It’s not the camera

“If you want to be the best, you have to buy the best gear”

This is a common saying for people who try to sell you items you don’t need. Too often throughout my creative journey, I have seen new creatives in photography and videography buy the most expensive gear that money can buy, just to blame the gear for producing bad images or videos. I am guilty of this too. The problem is that new creatives, or people outside the industry, assume that good photos or videos are produced with really "good" and expensive gear. They are partially correct. High-end cameras come with better specifications and upgrades and have the ability to produce really great photos or videos in the right hands. Where these people are wrong is that you don’t need the most expensive gear. You can achieve quality photos or videos with two simple but essential tips.

Learn your camera 

Often overlooked, learning your camera is the first step to achieving quality video or photos. My first camera was a Nikon D5200. I bought it for about $400 back in 2014. When I first opened the box, I took out the camera, ran out of my dorm, and said I was a photographer. I never used a Nikon DSLR, I didn’t know about manual mode, I didn’t know how to set up buttons, where to set color profiles, you get the idea. I knew NOTHING. I learned that you have to take some time and deep dive into the boring details to learn how to utilize your camera. Because I didn’t take the time to understand my camera’s capabilities and shortcomings, I would often blame my camera for bad results. When you really understand the ins and outs of your camera, you open up the possibilities to achieve any style. Take time out and go through the menus and learn everything you can. Or go on YouTube and look up your camera, followed by “in-depth”. You will find all the information you need.

Practice

“Your camera takes really nice _____”. If a creative hates hearing anything the most, it would be that statement. Your camera is not the artist. The camera is the paintbrush, and you are the painter if you want to look at it in an overly artistic way. It’s true though, the camera does not set the scene, or know when the right moment is, the camera just captures it. You are responsible for the vision and the moment.  You have to practice with your gear. The more you familiarize yourself and experiment with it, the more comfortable and easier it will be for you to get the results you want.

Take time out one weekend and practice taking photos that you are inspired by. Or practice taking photos in challenging settings. Practicing your craft will open your mind to new ideas, and help you become more adaptable in different situations.

I hope this helps!