It's Not About the Camera

Shot with my Apple iPhone.

I love most everything about the conversation of photography with the exception of this question, "What do you shoot with?" I say that because for me, photography is not about the camera. It's like asking an artist what paintbrush she used or what brand of paint sits on the canvas. Compelling images are created by people, not cameras. In fact, I'm shooting with my iPhone more and more these days. Clearly, there are limitations when shooting with a camera phone... I have no control over light and depth of field. I have very little control over focus. But I have total control of composition. Imposing these limitations on my vision is actually quite fun.

So let's see what your camera phone or inexpensive camera can do.

Comments

[leaca]

My husband has an iphone and I love taking pics with it.

http://simplyblogged.blogspot.com/2009/10/iphone-photography.html

[Kimberly]

Funny you should mention this...the most common "compliment" I get from people is, "wow, your camera takes good pictures!" They say that with my little point and shoot and with my DSLR. I say, "uh, thanks?" :)

[www.wishfulthinking.typepad.com]

I too am shooting more and more w/the incredible iPhone..here are a few of my recent favorites.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenniferwhite/3967455109/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenniferwhite/3957071353/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenniferwhite/3894580284/

[Kristina]

this is so much true! few years ago, before i started more serious with photography, i truly believed that camera changes all.. stupid ant far away from true! i am annoyed about this question, it is meaningless..i see lots of beautiful pictures, taken with low quality cameras, phone cameras, etc .. i am absolutely sure it is all about the person that takes pictures and it si not about the camera at all!

[Marcie]

So true. It's all about the 'seeing' and 'capturing'...and not about the equipment used to do so:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=952

[Beryl]

What a great thought for the day! I love the photography is an art and can be what you want it to be. It's all about having that "eye" to capture what is beautiful to you be it with a point and shoot, dslr, or cell phone. An iphone is next on my list of things to aquire and once I get one I can't wait to see what I do with it's camera thanks to your posting! ~B

http://www.bellarose-photography.com

[Puna]

I know it's not about the camera but it didn't stop my heart from going thump when I dropped and broke my long lens this weekend. Nice photo though.

[camerashymomma]

i couldn't agree more. i find that it's the EGO that asks this question. i was on the receiving end of this question last week while on a shoot and it was just so patriarchal (well, that and the concept i have that photography is a man's world, run by men in their 60's with enormous lenses and grey hair) it made me miss my shuttersisterhood actually, being there that day. just the fact that he asked me that.

anyway, here is by far my most favorite photo of the two of us. taken with a $10 disposable underwater film camera
http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerashymomma/3602301206/

here's a question for ya, why do men feel they rule the world of photography and any woman who walks onto a site or camera shop is just seen as a humorous hobby?

[Debi]

Thank you for this. I have been in the photo business for a zillion years and have heard more excuses blamed on the camera than one would think possible. Your post reminded me of the old joke that asks the difference between a painters' convention and a photographers' convention - the answer being the painters don't talk about what brush they used to paint a picture. I am also reminded of the old photo saying "If I had a Hasselblad I'd take better pictures." :) We used to keep this saying tacked to a wall back in the day of all film. I don't have an iPhone, but I have fallen quite in love with the phone camera I do have. I find I post more & more images on my blog that have been taken with that camera. Yesterday's post for example. We have had 3 weeks of nonstop rain, gray skies, fog, general yuckiness. At lunch yesterday, the happy lights against that rain filled sky made me feel better. Here's the pix:
http://emmatree.blogspot.com/2009/10/mexican-food-y-rain-y-llueve.html

[Julie Alvarez]

I shoot pretty much all of my pictures (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/) with a point and shoot. Except for the film pictures, that I shoot with a good old Nikormat.

[shirley]

Oh, I love taking pictures with my iPhone. So simple and freeing!
Here is a link to a blog post I wrote extolling the simplicity of the camera phone:

http://shirleybehindthelens.blogspot.com/2009/08/fun-with-iphone-camera.html

[Donna]

I love black and white! great shot and it is definitely not about the camera but the person operating the camera. I have a kodak 5 pixel camera and it takes great shots. But it is my creativity that creates good shots (on some of them anyway} it is a talent I am learning slowly to develop. But just really adore this photo of the black and white polka dot rubber boots and the picture on the wall above, with the white door, etc. super fantastic creative eye you have!

[Megan]

I took this shot w/ my iphone over the weekend.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mejan/4011592834/

It definitely amuses me when people not only ask what kind of camera I shoot with, but then go out and buy it (or even a better one), and then I get the inevitable call/email: "hey, how come my pictures don't look like yours???". They don't?? No WAY! :-)

[Kristi]

I totally agree with what you have said above...it's about you and not your equipment! Learning to compose a shot is a work in progress for me but at least I am learning.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/simpleeffulgence/3573023479/in/set-72157620139854491/

[Jennwynn]

This is my photoblog site. http://seaofks.blogspot.com/2007_02_01_archive.html

I did a 365 project with the camera on my phone. The more recent posts are less about the photography and more about experiences (and photos taken by others), but from Feb 2007-2008 I took a photo/day with my camera phone and posted it.

The biggest challenges were indeed lighting and the set focus -- but sometimes they made for something that was more interesting and not less.

I read this blog pretty religiously, but this is the first time I've commented. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

[summer]

I couldn't agree more. Also if Camerashymamma would do a post on the question she posed I'd be so interested to read it for it is a question I have never been able to figure out but has always bugged me and in fact kept me from frequenting a camera shop I particularly like and sending my husband with MY questions instead...WTF, that is messed up.

In showing my daughter how to use the camera I have said nothing of settings, exposure, aperture or the like it has been and will for years to come be all about the eye. Learn to really see, the rest is just details.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sufferingsummer/3363917399/in/set-72157603787388753/

thanks for bringing this up, it is so encouraging and just what I needed to be reminded of today!

[Jen Zahigian]

This is such a great topic -- I've noticed that sometimes people seem upset when I use a point & shoot camera -- "you're a photographer! think of the pictures you could be making with your 'real' camera!" So frustrating -- why can't I enjoy the whimsy of a point & shoot camera?

I think the spirit of a point & shoot really matches how I feel when I'm on vacation -- it's so nice to surrender control of everything but composition, and explore my curiosity as to how the camera will interpret our travels.

Here are point & shoot snapshoots from a train window:
http://jenzahigian.blogspot.com/2009/05/travel-by-train-scenes-from-window.html

and from a car window:
http://jenzahigian.blogspot.com/2009/09/along-golden-state.html

[darrah]

Thanks for this wonderful reminder. I've been feeling limited by the equipment I own lately and wishing I could afford a camera and lens and lighting equipment that was More, Better, Best! But I have to remind myself that I'm an artist and that's what I bring to my photos. No amount of equipment can cover up a lack of artistry.

[melissa]

I agree! I've been using my "little" camera more lately.

[spread your wings]

i love using my iphone for taking photos. In the beginning my blog was almost always iphone pics and phone pics from my daughter away at school - it allowed an easy way for us to share our days. They weren't always great photos but it didn't matter - it was an instant way to say "here I am" in the moment.
To share a couple of those with you I went back to last year to pull examples. It's funny to read back over these and see how the blog has evolved. We both use a Nikon now and somehow the feeling is not the same - there seemed to be a fresh innocence about it in the beginning. So I have to say there is a lot to be said for the spontaneity that is allowed with the phone cameras - there's a sort of free spirit about it that i like - this moment instantly framed with your eyes, click, send, no tricks.

http://spreadingwings08.blogspot.com/2009/02/blinds-eyes.html
http://spreadingwings08.blogspot.com/2009/01/spectacular-extravaganza.html
http://spreadingwings08.blogspot.com/2009/04/oneself-shared.html

[Mrs Soup]

I love using my iPhone camera. There is a book out there called "The Best Camera is the One Thats With You" by Chase Jarvis. It's so true!

Here are just a few taken with my iPhone:

http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy359/mrssoup05/11698838.jpg
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy359/mrssoup05/c19aebf0.jpg
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy359/mrssoup05/30b494f9.jpg

[Jen]

I love shooting with my iPhone! This is my fave:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/jenryan/art/3005199-2-storm-break-iphone-pic
~Jen

[Wayfaring Wanderer]

I have always avoided that question like the plague, too! Especially when people say, "Your camera takes GREAT pictures!", I say, "Well, now, I did have a little something to do with that!" :D

But because I am in the market for a new camera and have been for the last two years, I have found that I, too, want to know the answer to that question at times. Since 2006 I have used a Panasonic Lumix FZ-30s, which has a fixed lens and isn't even considered a DSLR, it's a DSLR-like. I get increasingly frustrated by my limitations at times, but dealing with them has allowed me to grown in ways that a more expensive/complex camera might not have afforded. I consider myself lucky that this camera has taken me this far. But, is it time to upgrade? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is my latest blog post with pictures from my recent Hawaii vacation:
http://www.wayfaringwanderer.com/2009/10/6-sights-to-see-on-highway-83-part-1.html

[Madame Meow]

I borrowed a friend's iPhone and took these:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/madamemeow/3956993644/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/madamemeow/3956993726/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/madamemeow/3956215015/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/madamemeow/3956993594

I was surprised and quite happpy. Also, I have a good friend ^_^

[Stacy]

I think after awhile you get used to that question. I usually respond with my camera and "it is so old and outdated is has been discontinued". I think having confidence in your abilites is the key. "Go ahead and buy my camera. You will be just be taking snapshots with a more expensive camera if you don't learn how to operate it."

As for the men, they like gadgets. They like to understand the mechanics behind how these things work. Women generally don't care as much. Does my lack of knowledge as to who makes the mirror or what version of software my camera has make me a worse photographer? They can talk about that until they are blue in the face...me? I have photos to shoot. I KNOW how to use my camera...I don't need to know everything about it's design and manufacturing process. Honestly, the biggest know it alls have the least attention grabbing photos. I haven't been overly impressed with their work. Don't let the know it alls bother you...they have to make up their lack of artistic talent with something! :)

Here's a picture I took years ago with my crappy p&s camera.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kraft/228757648/

A DSLR definitely makes it easier to take pics, but you can get some nice ones out of the less than stellar cameras.

[The Glamorous Life Association]

I take 99% of the photos that are posted at Orange County Daily Photo with a point and shoot Canon. Oh I have the big profesh camera...but what good is it if it is not with me at all times.

Come see what a pocket camera can do!
http://ocdailyphoto.typepad.com/orange-county-daily-photo/marcy-massura/

People are generally surprised ....

[Catherine V]

My sometimes non-functioning Canon A620 point and shoot, purchased for a mere $150 several years ago, is still my first love. That is the camera I started creating images with. I have since upgraded to a Nikon dSLR. But, I find that I still use my lil' ol' Canon.

I, too, have had the experience of having a friend buy the same Nikon and then ask why her photos don't look like mine. :)

[Sarah]

Thank you so much for this post!! I am an artist - -pen and ink and acrylic. I am also a photographer. I cannot tell you how often I get shock from people when they find that I shoot with a Canon SX110IS. Then I get the tude from some..oh you only use a point and shoot??!! Like somehow that makes my eye & work less worthy than if I were using an SLR. I hesitate to answer the question now when asked..as it makes people discount my work. I have seen some amazing pics from camera phones and little point and shots..Thank you for saying this!!
Sarah.Cottage Garden Studios

[Sarah]

Oop I didn't add my links... http://cottagegardenstudiophotos.blogspot.com/ & http://www.flickr.com/photos/27803376@N04/

[busymomma66]

I use a canon point & shoot, but I'm still coveting a Canon Rebel.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/4010471943_c319e0500e.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3973601425_8e28660596.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3968044887_d16b8f5088.jpg

[bostongaljm]

One of my all-time favorite photos of mine came from my camera phone.

Btw, I love the boots!

Check it out here...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32612528

[Liz]

I take all of my photos with an Olympus Point and Shoot:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30549431@N02/

I'm a relatively new photographer, and up until recently I was a little embarrassed to admit that I was using a point and shoot...but now I'm proud that I'm able to produce images that people seem to enjoy with the camera I have, it sort of confirms for me that I have what it takes to really be an artist.

[Shawna]

A couple of my favourite shots were taken with my P&S:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawnac/3242956900/in/set-72157612169560287/
and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawnac/3242956812/in/set-72157612169560287/

My only complaint is that I can't blow them up as big as I'd like, especially the latter one, which I'd love to have framed really, REALLY big.

[cindy]

i totally agree! these photos were taken many years ago with an inexpensive minolta freedom dual and long before my interest in photography became more than the quest for the simple snapshot. being in the right place at the right time is key.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/71443419@N00/3981793418/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/71443419@N00/3981034137/in/photostream/

[Kristen]

I'm enjoying more and more shooting with my iphone. Since I've turned more professional and my camera has gotten bigger and heavier, I've been missing out on the every day random photos which I used to love shooting as my camera is simply too big to carry around on a daily basis. Yay for small camera love.

[keli]

i absolutely hate that question "what camera do you use?" - i get it once or twice a week on facebook. it confuses me, because i think it's pretty obvious that the pictures aren't "good" because of my camera. but i think most people go to amazon, see the price and then quickly change their mind on purchasing it.

i don't have an iPhone (stupid verizon, lol) - but i do take lots of pictures with my blackberry ...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/twelve-paws/3817302527/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/twelve-paws/3545464171/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/twelve-paws/3702305329/

[Guddlefish]

I'm so glad this subject came up. I don't own a DSLR so my photos are all from a canon IXUS point and shoot. I've been visiting this website and the Flickr pools for a while and feeling a little (well, a lot actually) in awe of all the gorgeous photos.

I've been longing for a 'decent' camera so that I can learn to do some of the things you guys talk about but I never once assumed that if I bought one my photos would automatically be any better than my point and shoot variety. I know that I'd have to get to know all the technical tricks and so on but I also know that at the heart of it I'd still have to know how to look at the world and see what would make a great picture. I'm more worried I don't have that talent than I am that I don't have the expensive camera that has all the bells and whistles.

I'd like to thank you all for inspiring me to pick up my camera again and for teaching me so much about what makes a great photo - and I don't mean the technical stuff!

[Melissa G]

I love using my Blackberry when the tot and I are having adventures. It's so much more manageable and I tend to stay more in the moment with her. I worry less about composition and just capture the moments as they happen.

http://knititall.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/climb-on/

[janette]

I'm late on this one, but am a devout believer that it's about the seeing and not the fancy glass . And when the exposure is less-than-ideal, it frees me up to play and experiment in ways I'd less likely try with my more serious Nikon. (The last one of these is temporarily available to all. Normally it's f&f on flickr, but I so love this blog and the people on it!)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcanare/3881881261/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcanare/2201395974/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcanare/2200601255

[Alicia]

I was inspired to get the camera bag ap on my iphone... here's what i created...

http://aliandsethinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/10/seths-10-music-maker.html

[strawberrygoldie]

All 2,000 some photos on my Flickr' stream are taken with a point-and-shoot. : )

[Erin]

i'm so thankful for this post. thank you. i recently downgraded from the digital camera to a holga because i wanted to prove to people that the photo is about the photographer & not about digital manipulation. i love to see there are still old-school creators who believe this very concept.

[Aimee Greeblemonkey]

SO WITH YOU ON THIS!!!

And have you been following Chase Jarvis' Best Camera book and app?

This one taken with Shake It Photo, another fave:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greeblemonkey/4023165900/

[Yoyental]

That app is ever so cewl! I only use that on the iPhone!! Composition really is a keyword when ya shoot with p&s.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tillefoan/3820491503
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tillefoan/3759544178
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tillefoan/3789476088
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yoyental/3998020624
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yoyental/3930504129

[Michelle Shopped]

i've been thinking more and more about downgrading from my nikon d60 after getting it about 6 months ago -- as i've learned that i prefer something simpler! and i wanted a "cool" camera for the longest time -- but after the iphone and warhol polaroid exhibit at umass this past fall, i've been leaning more and more to selling it -- photos are an insporation for story for me and i love looking at them more than taking them...