Understanding the impact of equipment on wildlife photography is critical for photographers seeking to elevate their craft. This fantastic video explores the balance between gear, skill, and the psychological aspects influencing photographers' choices and perceptions.
Coming to you from Brent Hall, this insightful video addresses a common quandary faced by photographers: the necessity and impact of high-cost equipment in wildlife photography. Hall reflects on a question posed by a viewer regarding the need for an expensive lens, sparking a broader discussion on the value and perception of photographic gear. He argues that the emphasis should be on skill development and understanding wildlife behavior rather than on the equipment itself. Hall's perspective is valuable, highlighting that while gear can enhance the quality of photos, it is not the sole determinant of a photographer's success. It shifts the focus from gear acquisition to the development of technique and knowledge.
Hall further elaborates on the mindset that leads to negative perceptions about expensive gear, suggesting that such attitudes can stem from jealousy or a defensive mechanism. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal growth and the pursuit of happiness in photography, rather than getting caught up in material comparisons. This approach encourages photographers to appreciate their journey and understand that the path to success in wildlife photography involves a combination of gear, skill, and most importantly, passion for the subject. By advocating for a balanced perspective on equipment and skill, Hall provides a refreshing viewpoint that can inspire photographers to focus on what truly matters: their love for the craft and the stories they wish to tell through their images. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Hall.
I am only an occasional wildlife photographer, but I bring to it years of experience as a hunter. If you want to get close to animals you have to do two things: first you must spend time in the woods observing their habits and second you must get hidden. Invest in a good portable blind or camo suit and learn how to be still, and you will get many more keepers than with a new lens. You will also have the enjoyment of observing wildlife while unobserved.
This is spot-on.
One thing I'd add is to avoid heavy scents - cologne/aftershave, scented soaps, etc, as they will spook many animals. As James said, blending in and being still is the way to do it.
My take away: "Gear doesn't matter until it does."
Alex Cooke wrote:
"He (Hall) argues that the emphasis should be on skill development and understanding wildlife behavior rather than on the equipment itself."
In total agreement there.
Sometimes, when I am afield photographing wildlife in a place where other photographers are present, someone will start talking to me and all they want to talk about is gear. They will keep picking my brain about which lens is sharper, or what body produces the best huge prints, or what sensor gives the cleanest results at high ISO.
Yeah, all those things are important and they do matter, but what matters a lot more are the deer that are right in front of us, or the family or Trumpeter Swans, or the Bighorn Sheep, or whatever it may be.
When people have amazing animals right there in front of them, providing wonderful photo opportunities, and all they care to talk about is gear and specifications, I get a bit testy.
I will gradually shift from being super nice and friendly to being a bit short with my answers, to finally just flat out telling them, "Why do you only want to talk about gear? It doesn't matter as much as artistic vision, subject behavior, background, light, etc. All of these things are so much more important, yet all you keep asking me about is which lens is sharper or what ISO is too high. Think like an artist, not like a gearhead. Sheesh!"
After that kind of harangue, the guy will invariably either:
walk away, miffed at me .....
or,
..... get embarrassed and start to talk about the things that really matter, and he will be scared to death to even mention anything about gear.
I like the the latter, those who are humble and change the conversation to what I say they should be talking about. There is hope for them to someday become good wildlife photographers.
deleted - duplicate post ... sorry
deleted - duplicate post ..... sorry, the site is glitching out on my desktop. Is Fstoppers code being written in a way that will still work seamlessly on older operating systems such as Big Sur? All the other websites still work great on my old computer. Why doesn't Fstoppers?