What Lens Did You Use?

For a few years, I had a great love of photography.  So much that I strongly considered setting up a side business taking pictures.  Naturally, I talked myself out of it.  Didn’t want to lug a bunch of equipment and props around.  Didn’t want to spend hours in front of Photoshop tweaking photos.  A myriad of excuses, but that’s a story for another day.

In Seth Godin’s new book (which I’ve discussed on a couple of occasions), he talks about Stephen King (one of the most famous and bestselling authors) often going to writer’s conferences.  Ultimately, during the Q&A session, someone always asks him what kind of pencil he uses, as if the answer will be a secret key to unlocking their own writing success.

This type of question is common in photography as well.  Scan the comments on virtually any forum and you’ll usually see feedback like:

“WOW, what a great picture!  What lens did you use?  What was your aperture?!”

It’s the wrong question.  The equipment choice – camera, lenses, external flashes, remote flash trigger, umbrella stand, etc – is the wrong area to focus for the majority of people.  For starters, most non-professionals will have a hard time detecting any difference in picture quality.  Additionally, price tags can cause sticker shock.  Professional camera bodies and lenses can run thousands of dollars.  Nonetheless, the idea that having the same equipment as a famous photographer will make you take pictures like one, is still the prevailing thought.

How do I know?  Because I’ve fallen into the same trap.  I’ve bought the gear and am still piddling away.  The equipment doesn’t take the place of learning what makes a good picture and years of practice to continually get better.  My lenses are now collecting dust in the closet while my phone has taken their place.  It’s an expensive lesson but one that bears sharing.  Stop worrying about the tools of the trade – it’s not what creates the art.