there. If not, gear will not help you. Investing in education, learning from those who are creating the images you dream of, and studying how they achieve the thing you are after is key. Sometimes this is composition, sometimes light, other times it is the gear they are using.
So, you have set your goals, and you have the knowledge and skill to achieve them. Consider how new gear may be the final factor. You understand that the compression you dream of comes from a long lens and you only have a wide angle lens. Or you want to capture your life indoors but your lens aperture won’t allow enough light in without compromising other settings. Once you have the knowledge of what is holding you back, it may be time to invest in the gear you need to achieve your goal.
Sometimes we want new gear to inspire creativity or produce a specific look in our work. Taking time to think through these simple questions can help us decide if we should learn new ways to utilize our current gear or if it’s time to buy something new.
Being intentional about our gear can be just as impactful as being intentional about our setting choices. Take your time, learn your gear, develop your skills, and invest with intention this holiday season.