What I think about photography?

Every tool has its limitations. I believe the art of photography is how the photographer creates that balanced equation for that picture between time, light, angle and moment irrespective of using a SLR, P&S or DSLR.


After using a 35mm SLR for over 15 years, I switched to a digital P&S just to get a hang of how the new world order in photography changes the photographer. I bought (in 2003) a high-end P&S with all bells and whistles, and was surprised that you still need and have to use a lot similar techniques from the 35mm SLR age. Off course the new world order came with it's own new bells, whistles, buzz words, formats, etc. I guess as the world progresses there are some new learning we go through and some old practices we forget.


Now as a photographer I am looked upon as a serious photographer. Why? Now I have a Nikon D700. Is it really true that only if you have a SLR/DSLR you are a serious photographer. I don't think so. A picture taken in a $100 P&S can look better that a picture taken in $2000 camera - it all depends on what is the context and who is looking at it. However, for a picture to look good the eyes behind the camera will need to create that balanced equation between time, light, angle and moment.


Definitely you can do lot more with expensive gear, because you have a tool with better or more features. As long as you can end up with that balanced equation, you are definitely going to see those jaw dropping result. So first understand the basics - you can do the light learning where you get enough information to understand aperture, shutter, flash and ISO or the extensive learning on compensation, bracketing, depth of field, white balance, etc.

Having used my Nikon D700 for 2 months, I still apply my SLR experience to almost every frame I shoot. It's the basics that is helping the learning a bit more easier. As for the camera itself, I like it, I like the way it fits in my hand, the weight of the body, the location of the buttons (need some getting used to), and most importantly I like the Nikon's menu layout/structure.

So nothing comes easy and cheap. You will need to learn & practice to get good results and tools that overcome certain limitations are expensive. Just having a good collection of equipments will not bring you pictures, break the suction between you & the chair and get out with your gear. Shoot anything and everything you see - if something you see is interesting, take lots of pictures of the subject at different angles, apperture setting or shutter setting.

Let the artist in you arise, for you can tell the world
Let the mind see, enjoy, learn and mold.