“It’s not about the camera.” (Ansel Armstrong)

Mother and Daughter. San Francisco, California, 2013

So, here are some quotes to bring us all back to Earth and far, far away from the NAS (Nikon Acquisition Syndrome) Death Star. These words get at what is REALLY important in photography as an art:

“This is the problem I have with digital photography. The potential is always remarkable. But the medium never settles. Each year there is a better camera to buy and new software to download. The user never has time to become comfortable with the tool. Consequently too much of the work is merely about the technology. The HDR and QTVR fads are good examples. Instead of focusing on the subject, users obsess over RAW conversion, Photoshop plug-ins, and on and on. For good work to develop the technology needs to become as stable and functional as a typewriter.”   

—Alec Soth

“Image quality is not the product of a machine, but of the person who directs the machine, and there are no limits to imagination and expression.”

And…

“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.”

—Ansel Adams

“No photographer is as good as the simplest camera.”  

—Edward Steichen

“When people ask what equipment I use – I tell them my eyes.”   

—Anonymous

The classic story

Then I am reminded of the story of the famous photographer who was invited to dine at the elegant home of a famous chef. Upon entering, the chef, remarked, “Your photographs are wonderful! You must have a great camera!” The photographer said nothing and enjoyed the sumptuous banquet with all of the other guests. As she was leaving, she made this comment to the famous chef: “The food was absolutely superb! You must have a wonderful stove.”