Philosophy on Equipment

Over the years I have been repeatedly asked by many who study with me and read my books about the equipment that I use. I have resisted making a large issue about this because I always want my friends to concentrate on their knowledge of light and photography rather than the gadgets and hardware. It is the software (between their ears) as I tell them that creates the images rather than the hardware.

As those who have attended my classes at Texas School and other places already know, I don’t advocate spending a fortune on equipment. I would much rather see them working hard to better their knowledge of light and photography and develop their own creative style for their craft using just what is required to get the job done properly. The more equipment there is to learn about, maintain, and remember how to use, the more likely there will be a slowdown in the learning process. With excessive equipment there will be less emphasis placed on the art of photography as more time must be spent on remembering what positions all the buttons are in! Don't let them talk you into beleiving that more and more stuff will make you a better photographer!

Because of my web site. I answer over 600 e-mails with technical questions each month. Many of them include requests for advice on what equipment to purchase. I will spend some time here sharing what I use and very importantly why I use it. You may not agree with me on some things and that is just fine. You can create wonderful images with just about anything in the way of equipment if you have the knowledge of light. This information is here to show what I use but more importantly, why I use it in the hopes that I can assist you in making intelligent and conservative decisions that will provide you with the right tools for the job, all the while remembering that your brain is the number one tool to work with.

I would like to point out that when I endorse a product, that it is always a sincere endorsement. Under no circumstances would I ever recommend a product that I did not personally use, trust and believe in. The students and friends who ask advice honor me with their trust. I will always be sincere about the products that I recommend.

Back to Top

Back to Equipment We Use - Main Page

For more on equipment visit the info library