Gear shifting
Albert Pedrosa
Photo Mania
ONE time, my friend asked me if it’s a good move to shift to Fujifilm. I’ve been asked that question many times that I can almost approach it in all possible angles of argument in photography. Fujifilm must have done something right to create this fuss in the industry.
I have to admit that I cannot think of the chance that I’ll be shifting gears. Maybe in the far future, but not any time soon. Not that it’s wrong to shift, I think that I’m happy and confident with what I have today. If you’re one of the shifters, clearly, you haven’t found the right tool for you yet.
I think that the phrase Indian and Pana is already a cliché. The objective of every photographer, and that includes me, is to continually grow and improve their craft. If this entails gear shifting, why not? If you have to attend seminars or compete in photo contests just to break the barrier of moving to another level, I’d do the same.
Whether you shift brands or upgrade to another model but under the same brand, for me, either of these is still considered shifting. But like I’ve said, the idea is to improve your craft. I hope you are not shifting because you find your shots poor and expect change when you shift cameras.
As a commercial photographer, I encounter many situations with clients who either make you feel good or at times make you wonder if you’re in the right career. During these dark times, all you can do is muster all the confidence that’s left just to keep that direction in check. You very well know that your equipment has nothing to do with your situation.
I wish that I can make my clients happy by just changing my gear whenever my shots are in a slump. I wish that I can buy a more expensive lens to get a clearer shot and pull me out of my misery and get more likes on Facebook. It won’t.
Photography is no shallow art. It’s deep and ever changing. Nobody could ever master this field of art. I bet Ansel Adams didn’t cease to learn even when he was in the pinnacle of his success. Every time I see a stunning photo, I become a fan, and this also tells me that there’s just so much more to learn.
I’m doing a couple of free workshops about photography for iCenter, so feel free to visit them in their branch in Calyx Bldg. in IT Park. Keep on shooting, everyone!
photomania.sunstar@gmail.com
www.grp.ph/forum
