Is it the camera or the the photographer?
The phrase “your camera takes good photos” or “is it the camera or the photographer” is heard often in the photography world.
My take on these is, both are true!
Having a good camera certainly makes a difference, despite technology improving rapidly, mobile phones or cheap cameras getting better. A good, professional camera is always helpful, built to capture high quality photos, handle low light situations and more.
However understanding your camera and lenses (how and where to use them) makes an even bigger impact on the final result.
Not to mention, what you do after a photo shoot. Enhancing your photographs, or even correcting a few things (because let’s face it, sometimes we capture a photograph that’s not perfect in camera. Harsh light, low light and many more reasons out of the photographers control).
Although getting it as close to perfect in camera is what every photographer should aim for.
If you are looking to understand why it’s not just the camera but the photographer who makes the photo beautiful. Here are 5 reasons, with an added addition of straight out of camera and final image.
1. COMPOSITION
The way the subject is framed, the angle it is shot from, the placement within the frame, and other composition elements are all important in creating an impactful and visually appealing photograph. The camera may have advanced features, but it’s the photographer who chooses how to frame and compose the shot.
Here is an example of a close up of babies lips and facial features. A photograph of babies face is always gorgeous but with the right angle, composition and lighting the focus is placed on those beautiful features.
2. POST PROCESSING
There’s no doubt about it, a good camera does offer advanced features, and some photographs look incredible straight out of camera.
Editing photographs is much more than just clicking a few filters or sliders. Professional photographers spend hours tweaking and perfecting their images to make them stand out. They know how to apply their personal style and vision, and how to use specific editing techniques to create a unique look, these skills are learnt over time through trial and error.
2. POST PROCESSING
There’s no doubt about it, a good camera does offer advanced features, and some photographs look incredible straight out of camera.
Editing photographs is much more than just clicking a few filters or sliders. Professional photographers spend hours tweaking and perfecting their images to make them stand out. They know how to apply their personal style and vision, and how to use specific editing techniques to create a unique look, these skills are learnt over time through trial and error.
3. VISION
Whether it’s a family, a wedding or a portrait photo shoot. A good photographer knows how to capture the essence of the subject they are photographing.
A camera is just a tool used to capture these moments.
It is only through the photographers vision and ability to connect with a client, beautiful memories are created.
Being able to connect, understand and take a client through what to expect is incredibly important in each photo session. Most people feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, it is the photographers job to make them feel relaxed and comfortable.
3. VISION
Whether it’s a family, a wedding or a portrait photo shoot. A good photographer knows how to capture the essence of the subject they are photographing.
A camera is just a tool used to capture these moments.
It is only through the photographers vision and ability to connect with a client, beautiful memories are created.
Being able to connect, understand and take a client through what to expect is incredibly important in each photo session. Most people feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, it is the photographers job to make them feel relaxed and comfortable.
4. LIGHTING
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of photography. Understanding what good light is, knowing how to use it, makes all the difference to the final photograph.
The way the light is used to illuminate the subject can significantly impact the final outcome of the picture.
A photographer with the technical knowledge and creative eye can manipulate lighting to create dramatic or subtle effects that can completely change the mood of the picture.
4. LIGHTING
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of photography. Understanding what good light is, knowing how to use it, makes all the difference to the final photograph.
The way the light is used to illuminate the subject can significantly impact the final outcome of the picture.
A photographer with the technical knowledge and creative eye can manipulate lighting to create dramatic or subtle effects that can completely change the mood of the picture.
5. TIMING
Cameras may have fast shutter speeds, and burst modes but a professional photographer knows exactly when to take or create a perfect moment.
That moment can be missed otherwise!
The timing of a shot can significantly impact the final image, be it capturing a fleeting expression, a burst of emotion or a perfect landscape shot.
These burst of emotions and fleeting expressions take a photo to the next level.
5. TIMING
Cameras may have fast shutter speeds, and burst modes but a professional photographer knows exactly when to take or create a perfect moment.
That moment can be missed otherwise!
The timing of a shot can significantly impact the final image, be it capturing a fleeting expression, a burst of emotion or a perfect landscape shot.
These burst of emotions and fleeting expressions take a photo to the next level.
I hope this has been a fun and interesting read. Please comment below if you have any more points to add. Or just let me know what you think to this article?!
If you are another photographer, I hope this is useful in someway. Whether you need tips on explaining why it’s not just the camera or if you need ideas on why a client should book with you. I hope you can utilise this somehow.
And if you are looking to book a photographer and not sure on who or how to book, I hope you have picked up some tips for when you are choosing. Or if you are not sure on where to do it yourself, the points above might help you decide.
Anna x
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