“When people ask what equipment I use …….. I tell them my eyes!” – Steve Denby
Isn’t that the truth. The camera may capture the image but it’s the eyes (via the brain) that finds it, arranges it and places the camera in the right position to capture it. That’s why learning to “see and envision” is more important than just equipment.
But on the other hand, don’t let anyone tell you equipment doesn’t matter. If equipment doesn’t matter, why aren’t all the best photographers shooting with $99 point and shoots or cell phones*. Better equipment can nearer capture what you eyes see and what your brain envisions…that is, if you’ve also developed the technical skills to fully use the equipment.
As with most things in life…it’s a balancing act! ;-)
Speaking of equipment, I’ve been trying out an Universal “L” Bracket made by Acratech with good results. It’s an alternative to a dedicated bracket and uses an “Acra-Swiss” type clamp for quick attachment or removal from a camera — I share it between both the Nikon D700 or D300. It’s also easily removed for handheld shooting. For my purpose it works well. I’ve used an Acratech GP Ballhead on my tripod for some time and only have good things to say about Acratech and their equipment.
The palm leaf fan in this photo seemed almost perfect and the light was too much to pass up. I simplified/enhanced it a bit in Topaz Simplify and Photoshop.
*I’m certainly not saying you can’t take wonderful photos with P&S cameras and cell phone cameras. I’ve seen plenty on-line that are wonderful.
Excellent photo!
Merci pour le commentaire!
Seeing the shot is the first thing, next capturing the image, you nailed. Photography isn’t rocket science, I think to many fret over the small things, just grab the camera and get out and shoot.
Don, Yes and no…
Now almost anyone can play golf, just grab a club and go hit some balls. But if you want to shoot at or near par you’re going to have to put in a lot of practice and work — you’ve got to play a lot of golf. You’ll also want to buy yourself some decent clubs so you get consistent results. Same as photography.
Easy to just play, but it takes a lot of practice, work and reliable equipment to be your best at it. Now for some driving themselves to be their best isn’t that important…and that’s perfectly okay too. :-)
Enjoying the lines on this palm leaf, the composition, all it. Also enjoying the blog–just found you! I see I have a ton of entries to go back and read. Terrific!
Jim, thanks and welcome to Meandering Passage! I hope you’ll continue visiting and commenting.
A wonderful thing about new visitors/photographers who leave comments…I can follow their link back to their sites, enjoy their beautiful work and add them to my own feed reader. ;-)
I agree the image is wonderful. Love the pattern and the green pops right out at me. I also agree with the balance part: good vision with good equipment. And, always looking to improve on them both.
Earl, I really like this quite a bit. Can you tell me what effect the Topaz tool has on the image?
Chris, Topaz Simplify allows you to remove or simplify image details based upon their strength or size. It works well in situations where you want emphasis on form or shape over an abundance of detail, such as in this image where I wanted the fan shape to be dominant over the leave details and defects. TS also allows the adjustment of contrast, brightness, saturation and line strength.
Earl,
Good evening. Great photo. I love the variuos tones of green and the fine detail. Very nice capture.
Alan
This is a sweet image Earl! I have always said my favorite pieces of equipment are my eyes, my two feet, and the chuck of grey matter between my ears. Without any of those, I doubt I would be making many photographs. Well, OK, I suppose I could create some images without feet, but it would certainly be harder at some of the spots I am used to getting to.
Hey thanks, Mark, glad you liked the image. Turning what you said to a serious side, I’ve read/heard stories of people who when faced with a sudden hardship in their lives, let’s say loosing their feet in an accident for an example, have suddenly discovered an inner resolve, overcoming the hardship and often times achieving more in their lives then before the hardship. Gotta be able to harness that inner resolve without the hardship. Thanks for the comment, it gave me something to think about.