Just wondering why . . .

[AlphaDogPhoto]

I see that a lot of people post a list of the cameras and lens' they own in their signature file and I wondered what the theory or rational for this was.

IF:

You believe that all creativity and skill comes from the camera and not the person/photographer behind the camera, well then this practice makes a lot of sense.

I mean under this theory if I want to take pictures like so-and-so I will need to get the same equipment as so-and-so.

You also believe it to be true when someone says "wow, that's a great picture, you must have a really nice/expensive camera."

Because as everyone knows it doesn't really matter what background you have in photography, with today's new technology-rich cameras, all you have to do is press a button and out pops a stellar capture. You don't need to know anything about light, exposure, composition, color, rule of thirds or anything like that, everything is done for you by some electronic gizmos inside that fancy camera.

Or, maybe it's just one of those "look what I have that you DON'T have" kind of things:

I mean how cool are you because you have this lens or that lens, or this or that body. I'm so, so much better than you because I have more money than brains or talent, but that is not important because I can take snapshots with my $20K worth of camera gear. You don't believe in crop-sensor bodies, it's full-frame for you all the way, and the first thing you did with your kit lens was give it to the homeless guy downtown, it's top-of-the-line glass for you all the way.

Or maybe you are at the other end of the spectrum, you have a lower-end camera and a great deal of talent, so you list that information so others can see how cool you are working with a handicap of low-grade gear and kit lenses.

Either way, I'm not sure I fully understand the practice of listing your gear.

Maybe you just list it as a sort of "shopping list" for anyone that might rob you. If they find your YouTube/Facebook/social networking/twitter site and trace that info. back to your address somehow when they are stealing all your stuff they will have a list and know exactly when they have everything you own.

Is it so you can let other people know that you are serious about your photography, after all just look at how much money you have invested in gear. By listing your gear in your signature at least when you post something people will think you know what you are talking about (after all, just look at all the stuff this person has, they MUST know what they are talking about, right).

This information is really helpful to other forum users, it lets them know which group to put you in, the "have's" or the "have not's."

Maybe the groups should change to the "do care" and "don't care."

I think its interesting that people post this information, I'm just not sure if it matters to me, does it make you a better photographer on way or the other?

For those that do post this information: Why do you post a list of your gear?

For those that don't post this information: What do you think about the gear lists, is it helpful or useful to you? In what way do you use the information?

I was just wondering . . .

[OsmosisStudios]

You're looking at this entirely the wrong way.

The main reason people post their gear list isnt to brag or show off: it's to help. If someone posts a question but leaves out details (brand, model, lenses, etc), its nigh on impossible to give an accurate report. By having a gear list, it allows those around us to see what a user has, and therefore help them with lens ideas, potential roadblocks and tips/tricks.

[eNZee]

wow thats a pretty bold thread to start

i guess i cant speak for everyone but i highly doubt it has anything to do with "showing" off and sticking it to people with listing what gear they have.

i personally list it because i like to tell what equipment i used while doing my thing, but its not at all intended to rub it in someones face.
i think its cool to see what equipment people have without being "jelous". if someone can afford it - then so be it. good for them. and if others cant then thats ok. its not like they are looked down upon. because in the end it does matter what kind of talent the person has.

by the way if it doesnt matter to you then why pay any attention to it?

[jwinterbug]

i dont post "my gear" because i cant figure out how, as i am a computer dunce. However it dosnt bother me either way, but it is encouraging to see that nice photos are possible from my gear when i see a shot i really like, possibly taken with the same gear. and as a beginner/learner it is great to see what the different lenses can do..and i personally think it is just part of the enthusiam and excitement of photography. Some of my personal favorites have been taken with a 5$ tourist disposible kodac.....interesting topic indeed. thx

[johassler]

I list what camera I have because, if someone were to go to my blog, or see my shots in "Share Your Shots" it would give them an idea of what I'm working with - something that may help with critique. I'm the other scenario you've left out: I have low-end gear, and low-end skills. I'm not boasting, or looking for affirmations. I'm just an average Jane looking to improve my skills. Ha ha!

[candleman]

Originally Posted by AlphaDogPhoto

For those that do post this information: Why do you post a list of your gear?

For those that don't post this information: What do you think about the gear lists, is it helpful or useful to you? In what way do you use the information?

I was just wondering . . .

yes its helpful,

1. when someone asks "how do i do "such and such" or i'm going to go shoot "so and so" its very easy to make suggestions based on what their current gear is without having perpetually ask them what they have.. because everyone is on a journey, and may not realise what their gears capabilities are, or that a small addition to their gear could make a monumental difference to what they are attempting to achieve.

EG:
Q: "help, i want to take a picture of a flower really close up.."
A: "well bob, you have X lens and a 50mm .. thy not stack the two with the 50mm reversed and you can do a super macro"

they say "wow, i didnt know that thanks"


2. it saves me repeating myself everytime i ask a question.

3. sometimes its just interesting to see what they have in comparison to their images, as it can influence what ones own next purchase is...
I like that result.. Oh, i see you used "x" lens.. well.. i like that bokeh.. i'll add it to my lust list.

[AlphaDogPhoto]

Adam, I know you are from Canada so I'll cut you a break this time but you really must read the entire post before you comment.

I make no judgments either way, post gear list, don't post gear list . . .

I was just wondering.

I believe that it is all on the photographer and his or her talent and has very little to do with gear (that is my position on if high-end or low-end makes a difference)

Again I was just wondering what other people think about posting a list of gear and wondered if my posting the questions (what, there are questions, I didn't see any questions) would cause people to examine their reasons for either posting or not posting a list of gear.

[teinee]

I haven't been on here in quite a while, and I'm trying to remember why I did post it in my signature over a year ago. But if I remember right (and I think I am) it was because when I would post a picture in different areas (especially critique but other areas as well) I would sometimes forget a detail or two and someone would ask me what I had used. I then saw how others had their info in their signature and I added mine to help me out. I find it interesting to see what others are using as well. I have even had people help me out by knowing what I am using, and giving me tips on how to get more out of my equipment. Been a helpful signature for me I have found.
Christine

[AlphaDogPhoto]

Originally Posted by candleman

yes its helpful,

1. when someone asks "how do i do "such and such" or i'm going to go shoot "so and so" its very easy to make suggestions based on what their current gear is without having perpetually ask them what they have.. because everyone is on a journey, and may not realise what their gears capabilities are, or that a small addition to their gear could make a monumental difference to what they are attempting to achieve.

EG:
Q: "help, i want to take a picture of a flower really close up.."
A: "well bob, you have X lens and a 50mm .. thy not stack the two with the 50mm reversed and you can do a super macro"

they say "wow, i didnt know that thanks"


2. it saves me repeating myself everytime i ask a question.

3. sometimes its just interesting to see what they have in comparison to their images, as it can influence what ones own next purchase is...
I like that result.. Oh, i see you used "x" lens.. well.. i like that bokeh.. i'll add it to my lust list.

See, now that is a reasonable answer. Thank you for taking the time to read the entire post and respond with a smart, well though out response.

[PowerPix]

Originally Posted by AlphaDogPhoto

I see that a lot of people post a list of the cameras and lens' they own in their signature file and I wondered what the theory or rational for this was.

IF:

You believe that all creativity and skill comes from the camera and not the person/photographer behind the camera, well then this practice makes a lot of sense.

I mean under this theory if I want to take pictures like so-and-so I will need to get the same equipment as so-and-so.

You also believe it to be true when someone says "wow, that's a great picture, you must have a really nice/expensive camera."

Because as everyone knows it doesn't really matter what background you have in photography, with today's new technology-rich cameras, all you have to do is press a button and out pops a stellar capture. You don't need to know anything about light, exposure, composition, color, rule of thirds or anything like that, everything is done for you by some electronic gizmos inside that fancy camera.

Or, maybe it's just one of those "look what I have that you DON'T have" kind of things:

I mean how cool are you because you have this lens or that lens, or this or that body. I'm so, so much better than you because I have more money than brains or talent, but that is not important because I can take snapshots with my $20K worth of camera gear. You don't believe in crop-sensor bodies, it's full-frame for you all the way, and the first thing you did with your kit lens was give it to the homeless guy downtown, it's top-of-the-line glass for you all the way.

Or maybe you are at the other end of the spectrum, you have a lower-end camera and a great deal of talent, so you list that information so others can see how cool you are working with a handicap of low-grade gear and kit lenses.

Either way, I'm not sure I fully understand the practice of listing your gear.

Maybe you just list it as a sort of "shopping list" for anyone that might rob you. If they find your YouTube/Facebook/social networking/twitter site and trace that info. back to your address somehow when they are stealing all your stuff they will have a list and know exactly when they have everything you own.

Is it so you can let other people know that you are serious about your photography, after all just look at how much money you have invested in gear. By listing your gear in your signature at least when you post something people will think you know what you are talking about (after all, just look at all the stuff this person has, they MUST know what they are talking about, right).

This information is really helpful to other forum users, it lets them know which group to put you in, the "have's" or the "have not's."

Maybe the groups should change to the "do care" and "don't care."

I think its interesting that people post this information, I'm just not sure if it matters to me, does it make you a better photographer on way or the other?

For those that do post this information: Why do you post a list of your gear?

For those that don't post this information: What do you think about the gear lists, is it helpful or useful to you? In what way do you use the information?

I was just wondering . . .

That's an awful lot of time on your hands....
SO, what camera do you use??