I am a shit photographer. Okay, maybe that’s too harsh—let’s say I’m not an accomplished photographer. I yearn to be one, to reach that pinnacle of artistry, but I lack the elusive photographer’s eye… I think. The technical side of photography? That’s a labyrinth I’m still stumbling through. Judging the settings for a well-exposed capture feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. Zone focusing? It’s a gamble, a Russian roulette of missed shots and occasional, miraculous hits.
So, why, after more than 20 years of “being into photography,” am I still at it? Why do I persist in this maddening endeavour?
Well, if I’m being brutally honest, I think deep down, I just really love camera gear. I have a raging case of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). But my GAS isn’t about hoarding quantity—it’s an insatiable compulsion to acquire quality. I crave the best. For me. “Best” is a slippery, subjective beast. What’s best for me might be a steaming pile of mediocrity for you, and vice versa. Only you can decipher what’s best for you. No one else can dictate this. Sure, there are opinions and reviews aplenty, echoing through forums and articles. But these are the voices of others, not your own. Their experiences aren’t yours. The quest for the perfect gear is a deeply personal odyssey, a solitary pilgrimage where you alone are the judge and jury of what reigns supreme.
“The best camera is the one you have with you.” Nahh. That’s a load of crap. The best camera is the one you lust after, the one that haunts your every waking moment. It’s the one you fantasise about, believing that once you have it in your grasp, it will elevate you to photographic greatness. And you know what? You’re right. There, I’ve said it. I’ve gone against the grain, defied the popular consensus. But hear me out. Having the best—your best—sparks inspiration. It fans the flames of passion and creativity. It drives you to push boundaries, to explore new techniques, to fiddle with different settings until you’ve mastered them. It’s a powerful force in the relentless pursuit of improvement.
If buying a better camera gets you out there, shooting consistently, practising with fervour, then it’s a worthy investment in your growth and enjoyment as a photographer. It’s a catalyst for progress, a tool that propels you forward. This is my truth. This is what fuels my obsession. The right gear isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about igniting the fire within to chase perfection relentlessly.
In the end, we all walk our own paths, each a solitary journey through the madness of our passions. I’ve spent too many years chastising myself for my relentless GAS, grappling with guilt and self-recrimination. But now, I’ve made peace with it. I’m hurting no one but my bank balance, and that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make. Photography is about expressing your unique vision, forging your own connection to the world. It’s a deeply personal endeavor, a way of capturing the chaos and beauty of existence as you see it. For me, that’s the essence of it all. It’s not about conforming to some ideal or following the crowd; it’s about embracing what drives you, what fuels your creative fire, and letting that guide you through the storm.
Jasper
streets in motion 