It's Not All About The Gear

Recently we did a live Q&A session and were supposed with the amount of questions relating to gear. In this rant Peter explains his thoughts about gear and how it is not important when it comes to taking great images.

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Sony A7c with Zeiss Batis 18mm on a DJI Ronin-CS Gimbal

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[patford]

Peter, your videos are enjoyable because of your interaction with the models and the way you explain the way you want to light to interact with the model. Because does a great job capturing you working too. She is so good I feel like I’m looking over your shoulder.

[PhotoArtBrussels]

Great video. In my classes i work with a 12 year old canon 450D + plastic kit lens the first 30min; to show it makes no difference. People are often amazed by such a real example.

[ennev]

I’m recovering from GAS (gear Acquisition Syndrome). It's so easy to be tempted by new stuff. If what you have does what you want. Keep it.

[TeteRecinos]

"When I've got this in my hand I can create" - A lot of wisdom in a very small sentence.

[timskinnercanada]

I hear you Peter. Great insights. I used to love the crappy camera challenges back in the day on Digital Rev. Super fun.

[QuackLoud]

This is without a doubt one of the absolute best videos I have ever watched. And Peter, I'm not referring to best photography videos, I mean best videos that can be applied to all aspects of Life. Find what suits you - the job that suits you, the car that fits you (like Bec says), the friends, etc - stop worrying about what other people are telling you to buy or do. Thank you.

[gary]

Exactly! In the past I bought “stuff” thinking it would make my work better but it didn’t so I would buy a better unit.
Now I treat it as a tool needed to solve a problem that I can’t with current equipment.
Your point about feeling your gear is an extension of you is a point that hits home with me. Good article!

[gumdocga]

Peter, this is one of the best videos I have seen on YouTube. I didn’t see it as an anti gear rant, rather, the best advice from someone who has a great amount of insight and experience. The one caveat that occurs to me is, I think to some extent, it’s human nature to have to try things for oneself, making mistakes along the way. Parents try to impart life experiences and wisdom to their kids, only to have them go out and make the same mistakes they were warned against. I guess, looking on the bright, one can determine, while spending and wasting vast amounts on money along the way (!), which gear functions and feels the best in their hands.
Peter, thanks again for your time and wisdom.

[johng]

Yes. You make total sense and I never understood why I need the latest and greatest.

[SpectreSoundStudios]

"some of the best photography that's been done, has been done 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago." Wow, there's some truth that needs to be repeated! What a fantastic episode. Thanks, Peter!

[martynphillips]

As usual from Peter, hits the nail on the head with some of the best advice you can get.

[marklloyd]

Thanks Peter. Top draw as always. It's often amazing when you look at all the gear on the shelf that is just cluttering up your space and is never used.

[timothyplatt]

Well said on EVERYTHING. I love the guys who do such good work with limited equipment . Stuff thats maybe old, slow, not perfect, etc. It's all far more fascinating than the latest and "greatest"

[David.G.P.]

Many thanks for this new video and for sharing how you store your equipment, how much you have acquired, and your selected favorites cameras and lenses; 90% of your work is a lot.
I also have the view that in the past, with old equipment, brilliant photographs were taken; so it is not all about the gear.
From my point of view, we sometimes could make the mistake of paying too much attention to the tools instead of the artwork we are trying to produce.
Our photo/camera equipment becomes an extension of our body (hands, eyes, brain, …), as you certainly mention. The same is true for the musical instruments, when they are in our hands.

[danielghowell]

Finding your channel has been an inspiration. I used to work in LA shooting fashion shooting large format but left photography for teaching, I am now back to finding my inspiration and working my way back into the field reigniting my passion for the art of photography. Thank you for your channel and the openness of your guidance. Learning a lot.

[AlexFBuchholzPhoto]

You are absolutely right, Peter. I think I made the biggest mistake the day I sold my GFX50s. I actually miss that slow, badly focusing camera, and in retrospect, I still love the images taken with it the most. And thats the bid debate about brand ambassadorship. Whether the benefits are really that big.

[rckgregory]

This is not only well said...but your passion for your work and the gear you use comes across perfectly!! Thank you for this video!

[alexugljesic]

Peter what you've said about your connection with Hasselblad is so true. That is very much what I feel with my Nikon, and never felt with others, from Contax, Canon, Olympus, or any other, and not just ergonomically. Great video as usual from you...

[cmolina]

Excellent observations on your video. Thank you for the grounding.

[marko_beens]

A cook says to Helmut Newton: »Your images are excellent. You certainly have a great camera.«
Newton replies: »The meal you prepared was magnificent. You must have really good pots.«

(I have no clue, if this is real or someone made it up once—but I like it.)