So tired of the iPhone culture

BradS · Dec 12, 2012

I was out for eats and drinks at a local jazz place the other night and all around me folks are whipping out their smart phone, taking photos and doing whatever they do with 'em after that.

Nobody gives this kind of activity a second thought these days...

so why is it that every time I pull out a camera, I get at least one, usually several people standing around staring at me and asking dumb stuff like,

"What kinda camera is that?"
"can you still get film for that?"
"how many mega pixels is that?"
"Is that black and white?"

and the one I really dislike....

"Why would you use that?"

Why can't people just leave me the F&%^$ alone and let me photograph stuff like all the iPhone wielding people?

kbrede · Dec 12, 2012

Because you're doing something other than the norm, it makes you stand out.

ChristopherCoy · Dec 12, 2012

kbrede said:
Because you're doing something other than the norm, it makes you stand out.

...of which I am proud to do.

Brad, I know it's irritating, but when people ask you those things you have to look at it as an opportunity for education.

Jeff Kubach · Dec 12, 2012

That happens to me also!

Jeff

Prof_Pixel · Dec 12, 2012

BradS said:
and the one I really dislike....

"Why would you use that?"

It's a valid question and a great chance to educate the asker about film. Why be annoyed? Lighten up and enjoy the opportunity.

JBrunner · Dec 12, 2012

I have been accused of being a surveyor. (More than once)

Shawn Dougherty · Dec 12, 2012

JBrunner said:
I have been accused of being a surveyor. (More than once)

I get that all the time. For what other purpose could one use a wooden tripod? =)

djhopscotch · Dec 12, 2012

I have been at work surveying, people ask what i'm taking pictures of.

TheFlyingCamera · Dec 12, 2012

I was carrying my Rolleiflex with me today on my way in to work (planning to do a little shooting afterward) and this lady on the elevator asked me where was the case for it. I didn't have time to explain about "never-ready cases" before the doors closed. It's a life

tkamiya · Dec 12, 2012

Easy... just buy an iPhone....

BradS · Dec 12, 2012

ChristopherCoy said:
Brad, I know it's irritating, but when people ask you those things you have to look at it as an opportunity for education.

Prof_Pixel said:
It's a valid question and a great chance to educate the asker about film. Why be annoyed? Lighten up and enjoy the opportunity.

Yeah, I know it is an opportunity to educate...but, sometimes, I just want to photograph and be left alone. Besides, I find few who actually want to learn. The exception seems to be kids (teens) who've never been exposed to photography (I mean photography in the traditional sense) - who are genuinely curious about the materials, equipment, and processes. I do enjoy talking to those who are genuinely interested in learning about photography.

Most who stop and stare, and ask a bunch of dumb questions just don't really seem to be very interested in learning about photography. They do not want to learn anything. They seem to be more interested in...well, I don't know what....

Like I said, the question I most loath is "Why would anyone use that?" - this invariably comes from somebody who is old enough and has the experience to know damned well what I'm doing and what is involved. It just seems combative.

JBrunner · Dec 12, 2012

The answer is" because I'm not a lemming".

BradS · Dec 12, 2012

JBrunner said:
The answer is" because I'm not a lemming".

The answer I usually give, when I can muster the the inner calm necessary to keep me from simply blurting out something vulgar, is simply...

"because it lightens my spirits" or, " because it is fun"

both of which are the bare naked truth.

Mainecoonmaniac · Dec 12, 2012

As Freud might say.."Sometimes a phone is just a phone".

http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6853117/look-at-this-instagram-nickelback-parody

BradS · Dec 12, 2012

Mainecoonmaniac said:
As Freud might say.."Sometimes a phone is just a phone".

http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6853117/look-at-this-instagram-nickelback-parody

That's awesome! Thanks.

dnk512 · Dec 12, 2012

Tell them to 'google' it on their phone

Ken Nadvornick · Dec 12, 2012

BradS said:
...the question I most loath is "Why would anyone use that?"

JBrunner said:
The answer is" because I'm not a lemming".

Or, "Because I can..."

Or, "Because it's (the 8x10) the equivalent of a 1,300 megapixel camera." * (Or whatever the equivalent is for the camera you're using.)

Or, "Why are you using a phone to take a picture? Do you hammer nails with a screwdriver?"

Ken

* A scaled-up rough estimate from a generally assumed 35mm equivalent of ~20-24 MP. Like Bluto Blutarsky in Animal House, in the given context accuracy don't really matter. He's on a roll...

Pfiltz · Dec 12, 2012

BradS said:
so why is it that every time I pull out a camera, I get at least

"What kinda camera is that?"

Because it's not a camera phone.

Steve Smith · Dec 12, 2012

tkamiya said:
Easy... just buy an iPhone....

I don't plan on ever owning a phone which doesn't connect to the telephone exchange via a wire coming into my house.

Steve.

Prof_Pixel · Dec 12, 2012

Phones are made to communicate with and sharing photos is simply another means of communicating. Not every photograph has to be a work of art.

Ken Nadvornick · Dec 12, 2012

Screwdrivers are made to build things with and pounding nails with one is simply another means of construction. Not every structure has to pass inspection.

Ken

BradS · Dec 12, 2012

Prof_Pixel said:
Phones are made to communicate with and sharing photos is simply another means of communicating. Not every photograph has to be a work of art.

I do not disagree with any of this...and, in fact, I would never posit that any of my photos are art. (I'm not really even convinced that a photo can be art).

The point is, why can't these people just leave me alone? I don't pepper them with dumb questions like...

what kinda phone is that?
Why didn't you get the white one?
Why don't you use a real camera?
Can you still buy batteries for that?
What happens when the battery goes dead?
How do you get prints?
What happens when your disk drive crashes?
Why do you take your phone out in the middle of conversing with me?
How many mega pixels is that?
How much do you pay for the data plan?

DSLR · Dec 12, 2012

Prof_Pixel said:
Phones are made to communicate

Really? Ever hang out with an iPhone owner? They're pretty hard to communicate with.

JBrunner said:
I have been accused of being a surveyor. (More than once)

LOL what camera do you use?

tkamiya · Dec 12, 2012

BradS said:
The point is, why can't these people just leave me alone?

You probably look approachable. You also look like you are enjoying what you are doing. You are also doing things others don't do much anymore. People are curious. Try looking like you are working and you really aren't enjoying it.

I've been seeing people don't equate taking pictures with making photographs anymore. For many, it's a proof you were there and you had fun.... It's more of a documentation thing. Not for them, it's for others to see and comment on social networking site..... for next 10 minutes or so. Then it's all forgotten.

Prof_Pixel · Dec 12, 2012

BradS said:
The point is, why can't these people just leave me alone? I don't pepper them with dumb questions like...

That's the price you pay for being 'different' and standing out from the masses. If you don't enjoy being bothered, either conform or shoot your photos when/where there aren't many people.

You should wear your 'film shooter badge' proudly.

So tired of the iPhone culture

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So tired of the iPhone culture

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