Hi Jane,
I have been in photography for more than 30 years and I have met a lot of interesting people along the way.
One such person I know has probably had more cameras in his career than Michael Schumacher has had cars! If this person was not achieving the look or feel he was hoping for in a photograph then he would usually blame the camera and, as a matter of course, head off to the camera store to go looking for the next system to try. What is sad about all of this, is that I doubt he ever stopped to think that it was not the camera equipment that was at fault, but his own vision.
I personally work with three different camera formats. I have an old Hasselblad that I have had for more than twenty years that I mostly use for black-and-white photography and I also have two Nikon cameras which again, I have had for so long that I would be reluctant to change out of the system.
And the third format that I love to work with nowadays is my iPhone… and in particular the Hipstamatic app. It really does not matter to me what camera I am making a photo with… just so long as I have a camera when I want one.
Many years ago a great photographer taught me that the best camera to use for making a photograph is the one you have with you at the time. Now, to some extent this does mean that if you are going out to photograph wildlife you should take a camera with a long lens, or if you were photographing people indoors at night, you might take a camera with a fast lens. Ultimately though, when presented with a moment you should just take it with whatever camera is available
What is important to remember is that it is not the camera and lens choice that makes the best photographs. it is your own personal vision and emotional connection to the subject that is more important than anything else.
Some of the world’s best photographs have been made on some of the world’s most basic camera… and as soon as people like my friend realise this, we can all move a step forward with our photography.
Aside from the date in the lower right (which can be easily Photoshopped out in the space of a minute), I love everything about this image and would leave it as it is.
Cheers,
Anthony