In the realm of professional photography, the choice of equipment is a topic that often stirs debate. While it's a common adage that the gear doesn't make the photographer, the reality of commercial photography paints a different picture, especially when considering the high stakes and expectations involved in professional shoots.
Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this insightful video delves into why professionals often opt for high-end equipment despite the widespread belief that gear doesn’t matter. Choucino, a seasoned commercial photographer, explains that while you can achieve great results with basic equipment, the demands of commercial photography often necessitate the best tools available. He emphasizes that commercial shoots can be exceedingly costly, and the expectation is to deliver nothing short of perfection. This requirement often leads to renting top-tier equipment like Phase One cameras or Broncolor lighting, not because they are light-years ahead of more affordable options, but because they offer incremental improvements and reliability that justify their use in high-budget projects.
Choucino’s discussion is particularly relevant for photographers aspiring to enter the commercial field. He clarifies that using expensive equipment isn’t about showing off or unnecessary extravagance; it's about ensuring reliability and the finest quality in a highly competitive and demanding industry. He also points out the practical aspects of using rental gear – the convenience of having equipment delivered to the shoot location and the assurance of having backups from the rental house. Choucino’s personal experience highlights a critical aspect of professional photography: the need to adapt the choice of gear to the project's scale and budget.
This video is a must-watch for anyone curious about the realities of professional photography. It offers a candid look into the decision-making process behind choosing equipment for high-end commercial shoots and the practicalities of working in the industry. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.
