Consistency & Reliability
As some of you who have kept up with my posts know, I have a habit of switching camera systems with the frequency that we change socks. It probably bores the proverbial off most of you and leaves you wondering why/tearing your hair out/shaking your head in disbelief. I go back to systems that I left, to discover it isn’t about the camera or lens but the creative process and the desire to take better photos. I do however like a level of camera system consistency. I like my camera bodies to share the same menu systems, the same sensor size and even a little thing like batteries. It makes using a camera easier because you can use different lenses on the same system.
I went with Panasonic Lumix two years ago and stuck with them for quite a while. I can’t honestly remember why I moved to another system and what I gained from that move. I know that some of my best images and successful experiences were using Panasonic full frame cameras. They don’t have massive megapixel sensors, they don’t have the same prestige as some of the big players but; they are reliable, tough, feature packed and really easy to use. I like the raw images that come out of them and they have very good dynamic range and low noise levels.
Our house move went relatively smoothly and I have finished a commission for an artists studio cooperative. That project took a few months, partly because we were in the process of moving . I’m now keen to resume my professional development and would love to do some more photo shoots with local artists. All of my original shoots were in fact done using a Panasonic S5. I was really happy with the output, the workflow and the overall quality of the images I managed to get. I guess I should have realized then that there was no point changing again.
Recently, I was running Fujifilm APSC and medium format in tandem. I found myself constantly having to do maths as to what focal length I was actually shooting at (full frame equivalent) . This became a pain as did lugging round a medium format camera and a selection of lenses. I was less happy with the medium format camera output on a work job and missed the consistency of a simple full frame mirrorless camera. I subsequently traded all my Fujifilm gear and have gone back to Panasonic.
I want to use this blog to talk about what inspires me to take photos and move away from gear. It doesn’t define me as a photographer and my work and style still need to improve. Like many other creatives, I see others at a similar level producing beautiful pieces of work and getting some recognition for their work. The house move and subsequent building work is at times all consuming.
Next year will see a more focused approach to my work and I hope photo shoots will come my way. I also intend to create either a photo book or zine/zines. I still have prints for sale and greetings cards which I intend to sell through shops. I want to work hard on my techniques, take dedicated photography mini breaks and create better photos. I love photography, it’s what I do and who I am. Yes, I have a family, a partner and friends but I don’t plan on sitting back as there are many locations, potential clients and projects to pursue. I also am determined to get into videography as I have the perfect tools for it.
