Today I have something a bit different planned for the blog; my blog's first rant.

Though first off, it should be noted that I am not taking a stab at anyone personally - more, a concept that many photographers seem to have built into their minds. That the gear is unimportant, and shouldn't be given too much attention.

Now, I agree somewhat. Indeed; the gear should never stop you from shooting, and amazing photos can definitely be achieved from shooting any camera. But this is not what I am getting at, nor is it what the arguers are getting at. 

Spend enough time on photography websites and you will no doubt see it more than enough; people getting a little fumed up that someone is showing off their nice big collection, saying "Now why would someone need that many cameras?". Photography is about the image after all, so why go on about the cameras all day long?

Well let me dissect that question. Is photography really only about the image? Well I'm sure some see photography as just that. For example, I got work experience placement at a local-ish company, that shot product and model photography for some big-name clients, and I was completely disheartened by the way the photo was taken. The Canon 5D mark II would be locked into a gigantic wheel-pod, pointed at the subject - then remotely fired by the attached iMac. The camera itself then laid untouched for the rest of the shoot. So yes - that makes complete sense; those types of photographers have no need for 13 different cameras. As the image is really all that matters.

But for the casual hobbiest, who finds great enjoyment in actually pushing the shutter button; photography is about more than just the image. Photography is an experience. Photography is a collision of the world around you, your perception of just that, and the camera. So just find the camera that suits you and stick with it, right?

Well sure. But why is it - that an actual camera collector is mauled for his/her hobby? Any other collector seems to be fine; a car collector, an antique collector, goodness; even a toaster collector! "No way, concentrate on the photo man! Spend your money on a photo-book, not a camera!"

See, I absolutely love cameras - if you haven't guessed. I spend my days researching and salivating over all kinds of cameras! Though I also love photography. My camera collecting would be incredibly boring if I never actually shot with the camera. So please - give the gear-heads a break. It should always be okay for a photographer to love cameras, just as much as they love photography itself.

Thank you for your time.