Use The Camera You Got / by Harold Brown

The last guy at work
The last guy at work

Those pictures look great. What camera do you have? Anyone involved with photography hates those words, and always feels that it somehow cheapens what they do. There are a few aspects of photography which make for better pictures of course, and the camera is just part of it. However, let me say something. If you give the average photographer  a better camera they are going to get better pictures. There I said it, and it is true. If it wasn't true why wouldn't a pro just shoot everything on an iPhone? Obviously the pro can get a lot more out the camera than the typical amateur, but better camera equals better pictures. I always acknowledge that I like better cameras. Sometimes it is cool to say I used an iPhone, especially when I get a really good picture. However, most people really aren't looking for a true work of art, they just want a picture of their friends, or a picture that looks cool and reminds them of a good time from the past. If that were not true Instagram or Camera Awesome wouldn't be so popular. When I am asked about what camera to buy, I first ask questions about money to spend, is it for a special occasion, for pictures of family and friends, nature photography, etc. In other words, when choosing a camera you need to think about how you are going to use that camera. Pocket cameras tend to get used more than larger cameras, except for special events like going to your first African safari, or your first visit to Australia. Many times I head out of the house with my Kodak Z1485 IS. It fits in my pocket and I can take a few pictures or movies if in the mood. I take my Nikon D90 if my intent is to "take pictures". If I feel like taking a picture and I don't have a camera on me I use the my iPhone. I usually throw an iPhone picture on Facebook to tell a story or provide a mood. Like heading outside to get in the car and it is covered in snow. I can say it's cold out or I can show the snow covered car. However, I put iPhone pictures on my photo site as well. Heading to the airport in Sao Paulo the iPhone provides information to the viewer of what they can expect to see. Let's face it, nobody really believes that every place you go on this planet looks perfect, or something edgy can only be shown in black and white. The main thing is to use whatever camera you have and start capturing memories.

In route to the Sao Paulo Airport

In route to the Sao Paulo Airport

Taken with my iPhone 4
Taken with my iPhone 4

The true secret to great pictures is that you only show people your great pictures