Weekly Poll: Photographer or Gear (Now with poll)

[Sime]

Absolutely the photographer!... i've seen many a person take GREAT shots with my kit!!...

[Teewinot]

The photographer is definitely the most important! While I will allow for some subtle or not so subtle improvements made by having a 'better' camera or lens, every shot is created in the mind's eye of the photographer and executed well using technical knowledge of how to use the equipment. Point and shoot, dSLR, or disposable camera, a GREAT photographer and artist can make lemonade out of any lemons.

[Taallyn]

Is this a trick question poll?

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by Taallyn

Is this a trick question poll?

lol no No trick question here. I have actually seen a discussion where quite a few people thought that the gear made the better photo (and this was in a Camera group on Flickr ) And with the increasing number of recommendations I've seen on here that people need better gear to get better photos I was curious if anyone really thought that was the case I'm very glad to see it's not the case so far.

[yokolok]

Technically one cannot exist without the other...

A good picture is a good picture...and that is due mainly to the person behind the camera...good gear can only improve and enhance certainly qualities of the shot and improve the "accessibility" of the shot (I wouldn't want to be 5 feet away with a 50mm lens taking a close up of wildlife... ) but the final decision is done by the person, the photographer...

[katkero]

Definitly the photographer.

[inn]

Originally Posted by Taallyn

Is this a trick question poll?

Haha I echo this too.

Though here's the question, are you talking about good photography as in a well conducted good quality shot? Or good photography as in shots that provoke and move?

If the first then give someone a good camera and anyone can take a half decent clean shot, the gear will allow. But for something exciting then yes photographer always.

Someone posted a link on another site I visit a portfolio of this photographer, who was currently 17 and his portfolio is absolutely breathtaking, and he first started off with a p+s.

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by inn

Though here's the question, are you talking about good photography as in a well conducted good quality shot? Or good photography as in shots that provoke and move?

That's your question to answer, isn't it? Which is more important, a good quality shot, or a shot that moves you? No question is that cut and dry lol

[rjb_FotoTaker]

OK, I guess I'm the first one to choose gear. When I read the poll, my first instinct was to choose the Photographer, although I have learned through experience you can only get certain great pics with special gear.
I have alway been guilty of over analyzing everything.

[RonS]

I voted for the photographer also, as most others have.
BUT - You also gotta have at least acceptable quality equipment. Case in point is my thread in another area about lens focus problems. With the 70-300 lens I have, no one could take a good photo, unless they were doing "out of focus" on purpose!!
And that's the truth --