Don Urban – A Worthy Reblog
How to Improve your photography
by Don Urban | Aug 12, 2019 | Equipment, Rambles and Rants, Uncategorized | 0 comments
Why Reblog? Well, Don is my 600th follower!! I want to honor him and his blog and invite you to see his work. I love his photography. I think you will, too. Thanks, Don, for visiting and following JanBeek!!
Gear DOES Matter
One of the best ways to improve your photography? Buy gear. Yes, that’s right. Buy gear. You are a photographer. It is your passion (hopefully!) so why not buy gear?
Gear motivates, inspires and allows you to realise your vision.
I would recommend though, buying gear only if you really need it. Buy second-hand gear off eBay or Gumtree (Australia). Cameras, lenses, flashes and bags are tools- if you need them, buy them.
Some will make you a better photographer because you will be able to capture what you envisage. Some purchases will be duds. Avoid the duds. Don’t make impulse buys. Research the hell out of each purchase to guarantee you get a good bargain and you know why you are getting that new piece of equipment.
I have only just bought my first speedlight flash with softbox and umbrella. Continuous lights served me well for a long time, and I still use them, but they are limiting when it comes to travelling and I needed stronger, directional lights, so I bought a cheap but highly regarded flash- a Godox flash. I didn’t by a Nikon one at four-times the price with less features. I shopped around, weighted up options, put it off until I felt limited in my photography.
Same with lenses. I bought a Tamron 90mm 1:1 Macro lens. My other lenses, a 50mm and 28mm, I bought second hand off eBay. I mostly photograph people, still life and flowers- 90mm becomes the most useful lens. I shoot a few landscapes, so a second hand 28mm suits me well.
It has to be justified.
If you are struggling to achieve a look with your equipment, then it is time to buy gear. The sad thing is, I see so many photographers buying gear thinking it will make them a better photographer. It wont.
But having gear, suitable for what you want to create, will make you a better photographer.
Buying the right gear will elevate your photography. And no, there are no affiliate links here. I never recommend gear, because what is good for me, may not be suitable for you.
Buy gear for yourself, not for others.
Until next time, best wishes, Don
