Let’s talk – photographer to photographer

I’ve got a bunch of cameras. Old Minolta film, Nikon film, Mamiya film, a couple of Canon film.. Nikon and Canon digital. I’ve also got an iPhone. Guess which one I use most?

SLR cameras are a pain in the neck – literally. Having that bulky thing around your neck wears you down if you have it there long enough. But overall, you really cannot beat a photo taken with an slr camera.

My point:

I’ve been tossing around the idea of doing some photography courses online but I’m wondering if there’s really any value to it. Of course there would be some, but I’ve been an avid photographer for the past eight years and I wonder would a photo course really benefit me? I can compose a good (sometimes great) shot, and I know how to take night photos (which is what I love), I know how to slow things down and speed things up. I wonder, maybe, if I just need to buy better equipment to get the shots I desire.

Take my Nikon 1 for instance. Nifty little camera, but it doesn’t do justice to a night shot what-so-ever. The electronic viewfinder is horrid, often turning off and on at inconvenient times (even with firmware updates). With the 10-30mm lens I have for the camera (stock lens) you have to push a button and turn to get the lens to come out, which sometimes doesn’t work. I’m really not a fan. It’s too point-and-shoot(y) for me.

My Canon Rebel xs takes great photos even though it’s a base model dslr – the first in the Rebel line. I’m moderately pleased with night shots, and I think I would be better served with a new lens for this camera than the 28-90mm and 50mm that I have.

My film cameras? They’re for look only at this point. There’s no where in town that develops photos, and I don’t have the time, money or patience to develop my own. Sending them out for a box-store to butcher is not an option.

I have an armful of point-and-shoot cameras that have completely gone unused since I got my iPhone. My iPhone takes really great pictures in comparison actually.

So what is it? New gear? Sadly I can’t afford to get any new lenses right now, or a new camera. But when I can this is what I have in mind. If you can offer a suggestion for a good lens for night photography (I love taking star and northern lights photos) please do!

My wishlist:

Just to have in my truck for spur of the moment photo sessions.

To be my main lens if I decide to keep using my Rebel.

If I were to buy a new camera altogether.

And lastly, here’s some photos from today. iPhone only, haha.

Soundtrack behind this post:  You Ain’t Alone – Alabama Shakes

M.