It's an age-old question, isn't it? Can better camera gear really make you a better photographer?
I would like to say it doesn't matter, but I would be lying. 🙈 I'm so sorry!
This summer, I invested in better tack because I have a horse who is very sensitive and expressive about it. 🙄 She's actually a gift to me in that she doesn't tolerate bad riding or being uncomfortable under saddle. 😆 So with the help of my instructor, Becky Seizert, I bought a custom fit Trilogy Dressage dressage saddle and Schockemöhle bridle. 💸💸
Aaaaaand…it's like I have a different horse to ride!
Not only does the saddle fit her better, it fits me better too, which means I am more balanced and stable on her back. And the bridle takes pressure off the sensitive areas of her face, which makes her a lot more comfortable and responsive.
It was definitely worth the investment, however, without regular lessons with Becky, all this nice new tack won't matter much. I need a mentor to help me keep growing as a rider. I need both good gear and someone to help me know how to make the most of it.
I'm sure you know where I'm going with this…
About a year ago, I upgraded my camera gear from the Canon 5D Mk IV and 1Dx Mk II to the Mirrorless R5. I didn't expect it to make SUCH a difference in my photography, but it has (again, I'm sorry! 🙈). The whole experience of taking photos is different for me and the dynamic range it captures gives me much more to work with when editing the images.
But the camera doesn't take photos by itself.
You could buy the same camera and lens I have and without the knowledge and experience I've gained over the past 17 years, the gear isn't going to do you much good. Sure, you'll probably get more images in focus and be able to do a bit more when editing the files, but you won't necessarily know how to:
- use the light
- nail your focus
- pose your subjects
- make creative compositions
- tell a story
- find your own style as a photographer
- get the most out of your images when you edit them
Just like with riding, you need someone to teach you or the having the best gear won't matter.
If you want to grow and become a more skilled photographer, you need a mentor. Whether that's myself or someone else, how you make the most of whatever gear you have is to have someone helping you.
My photography mentorships for the year have just wrapped up and I'm about to gear up for 2022. If you are a photographer looking to gain confidence behind the camera, keep an eye out for when I open up registration for the Wings Mentorship, which starts in January! For now, visit
www.shelleypaulsoneducation.com/pages/mentorships to learn more about my mentorships.
Bonus tip: How DO you know when you're ready to upgrade your camera gear?
When you feel like your current gear is holding you back from making the images you feel you are capable of. Some examples would be if you aren't able to get sharp photos no matter what you do, then you might need a better or newer lens. Or if you find you are taking photos in low light a lot and your camera doesn't handle high ISOs very well, then it's time for a new camera body.
