Photography Gear or Skill: What Makes a Better Photographer?
The never-ending debate between gear and skill has been a constant source of discussion and controversy. As technology advances and new equipment flood the market, photographers are left wondering: does better gear really mean better photography?
Today, we'll go deep into the heart of this question with insights from professional photographers and explore the never-ending debate around photography equipment and skill.
Does a Better Camera Make You a Better Photographer?
In photography, it's the skill and creativity of the photographer that truly brings a vision to life. "There's a saying that 'the best camera is the one that's on you,'" says Glynns Thomas, owner/photographer at Glynns Thomas Portraits.
The allure of cutting-edge camera bodies, razor-sharp lenses, and state-of-the-art lighting equipment is undeniable. For many photographers, the promise of improved image quality, faster autofocus, or enhanced low-light performance can be irresistible. However, this pursuit of technical perfection often comes at a cost– not just financially, but creative growth and artistic vision.
Jodi Blodgett, the owner of Jodi Blodgett Photography, says she relies mainly on her artistic ability, natural light and minimal equipment.
"While equipment and editing tools have their place, skills and vision are what defines a photographer’s work. Mastery of one’s craft, an eye for beauty, and technical proficiency are far more valuable than an expensive camera alone.
For any photography, high-end gear may improve the outcome but should never substitute for expertise and artistic ability. The camera is simply the conduit through which a photographer’s talent is expressed."
At its core, photography is about capturing light, emotion, and moments in time. While advanced gear can certainly facilitate this process, it's the photographer's vision, creativity, and technical skill that truly bring an image to life.
"I have won awards for my photos using low-end cameras and lenses and no artificial lighting. Equipment is just artistic tools. It’s how you use those tools that make the difference."
- Glynns Thomas
However, some professionals agree that limitations can actually fuel creativity, forcing photographers to think outside the box and push their craft beyond their equipment. Andrew Cussens, the owner of FilmFolk, reflects on the early days of his photography journey starting with a basic DSLR.
"Although there are technical benefits to having the best kit, it’s not the secret to good photography. I founded FilmFolk with a basic DSLR. The first few projects were about learning the fundamentals – managing composition, light, and exposure. Those remain the pillars of great photography, and they’re not camera-dependent."
The Role of Gear and Skills Across Photography Niches
While skill and vision make a great photographer, it would be disingenuous to suggest that gear doesn't play a role in modern photography. Certain genres and shooting conditions demand specific equipment to achieve desired results. Wedding photographers, for instance, rely on lightning-fast autofocus systems to capture split-second action from a distance. Similarly, wildlife photographers often need extreme telephoto lenses to photograph elusive animals without disturbing their natural behaviour.
According to Craig Peterman, an experienced wedding photographer and videographer, good equipment not only improves image quality but also helps bring creative ideas to life. Having the right gear could be the key element in capturing great shots in unpredictable or no-risk settings.
"As a professional photographer and videographer, I strongly believe that better equipment does lead to better photography. The right gear not only improves the quality of your work but also enhances your ability to be creative and efficient in unpredictable environments.
While gear alone doesn’t make the photographer, having the right tools ensures that your creative vision isn’t limited by technical constraints. Quality gear allows photographers to consistently produce professional-level work, and that’s critical in an industry where clients expect nothing less."
Similarly, in certain photography niches, a photographer's interpersonal skills or ability to create a comfortable atmosphere can be more important than the gear they use. For example, Haley Snyder the boudoir photographer and the owner of Earthly Venus, explains the importance of skills over gears in her niche.
"While gear does matter in achieving certain desired effects, a photographer's skill and ability to make genuine connections with clients are far more impactful.
I could take a technically perfect photo with the highest-end equipment, but if my client doesn't feel comfortable opening up in front of the camera, the result will lack authenticity and emotion. My job is to create an experience that makes clients feel deeply seen so that inner radiance shines through."
Both gear and skills play essential roles in photography, but their importance varies depending on the niche. The right gear can make a significant difference in achieving the technical quality required. However, in other niches, such as portrait or lifestyle photography, interpersonal skills and creativity often outweigh the need for the most advanced equipment. Ultimately, success in photography depends on finding that sweet spot between technical gear and the skills that align with the demands of the specific genre.
That being said, Adam Goulston, Director at MacroLingo, highlights the changing dynamics in the photographer industry:
"Skill and composition matter the most. Given the huge advances in editing and AI over the last year, I'd rank editing second even before equipment. Equipment matters when you know how to use it, just like playing an instrument. It can accommodate certain situations, like if you're shooting wildlife from long distances or shooting sports events."
When to Invest in a New Equipment
For many photographers, the decision to upgrade gear is a complex one, balancing budget constraints with potential creative and technical benefits. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, several questions can help you guide this decision:
Identify limitations: What are specific technical limitations in my current gear that might be holding me back?
Consider your genre: Different types of photography have different gear requirements. Do I need any upgrades that align with my specific needs?
Evaluate your skill level: Have I mastered my current equipment? Upgrading too soon may hinder skill development.
Research thoroughly: Am I being swayed by marketing hype? Read reviews, rent equipment, and test before making significant investments!
"Upgrades can be tempting, but continual honing of craft through practice and client experience is most valuable. I built my business through word-of-mouth and referrals, which only come by delivering consistently empowering experiences, not from flashy gear.
My motto is that the camera is simply a tool; the art lies in revealing clients' beauty and helping them see themselves in a profoundly loving way. That is what keeps my clients coming back and referring their friends, not what brand of camera I use."
- Haley Snyder
On another note, Brian Holstein, Photographer & Business Owner at Scenic Vows, emphasises the importance of skill-building before considering gear upgrades.
"By sharpening your abilities and improving your workflow, you may find that your current gear is more than capable, or you’ll have a clearer understanding of what to upgrade when the time comes. Ultimately, improving your photography skills will have a longer-lasting impact on your business than new camera equipment alone."
Recommendations for Gear Worth Considering
As you consider which upgrades might benefit your work, think carefully about your specific needs, workflow, and the types of projects you typically handle. Not every photographer will need all of these upgrades, but strategic investments in key areas can lead to substantial improvements in both the quality of your work and the efficiency of your process.
Ultimately, the goal of any equipment upgrade should be to remove technical barriers, allowing you to focus more fully on the creative aspects of your craft. While the importance of skill cannot be overstated, there are certain pieces of equipment that professional photographers consistently recommend as worthwhile investments.
Haley Snyder says, that as a boudoir photographer, the equipment she uses mostly is Canon 5D Mark IV and a variety of prime lenses, especially the 85mm f/1.2.
"The full-frame sensor and fast lens allow me to achieve a shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh that complements the intimate nature of my work. For lighting, I use studio strobes and large softboxes to sculpt light and shadows, highlighting my clients' best features."
Jeffrey Wang, the Creative Director of Perfect Moment Photography and Video, says his go-to camera is the Sony A7R IV.
"It's a beast with a 61-megapixel sensor that produces stunningly detailed images. But as much as I love the high resolution, I always tell budding photographers that gear like this is not going to transform their work overnight. One of the most overlooked upgrades that I’d recommend for anyone is investing in better lenses.
You can have the best camera body in the world, but if your glass isn’t up to par, you’re limiting your potential. For me, switching to prime lenses like the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM was a game-changer. The sharpness, depth of field, and bokeh I get with this lens bring so much more character to portraits. When I’m shooting wedding portraits, the creamy backgrounds and razor-sharp subjects make each image feel more timeless and intimate.
Another fundamental piece of gear that genuinely transformed how I shoot is upgrading my lighting equipment. I often use the Profoto B10 for its portability and reliability. Wedding venues aren’t always well-lit, and the B10 helps me control the light without being intrusive. This is especially important during ceremonies or receptions, where you don’t want to disrupt the moment but need that perfect soft light to elevate the mood in the photos."
Jodi Blodgett says for most lifestyle and portrait sessions, her go-to gear is a mirrorless Fuji X-T3 and 35mm f/1.4 lens.
"While high-end equipment has its benefits, skills and vision are what truly define a photographer’s work. This lightweight setup allows her to remain nimble while capturing candid moments.
Post-processing is where the real magic happens. I use Lightroom to subtly improve tones, correct imperfections, and ensure cohesion across images. However, editing should never distort the authenticity of a moment or subject. My goal is to highlight the beauty that already exists, not create something that wasn’t originally there.
For product photography, a 24-70mm zoom lens allows for a range of focal lengths in a single lens. Combined with a tripod, continuous lighting, and a seamless backdrop, this equipment is versatile enough for most e-commerce needs."
Clark Stinson recommends paying attention to details that might seem minor but make a big difference for a relatively low cost.
Eye cups: I didn't convert to larger eye cups until I lost one last year and they are a lifesaver. I use the Hoodman eye cup for A7 IV. On bright sunny days, it allows me to block out so much of the strong light that affects my view of the images/subject and they are relatively inexpensive.
Side grip: I use a side grip at all hours, a relatively inexpensive addition that helps a lot (especially in vertical photo age). I would recommend OEM on the side grip because you're using the focus joysticks and want them to be the same.
Bonus: This is a software addition but having photo-culling software has been a lifesaver for my workflow. I shoot very heavily so being able to skip through proxy's of my photos before I move anything into my main workflow has been extremely helpful. When you have 3,000 photos every second counts. The quickness also allows me to do a once-over and then elevate with additional passes.
Speaking of software, Smiler Photographer Suite offers unparalleled centralised management, faster payments, automated processes, and improved online visibility.
Craig Peterman, for wedding photography, uses a range of high-end cameras and lenses, primarily the Canon R5, paired with a selection of RF lenses.
"The R5 has helped me capture once-in-a-lifetime moments with precision and clarity many times over the years. The noticeable difference in quality is undeniable with high-end cameras, it's not even adequate in my opinion. You can master your camera only to a certain point before you reach its limits, and with high-end equipment, you can go further than you could before.
If there's one upgrade I'd recommend to other photographers, it’s investing in better lenses. A great lens makes all the difference. It adds sharpness, depth, and color accuracy that can’t be achieved with basic gear. It’s not just about the camera body; lenses are where the magic happens."
The Verdict
Well, it's clear that there is no simple answer to the question "Does better gear make a better photographer?" The truth lies in a nuanced understanding of how equipment and skill interact to create compelling images across different photography niches.
Better gear can certainly enhance technical quality, open up new creative possibilities, and make certain types of photography more accessible. However, it is the photographer's vision, understanding of light and composition, and ability to connect with their subject that truly elevates an image from a simple capture to a work of art. One consistent recommendation from experienced photographers is to invest in high-quality lenses.
"Generally, the glass/lens is more important than the body. A $3,000 lens will do much better on a $500 body than a $500 lens will do on a $3,000 body. And neither will do much if you don't know how to work off auto mode and use manual or aperture priority/shutter priority."
- Adam Goulston
Lenses play a crucial role in shaping the image, affecting sharpness, depth of field, and overall clarity. Ultimately, the most valuable approach is to view gear as a tool for realising creative vision, rather than a shortcut to better photography.
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