Embarrassed by your camera? I am...

[sdaggett]

I have become increasingly aware of how my kids and my girlfriend react when I grab my camera bag these days, and I am starting to leave it at home because it isn't a positive reaction.

In the age of point and click cameras that are getting smaller and smaller, I have often thought to myself "I wonder what people think when they see this giant camera around my neck?"

So when I grab my camera bag and my girlfriend says "Your bringing that one?" or she says "I have my Kodak..." (her point and click) and waits for me to say "Ok, I will leave the Nikon here." and then smiles with relief when I do respond that way... I start to be super aware of what others may be thinking~ and find myself leaving my camera at home.

Does anyone else have this issue? Am I the only one? Am I being ridiculous?

Shaun

[scootermcq]

My son calls my camera bag my "Man Purse"

I have never been one to care about other peoples opinions when it comes to stuff like that.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by sdaggett

I have become increasingly aware of how my kids and my girlfriend react when I grab my camera bag these days, and I am starting to leave it at home because it isn't a positive reaction.

In the age of point and click cameras that are getting smaller and smaller, I have often thought to myself "I wonder what people think when they see this giant camera around my neck?"

So when I grab my camera bag and my girlfriend says "Your bringing that one?" or she says "I have my Kodak..." (her point and click) and waits for me to say "Ok, I will leave the Nikon here." and then smiles with relief when I do respond that way... I start to be super aware of what others may be thinking~ and find myself leaving my camera at home.

Does anyone else have this issue? Am I the only one? Am I being ridiculous?

Shaun

Sometimes the unobtrusive point and shoot is just the ticket...but I suspect if you created images that were consistantly superior to P&S you would get the opposite reaction. It will end up if you try and take the P&S it "must" mean the event isn't that important to you. One of those catch 22's!

[StillFocus]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

My son calls my camera bag my "Man Purse"

I had that problem once, so I bought a slingshot bag. Much more comfortable and easy to carry.

As for being embarrassed to have my camera? No, I'm not usually. I've been known to photograph my food in restaurants and such.

[Jim Bryant]

Don't worry about what they think. If they embarrassed by your actions, well......there's always another pathway they can take. I face the same problems being married for 30 years and having three kids. I flat out told them one day. "Knowing the passion I feel about photography, I can guarantee you that all my professional associates and friends would appear at my trial to give a character reference. As if I happened to miss that pulitzer prize winning shot, I'd choked ya to death. And I would get off by the way of instant insanity." End of complaints!

[Vrinda]

I'm not embarrassed by mine at all!

My friends tease me about always having it with me, and laugh good-naturedly when I bring my SLR, and possibly more than one lens, on a quick walk through the park... but I've never acted like it was a big deal at all, and they are used to it and respect that it's my passion. And in those times when I don't have it with me, they enquire after it, like it's my baby or something.

I'm perfectly fine with being the eccentric photographer girl because the same people who tease me about it are the ones who then leave comments on my photos about how lovely they are, and specifically ask me to bring my camera places.

If you act like you're afraid of being a bit different, then others will treat you that way. If you're proud of your camera and your photography, no one can say a word against it.

Originally Posted by Zona5101
Sometimes the unobtrusive point and shoot is just the ticket...but I suspect if you created images that were consistantly superior to P&S you would get the opposite reaction.

I agree entirely! This has been my experience. Just focus on improving your photos and you'll automatically show them all the reasons that you should have your camera with you, rather than a compact.

[BCampbell]

That's a nice passive-aggressive wife.

Sounds like the camera isn't the real issue.

But, you could try a micro 4/3 model if you want better than PS quality and better portability...

[Sonya Natasha]

I'll occassionally have friends grumble "There goes Sonya with her camera again...." and groan that I'm taking pics, then if I don't bring it, I'll hear "What? Where's your camera, we were expecting you to take pics!"

[StillFocus]

Originally Posted by Vrinda

If you act like you're afraid of being a bit different, then others will treat you that way. If you're proud of your camera and your photography, no one can say a word against it.

Absolutely! If I'm out anywhere, my camera is either around my neck or strapped to my back. I get frustrated with my P&S's after getting used to my Nikon, and every single time I find myself without a camera, I miss something that would've made a wonderful shot.

Does my wife give me grief about it all the time? Yep.

[PowerPix]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

My son calls my camera bag my "Man Purse"

"It's not a purse, it's a satchel! Indiana Jones wears one!" -- The Hangover


In regards to the OP. Um, I really don't care what people think...