Pictures OF cameras looked down upon

frank · Nov 25, 2015

It's a bit weird: people into cars or motorcycles would probably appreciate artistic pictures of same. They enjoy driving, wrenching on, and looking at them. As far as tools go, I think the finest craftsmen respect their tools and are not dismissive of them. I feel the same, including cameras, and am not ashamed to admit it.

But I think there is a view among some photographers, who want to prove how serious they are, by stating that all that matters is the final resulting image, and collectors and fondlers are frowned upon. While that's a fine attitude for working commercial photographers, the majority of us on photo forums are hobbyists.

My question for you is: Why limit the enjoyment you can receive from our hobby by taking on the dour attitude of "serious" working photographers and being dismissive of those who can add to the enjoyment of a fine image, with an appreciation of our tools as objects of art in their own right, just as classic cars and motorcycles are not just means of travel from point A to B. Product photography is legitamate genre, and I get enjoyment out of creating and looking at creative/artistic Images of cameras. If you do too, don't be intimidated by the shaming culture of the too-serious photographers posing on our hobbyist forums.

At my advancing age, I am less and less worried about what others think, and simply look to maximize my enjoyment of my hobby, which by definition is "a pleasurable pastime." There are many facets of photography that make me happy, not just the final image, and I'm okay with that.

My advice to others is to lighten up and not take yourselves too seriously.

BrianShaw · Nov 25, 2015

I'm a bit perplexed, Frank. But I hope that made you feel better.

Bill Burk · Nov 25, 2015

My sister drew an amazing pencil sketch of a Canon AE1 when she was in art school.

I hate the Canon AE1 and much wish she'd known that I would have rather had a picture of a Spotmatic II.

frank · Nov 25, 2015

Thanks so much, Brian. Your words are soothing, as always.

Sirius Glass · Nov 25, 2015

I do not take myself too seriously or too siriusly. All the best.

Poisson Du Jour · Nov 25, 2015

I have read the post and found it bizarre.
A professional has a reputation to work to, to put bread on the table. A hobbyist can do what he/she wants to, from fondling cameras to taking them to bed with them, nothing lost and nothing gained. But the professionals treat cameras as tools — working tools, a means to an end, no less than a demolition saw is to a tradie in levelling a home, but not an end in itself. If older people want to just stare at a camera day in day out as a hobbyist or collector, then that's fine. But don't besmirch the ethos of working photographers with their nose to the grindstone against heavy and persistent competition from digital.

don't be intimidated by the shaming culture of the too-serious photographers posing on our hobbyist forums.

Just a minute. Would you actually know the background of the said "too-serious photographers"? The statement is judgemental and prejudicial and its value questionable.

frank · Nov 25, 2015

I guess you've misunderstood my post, poison. I do not besmirch the serious nature of professional photographers' work. I'm simply saying that those of us who are hobbyists can unbunch our briefs, relax, and enjoy the many aspects of photography.

DannL. · Nov 25, 2015

I have this bad habit of sticking my head in the loin's cage, all too often. I have always expected that one day I will pull back, to find it missing. But, nope, that hasn't happened. The lions around here are really quite friendly, and actually a pleasure to be around. Playing the part of Devil's Advocate has it's down side.

frank · Nov 25, 2015

I had a medical procedure this morning involving anesthetic and was told not to drive or sign legal papers because I am considered impaired for 24 hours. My post may have been a bit provocative, but I stand by the sentiment. Breathe, relax, enjoy.

Mark Crabtree · Nov 25, 2015

I find your post interesting, but am confused by the title. Are you wanting pictures of cameras?

For what it's worth, I see a surprising amount of interest in cameras that used to be looked down upon as crap. I've been befuddled by that in the past, and still find it amazing that some pretty mediocre gear sells for more than some solid pro gear.

Still, as I become more and more bored by the steady stream of technically fine, but deadly boring pictures, I've slowly found myself more interested in some of the gear, materials, and techniques I recently considered fringe. Plus, probably more to your point, I thoroughly enjoy messing with a variety of older cameras. I enjoy learning about them, their systems, and the reasons people liked them. Messing with cameras gets me out taking pictures, and that has led to some surprisingly good pictures over the years.

Nonetheless, I'm with Bill Burk on the AE-1 thing, though maybe I'll break through even that barrier eventually.

rorye · Nov 25, 2015

I've been a working commercial photographer for 20+ years and I very much enjoy nicely crafted cameras, lenses etc. In fact when my Cooke lens arrived yesterday I spent a fine half hour just looking at it and thinking of the fun I'll have with it. I'd never frown on someone enjoying a piece of equipment, from an Ebony to Holga, it's all fun!

BrianShaw · Nov 25, 2015

frank said:
... those of us who are hobbyists can unbunch our briefs, relax, and enjoy the many aspects of photography.

Try boxers, amigo!

I don't know who is making you feel bad about your passion, but whoever it is... Ignore them.

frank · Nov 25, 2015

There's no one in particular, it just seems that there is a snooty "I'm a serious photographer, not a fondler or collector" group and that you are one or the other. I'm just saying you can enjoy different aspects of photography, not just one. just want us all to get along.

BrianShaw · Nov 25, 2015

I think that has been going on since day1 of the Internet. Maybe even since day 1 of photography. And it happens in almost every other endeavor too. Some people are just punks who seem to enjoy making others miserable. It's their problem, not ours!

frank · Nov 25, 2015

Sounds good. I'm cool.

Bill Burk · Nov 25, 2015

It's a lot of fun to see shots of photographers with their cameras...

removed account4 · Nov 25, 2015

hi frank

i think there are just as much snarky
with the self proclaimed serious photographers with nice gear they fondle
who look down their noses at "hipsters" and "lomographers" or people
who don't really give a crap about their gear and just enjoy having a good time ...
if you do a search on this website, i think think it is equal across the board,
snark on both sides.

oh well, what can you do, its human nature i think ..

Bill Burk · Nov 25, 2015

Like Andreas Feininger and his half-face half-camera self portrait. But I also like to see his big bertha camera.

And the picture of Ansel Adams with his Contax I. But I also like to see his camera platform.

hoffy · Nov 25, 2015

I enjoy cars as well, (I would call myself an enthusiast, but I don't own anything special), so I can see what you mean.

That being said, with cars, that the biggest travesty is the car that sits in the garage never to be driven. Sure, look at, fiddle with, but let the soul of the device live once and a while.

I think the same SHOULD apply to camera gear as well. Seriously, there is some sexy gear out there, so why not enjoy it, but for me, the ultimate collection is the one that gets used once in a while.

MartinCrabtree · Nov 25, 2015

I love the hardware of a given pursuit. I am a practitioner of fly fishing,motorcycling and photography. They're all hardware intensive activities.

I own an $800 fishing rod. It is indeed an awesome piece of equipment. One that cost $70 too. It does the job but the $$$$ one does it better. However the enjoyment of fishing is independent of that difference.

Mick Fagan · Nov 25, 2015

In the spirit of the thread title, the attached are people actually looking down upon a camera.

Mick.

Theo Sulphate · Nov 25, 2015

frank said:
It's a bit weird: people into cars or motorcycles would probably appreciate artistic pictures of same. They enjoy driving, wrenching on, and looking at them. As far as tools go, I think the finest craftsmen respect their tools and are not dismissive of them. I feel the same, including cameras, and am not ashamed to admit it.

I enjoy photos of cameras - probably ever since I was 12 years old and saw the December issues of Popular Photography and Modern Photography with their large review pages of all the contemporary cameras. This is also why I have all sorts of books like the Nikon System Handbook that shows all the models and accessories.

Mick Fagan said:
In the spirit of the thread title, the attached are people actually looking down upon a camera.

Yikes!

ic-racer · Nov 25, 2015

Pictures OF cameras looked down upon

I look down upon stuff like this because it is a digital photograph. But I can relate to the camera.

Sirius Glass · Nov 25, 2015

I did not like looking down at the Mamiya C330 that I had, so I used the Porroflex prism. I did not like looking down at the Hasselblad 503 CX that I had, so I use a the PME prism. I do not like to look down on cameras.

blockend · Nov 26, 2015

Photos of cameras are the equivalent of selfies.

Pictures OF cameras looked down upon

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