Is photography for you a job, hobby or obsession? Maybe all three?!?
When I first got interested in photography I was amazed at the cost of equipment, the constant upgrades, the trips people would take. But I also marveled at the images they captured.
The difference in cost between entry level, prosumer, professional is pretty significant. At first glance it is difficult to understand why someone would pay $1500 for a camera when you can get almost as good for half the price.
Having just upgraded (thanks to a gift from my wife) to probably the best consumer camera available I am contemplating the obsession.
What about you? Where do you fit in the photography obsession curve?
Well for me Ed, photography is an obsessive hobby. I would love to make it a job and most likely will have a couple paying jobs within the next year if everything works out. I am definitely not counting my chickens just yet on those deals though. You mentioned the $1500 number, that seems pretty low for someone who just got a 40 grand plus camera.
I had some Sony gear that got stolen in February. I shot a D40 the majority of this Spring and a D200 for a weekend. About a month ago I bought a Pentax K20D, it was a refurb and I got it for about $550 after tax. Which I think is a pretty good deal for a weather sealed camera with 14.6mp. I bought the 18-55II kit lens for $100 which in my opinion is way ahead of any kit lens available right now. I have stuck some money back for probably a Sigma 70-300 APO macro and a Pentax 12-24 f4.
Matthew, Once you are a phase customer they take really good care of you. The upgrade cost was 1/2 of retail so they gave me 100% of my original purchase money back when I upgraded. Still a far cry from $1500 but that was the cost of my first upgrade from a Digital Rebel to a Canon 20D which was the start of my obsession.
I'm sorry to hear about your equipment getting stolen, that is tough news. I have all my gear insured and recommend everyone do that. The cost of the insurance pays for itself with almost any loss. If your insurance company doesn't want to cover your equipment, NANPA has really good insurance for it's members which makes it worth the membership.
The K20D is a really excellent camera and at that price you came out ok. Pentax glass is some of the best out there. I know many MF film guys who still use the old Pentax medium format wides with adapters for whatever equipment they have. They don't make them anymore but they hold their value well.
I can put any Pentax lens ever made on my K20D, can you Nikon guys say the same thing? I am still a big film guy. I keep some velvia 50 in my old minolta at all times I just love the look. That being said I would love a Pentax 67, but I can't really justify spending the money on one. It seems that the demand for them is still just way to high. I am only 24 and do have a 2 year old that eats up $105 a week just for daycare. So money has to spent wisely.
Everything is insured now and it was really my fault anyway. I left my car unlocked with the camera stuff in it. I drive a Ford Police Interceptor and you would think that would deter a thief but it didn't. I'm am much more careful now.
Posted by Brad Mangas on July 31, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Photography for me has become a very important part of my life. I in no way am saying it is more important than my family, I would hope certain things go without saying. Friends, well I put them on a sliding scale.
Now, for an obsession, well ok it can be put that way but it kind of makes it sound like one has no control over the desire to do it. Life is a lesson in progress and one must attend many different classes sometimes all in the same day. The hustle and bustle of everyday living can at times take a toll on a person who strives for balance. Everyday we make choices based on how we perceive the environment around us and how we would like other to perceive us. I for example am somewhat of an introvert and seem just fine being left all alone in the middle of anywhere. I have come to think that to be a benefit when it comes to photography. Its very easy for me to slip into my own little world so to speak when out with camera in hand. I find it to be a type of freedom and very beneficial to the balance I strive for each day. Allowing me to better interact and be less judgmental when I find myself back in everyday situations surrounded by clowns.
It is more about the progression of the desire then the results of the act. If I could go out each day and take even 1 fantastic picture that would great, but the truth is I don't and have no expectations to. The truth also tells me no matter if I take a great photo or not has no bearing on whether I continue to try. Learning, living and experiencing nature and the life we all share is the reason I love photography, that's the balance I must maintain.
One last comment on the obsession part. The only reason I mention this is because of the photo posted with this Ed. It is in no way directed at any one person. I believe the obsession of photography can many times be placed on the obsession to obtain photographic equipment. This can be collecting old equipment or collecting the newest available. One should never feel limited because they may not have the latest and greatest. The medium the artist chooses is of importants to "their" desired results, but I believe the success of any art is in the meaning it posses for the viewer and the equipment used is meaningless in that.
Thanks Ed for posting a question that should make us all think.
Excellent response Brad. I am working on an article for my blog that discusses many of your specific points.
I guess my D3 didn't like me taking pictures of that Cambo, the shutter failed about halfway through and now I am freaking out about getting it back before my trip to Alaska later in August.
Posted by Larry Daniel on July 31, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Sorry to hear about the D3 shutter problem. bummer, hope they give you good turn around.
Brad covered a lot of good points with a very thoughtful post.
For me photography is a bit of all three. I don't have to make a living at it, I do enjoy getting out and having opportunities at good photos and enjoy figuring out the newest technologies.
PS: Ed, what does the rear of the Cambo look like?
Interesting thread, Ed, one which I've often pondered myself. For me, photography is simply a way to express my artistic vision, and an excuse for getting out into the wilderness. I've never really thought of it as a job, hobby, or obsession. If I had never sold a single image, I would have a hard time justifying the thousands of dollars I've spent refining my craft. As long as I can produce and sell "acceptable" work at the maximum output size of my current printer, I'm a happy camper. But I still think there's a lot of room for personal improvement, and look forward to creating better work with a D3x.
Matthew - the most important design feature of the first Nikon SLR, the "F", was the Nikon F bayonet lens mount. This same mount is still incorporated into every camera body made today. So, yes, Nikon users can say that every SLR lens made by Nikon will fit on the newest Nikon body made - without the need for an adapter, like the one the K20D needs for the old M42 screwmount lenses.
Posted by Rob Graham on August 2, 2009 at 11:13 PM
I think Brad summed up my feelings pretty well. Even though I've started doing some portrait work to help pay for this fine hobby, I'm much happier off by myself photographing the wonders of nature. At times it can be an obsession, but not normally.
Not entirely true Bill, There are some Nikon SLR lenses that won't work on digital cameras. They made some crazy invasive fish eyes that poke into the camera. You have to use them in full time mirror lockup or you will break your mirror. They do work on the Nikon F-F4 and the F5 with some modifications. Not the F6 though.
Now that being said, I have no need for any of those lenses, they are not practical and you probably couldn't find them anyway. The Nikon system is no doubt larger than Pentax. But that is not what I said, you have to be careful with word choice. I said "Any Pentax lens ever made" Nikon made some rangefinders and large format lenses, and those obviously won't work on an SLR. So Nikon doesn't qualify for the "any lens ever made" comment. Yea the M42 needs an adapter, as well as the medium format stuff.
But I am just really just being a Pentax jerk with all this. I used Nikon all Spring and loved it. If I hadn't got such a good deal on the Pentax stuff I would surely be shooting Nikon.
Discussion
9 repliesWhen I first got interested in photography I was amazed at the cost of equipment, the constant upgrades, the trips people would take. But I also marveled at the images they captured.
The difference in cost between entry level, prosumer, professional is pretty significant. At first glance it is difficult to understand why someone would pay $1500 for a camera when you can get almost as good for half the price.
Having just upgraded (thanks to a gift from my wife) to probably the best consumer camera available I am contemplating the obsession.
What about you? Where do you fit in the photography obsession curve?
Please let me know.
I blog about the new camera here.
I had some Sony gear that got stolen in February. I shot a D40 the majority of this Spring and a D200 for a weekend. About a month ago I bought a Pentax K20D, it was a refurb and I got it for about $550 after tax. Which I think is a pretty good deal for a weather sealed camera with 14.6mp. I bought the 18-55II kit lens for $100 which in my opinion is way ahead of any kit lens available right now. I have stuck some money back for probably a Sigma 70-300 APO macro and a Pentax 12-24 f4.
I'm sorry to hear about your equipment getting stolen, that is tough news. I have all my gear insured and recommend everyone do that. The cost of the insurance pays for itself with almost any loss. If your insurance company doesn't want to cover your equipment, NANPA has really good insurance for it's members which makes it worth the membership.
The K20D is a really excellent camera and at that price you came out ok. Pentax glass is some of the best out there. I know many MF film guys who still use the old Pentax medium format wides with adapters for whatever equipment they have. They don't make them anymore but they hold their value well.
Everything is insured now and it was really my fault anyway. I left my car unlocked with the camera stuff in it. I drive a Ford Police Interceptor and you would think that would deter a thief but it didn't. I'm am much more careful now.
Now, for an obsession, well ok it can be put that way but it kind of makes it sound like one has no control over the desire to do it. Life is a lesson in progress and one must attend many different classes sometimes all in the same day. The hustle and bustle of everyday living can at times take a toll on a person who strives for balance. Everyday we make choices based on how we perceive the environment around us and how we would like other to perceive us. I for example am somewhat of an introvert and seem just fine being left all alone in the middle of anywhere. I have come to think that to be a benefit when it comes to photography. Its very easy for me to slip into my own little world so to speak when out with camera in hand. I find it to be a type of freedom and very beneficial to the balance I strive for each day. Allowing me to better interact and be less judgmental when I find myself back in everyday situations surrounded by clowns.
It is more about the progression of the desire then the results of the act. If I could go out each day and take even 1 fantastic picture that would great, but the truth is I don't and have no expectations to. The truth also tells me no matter if I take a great photo or not has no bearing on whether I continue to try. Learning, living and experiencing nature and the life we all share is the reason I love photography, that's the balance I must maintain.
One last comment on the obsession part. The only reason I mention this is because of the photo posted with this Ed. It is in no way directed at any one person. I believe the obsession of photography can many times be placed on the obsession to obtain photographic equipment. This can be collecting old equipment or collecting the newest available. One should never feel limited because they may not have the latest and greatest. The medium the artist chooses is of importants to "their" desired results, but I believe the success of any art is in the meaning it posses for the viewer and the equipment used is meaningless in that.
Thanks Ed for posting a question that should make us all think.
I guess my D3 didn't like me taking pictures of that Cambo, the shutter failed about halfway through and now I am freaking out about getting it back before my trip to Alaska later in August.
Brad covered a lot of good points with a very thoughtful post.
For me photography is a bit of all three. I don't have to make a living at it, I do enjoy getting out and having opportunities at good photos and enjoy figuring out the newest technologies.
PS: Ed, what does the rear of the Cambo look like?
Matthew - the most important design feature of the first Nikon SLR, the "F", was the Nikon F bayonet lens mount. This same mount is still incorporated into every camera body made today. So, yes, Nikon users can say that every SLR lens made by Nikon will fit on the newest Nikon body made - without the need for an adapter, like the one the K20D needs for the old M42 screwmount lenses.
Now that being said, I have no need for any of those lenses, they are not practical and you probably couldn't find them anyway. The Nikon system is no doubt larger than Pentax. But that is not what I said, you have to be careful with word choice. I said "Any Pentax lens ever made" Nikon made some rangefinders and large format lenses, and those obviously won't work on an SLR. So Nikon doesn't qualify for the "any lens ever made" comment. Yea the M42 needs an adapter, as well as the medium format stuff.
But I am just really just being a Pentax jerk with all this. I used Nikon all Spring and loved it. If I hadn't got such a good deal on the Pentax stuff I would surely be shooting Nikon.