gearhead

I am the first one to admit that I am not a gear head. Yes, I thoroughly enjoy drooling over eye candy and the idea of new coveted lenses as much as anyone else. But can I make a small confession? Gear overwhelms me. So does looking up the steep mountain of a learning curve with a new camera body and a manual nearly an inch thick.

Many of you know I recently experienced the shutter death of my beloved Nikon. I took some time figuring out my next step (and with the generosity of a dear friend lending me her dslr until I was able to do so, until I could make that leap into a new investment.) Last week I unpacked all the gear that came with my new camera. It swirled around me. I caught my breath. It was beautiful. And yes, overwhelming.

I have to move through it slowly like wading in the shallows of the sea. Baby steps. Baby steps.

It's like someone handing you something (or someone) they know you will love. "Here, you guys will love each other! You're a perfect fit! Go ... connect!" A match made in heaven, yet I am shy and curious. So we begin by fumbling our way into this new relationship, knowing it's true to heart, but still a little fearful of that commitment, that first step. That first image.

Now, maybe if I had an art degree, or a certifiable photography background to build my confidence, it wouldn't overwhelm. Maybe. But I have neither of those things (and on bad days, that self talk shouts at me, my lack of supposed qualifications.) The truth is: I'm just me. I'm self taught. I'm just following my heart in most every (and any) direction it leads me. And that's ok.

I take a deep breathe. It's only glass and mirrors. Plastic and wires (so many wires!) and many tiny parts to accessorize with, to add to my growing collection of gear. And yes, eye candy. And yes, photo love.

Why this confession today? I want to know how you feel about gear. Do your insecurities creep into the excitement and the newness of it? Show me what you've got. Show me a shot of you with your gear.

Comments

[cinco_mom]

i know nothing about gear. i'm self taught (what little i know), i feel like i'm more....learned rather than taught, i just do what i feel, shoot what i like, when it works i keep doing it and when it doesn't i try something else. as for the rest of it ....the plugs and wires...i just fumble along until it works too. when all else fails i open the book. ;)

[Shawna]

Do I EVER know what you're talking about! I upgraded to Photoshop CS4 a couple of months ago, yet I still have Photoshop 7 installed on my computer while CS4 sits in the box. I've gotten used to the limitations and workarounds I've been using and it seems scary to change, even though I KNOW it will be a change for the better.

[Becky Sue]

The gear is overwhelming to me too! I have it all stacked here on the floor next to my computer. It's a mess!

Here's a shot I took with my gear of a hat that I made for my Mom.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rslaflam/4745276201/

[Kate.S @ Little House]

Oh, I SO hear ya. I just upgraded to my first DSLR and am still finding my way around, and not quite getting the results I want. Need for instant gratification be damned ;)

Its already love though.

Although my eyes are boggled from all the reading I'm doing about it all...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30297021@N02/4710245685/

[Jen at Cabin Fever]

I think most, if not ALL, of us have those same insecurities! I struggle with the delineation between hobby and profession when it comes to my photography. My gear is virtually nil, because of cost and ignorance. I feel that I can do what I desire with photography equally well as those with fancy smancy things. Oh, and I too experienced shutter death with my old camera (Canon Rebel XT) it gave me the courage to upgrade to a 'newer model', a Canon 50D. While its not top of the line its definitely more of a heavy hitter camera so it forced me to look into greater depth at what I was doing with my photography. I definitely think I'm the better for it. Best of luck with your new gear :)

http://www.cabinfeververmont.com

http://www.nekphotography.blogspot.com

[joey]

Oh, ohhh. As our family started out for a weekend road trip last Friday, I went on and on to my husband about how much using my camera soothes me and how much I love it. The very next day the mirror came loose. My precious camera is broken!! I have no idea how I'll make it through the next 2-3 weeks I have to wait to get it back.

[thea]

If I think about gear too much, it sets me into a sense of that I don't have enough, that I am lacking. It can sometimes throw me off the realness that the evolution I crave in my photography is most likely something that will come from within rather than from a new piece of equipment. Now that intimidates me! :) Recently I am loving images that I think were taken with a lens baby, and the gritty feel of film/Polaroid. I may not be able to fake the lens baby but I do think I can experiment with the gritty feel by upping my ISO.

My insecurities do arise when I have a little bit of money to spend on something new but am not sure which thing will get me closest to what I am looking to do with my photographs. I have rented one lens from lens pro to go and that really was fun, and a good choice in terms of experimenting before investing.

[Anne]

I know what you mean. I'm self-taught and less intimidated by camera gear, but I start getting dizzy as soon as I hear anything resembling discussion about lighting equipment. I wish I had the time to really dig in to understand it better.

Good luck!

Anne

[Kathryn Dyche Dechairo]

I know exactly what you mean and went through the same kinds of feeling when I got my Canon Rebel XT . . . I still haven't figtured out all the great features that it has though because I have an aversion to manuals. My brother just shakes his head when he sees me using the auto settings (or the numpty button and he likes to call it). Have fun with your new toy and may the new relationship be all that you wish it to be.

[vivienne]

i definitely have those insecurities too.

They are coming up lately as i'm booked to shoot 3 weddings this august. My gear has been so good to me in general (canon rebel xti and a few semi-affordable lenses) and i've learned that its me that takes the picture and gear either helps or hinders us in doing that.

I've shown up to classes at the college with my little rebel and 50 mm lens to be surrounded by dudes with suitcases (i'm not joking) of all the lenses you could imagine. there was easily 50,000 dollars of gear in that room and me with my little camera...but do you know what...some of those people with the big cameras still couldn't take good pictures!

But yes, the weddings are approaching and I really truly will be hindered if i try to shoot it with the gear I have. Yet I can't afford new lenses or a new camera body right now. The answer? Renting!!! I live in Vancouver, BC and there are a few stores that have really affordable rental options. Thankfully! If your town/city has a great camera store that rents its such a great way to start relationships with new gear without the massive investment! Or at least to try it before you buy it!

[kristen]

not all the gear, but the most essential: http://www.flickr.com/photos/acumamakiki/4746078660/

[soupatraveler]

oh boy, i completely know what you mean about camera tech stage fright. i've got the art degree, i even took loads of photography classes...back in the days when there wasn't digital, but once i got that original canon rebel, i confess to shooting almost always on auto or preset modes. i'm fully comfortable with the artistic side of my camera, but throw in the technical aspect and i am like a toddler learning to walk. a few years ago i got a canon 40d and am just now wading out into the waters of manual mode this year. here's the first selfie i took with my new digital:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46922592@N00/4322130533/in/set-72157623919364776/

[Marcie]

Oh..I can so relate to this one. Just 'gear'. Just plastic and glass and wires. UGH!!!
All I want is to be able to see thru it..and capture what I see!!
Inspiring post...

[nikkole]

Yes, I fear gear. How is that little word so intimidating.

Me and Mine....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/_nikkole/4164305768/

[Jackie]

I can relate - I always get so excited to get something new - lens, camera (the ipad my husband just bought me) and then I'm so afraid I won't use them right - I can hardly touch them and there they sit. The thing is - all this stuff is meant to be used and played with - frustration will happen, mistakes will be made, but in the end, I do feel blessed to be able to have such fun gear and the opportunity to learn all these amazing new things!! (once I open the box).

[shirley]

No art or photography degree needed - just continue to do what your heart says and it will all come in time.
And remember, the gear doesn't take pictures - you do.

And me with my gear:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shirley319/4630869360/

[humbird]

You may need to do a post specific to the Rebel XTi ~

My relationship with the Rebel was similar as above postings, almost a natural extension of my eye. And I was ready for some new lenses. The dilemma of how to pay for one (or two) lenses and whether I should sell my beloved Suzuki SV650 motorcycle. I sold my motorcycle this past May to a woman, who despite her terror of bikes, bought it as a surprise birthday present for her husband because 'he is an amazing man who never asks for anything'. An hour after selling the bike, I 'fried the little Rebel's brains'.

I installed the wrong batteries. I didn't even know you could DO that! I just wanted to cry.

I decided to forego the lens dream and buy the Canon 7D. I am glad I did, despite the challenges and intimidations of learning about new gear ~ Here is to a summer of visual adventures!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/humbirdhum/

http://humbirdhum.wordpress.com/

[Aia]

i echo all the comments above. it is overwhelming, just want to snap a pic! when i went back to film i found the transition even more difficult after being sucked into the digital movement for several years!

here i am with my baby:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aclamp/4707746953/in/set-72157624381693670/

[xanthe]

i hear ya! gear can play with my head too.

enjoy your new love and 'your eye' is your most important piece of gear and i think you're doing a pretty brilliant job handling what you've got.

i SO wanna upgrade - http://www.flickr.com/photos/xantheberkeley/4746846740/

[keli]

congratulations on your new gear!! see, i'm the opposite - i love diving right into any piece of equipment that comes through my door. manuals? who needs those!?!? bring it on!!

i don't have much, but i have more than enough :) - http://www.flickr.com/photos/twelve-paws/4746406059/

[Amy]

just posted a shot this morning of my beloved camera - it stopped working just days before my vacation. i'm unnerved by how lost i feel and a little worried about how attached i've become. i mean, isn't it about the subject and not the camera? if that's right, why do i feel so sad and a little naked?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acommonplacelife/4745730176/

[Stephanie]

I'm still a little timid with my gear. I've named the camera Claire (seemed appropriate) and we're working on our relationship. Between finishing law school and now studying for the bar, we haven't had much bonding time lately.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51364238@N03/4747194912/

[Vanessa]

Canon 450D (since 2008) with Canon EF-S 17-85mm lens (since 2009). That's all I've got...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3916652109/in/set-72157607454198345/
I'd say 2010 owes me...

[Jane]

I have a love/hate relationship with my gear. If you peek into my camera bag you would see all of the gear that someone could possibly hope for, yet I rarely use it. Part of it is the feeling on my part that I am unworthy to use it and part of it is being paralyzed by the abundance. It's like an albatross around my neck on some days. I think I shot more when all I had was a Canon AV-1 and a 50mm lens. Please don't misunderstand. I am extremely grateful to have nice gear and worked very hard to raise the money to purchase it, but it hasn't made me as happy as I expected it to. I visit this place every day and leave in amazement of the beautiful work that you all do. Someone please give me a kick in the creativity butt. I'm stuck...

[all the fine things]

Gear...how I fear it and covet it. I am ready for an upgrade (lens or camera...anything!) but I am certain once I did get something new I would be frozen in fear about how to use it. It sounds like we all feel you on this one. :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46362400@N06/4747404416/

[strawberrygoldie]

Me and my gear.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/strawberrygoldie/4672791677/in/set-72157604999271874/

[suzie]

well, I'm a bit different! I shoot primarily with film, and am a total camera geek! I love, love using different cameras/films/lenses and find that to be all part of the fun, whereas my dslr bores me!
Also, I have an art degree (in fine art, not photography) but it doesn't help any with the self-doubt and confidence crises, everyone gets them, it's what pushes you
here's me and one of my cameras
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ascatteredbrain/4727071217/

[TONYA]

Gear scares me too. I want so much to learn and take in every tiny little piece of equipment out there. It just overwhelms me.

And my dear 'ole trusty camera quickly, and I hope painlessly passed on a few days ago. I'm devastated, but {whispering} looking forward to to shopping around for something shiny and new.

[katie]

HEY! For what it's worth, I'm self-taught and gear-nervous and I just bought a Nikon D90 last month (what you have now, right?)... At first I was completely overwhelmed and intimidated, but now I love it. I really really love it. And it lets me do the things I see in my head, you know what I mean? I hate when you can see the shot you want but it doesn't come out right. Once you are able to remember where the functions you need are (ha!) you will wonder how you ever lived without it. I learn more every day. Happy picture taking!

[Sister Alex :)]

I love love this post!! I'm a gear head tho! Love that stuff! Here is my latest post on the same theme (sort of).
http://www.alessandracave.com/archives/2010/07/02/thoughts-on-equipment/

Good luck and Have fun, Mere!!

xoxx

[Carolina]

I feel you! The first time I got my D90, I couldn't breath! For 1 week straight, I woke up at 5AM so I could learn how to use the DSLR peacefully (when hubby and kid were sleeping)..

anyway, thanks for featuring my shot! :)

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