I was recently talking to a friend and I asked him if you had to pick one camera and one film to create with for the rest of your life, what would your choice be and why
The question is a little deeper than it may appear at first glance.
It may not be a practical question, but I think it can reveal some key points about where you may be creatively at this time. We live in times that a photographer has more choices and options, than any time before in history.
From my personal perspective, I am not sure the vast amount of choices and options we have today are producing work that is equal to our predecessors over the last 50 years in particular.
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That is a subjective view based on my personal biases, but it is one that I have formed over time. I could only hope that my prints today were half of the caliber of the masters like Adams, Penn, Strand, and others.
I have personally view prints by Irving Penn, Ansel Adams, Julia Margaret-Cameron, and many other famous photographers and I humbly must admit that my best work falls short when compared to these masters.
When I think about that deeply, I realize they lived and worked at a time that was far less advanced then our current times, however, their work is superior. This is something to consider and reflect upon because it is clear to me that I don't need the best of gear as touted by the marketing machine of contemporary times, I just need to focus on my photography and truly mastering the basics.
I would love to know what you think. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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