I know, we’re one of the biggest websites often doing camera and lens roundups. But here’s the thing: most of the time, we haven’t been rounding up new cameras or lenses. Why? Because we realize that the used camera market is more affordable and that the newer cameras and lenses don’t really have features worthy of upgrading to. So let me reiterate: you don’t need a new camera or a new lens. Instead, you want it. But here are some real things that a photographer might need instead.
Reading Material Where You Can Imagine the Scene
I read a lot of poetry. However, if you read some fiction pieces instead, you’re forced to imagine the scene instead of just watching it. Visual media constantly copies visual media to the point where all the images look the same. And it’s because photographers aren’t using their imagination and instead just making happy accidents while copying others.
Start using your imagination and making work that’s unique to you.
Or if anything, listen to audiobooks and podcasts that tell stories.
Unique Lens Filters
Reality is sad and boring. So, using special lens filters of some sort will help you put a different perspective on your images. Do you have floaters in your eyes? Why not try to find a way to make those appear in your images without post-production? Or what about haze? How about stacking different filters to make that effect then?
Heck, I made my own filter for funsies.
Lighting That’s Not an LED
If you use an LED, reality does the work for you in capturing exactly what’s in front of you. But if you shoot with a flash, you often have to imagine what the scene will look like in some way or another. Then when you press the shutter, poof goes the light and a scene that couldn’t be visualized with the human eye appears. Flash truly makes us use our imagination and therefore gets us to make unique photographs that can’t otherwise be made manifest.