Photo Forums...The Gladiators

Photo Forums...The Gladiators

I have had the opportunity of being present to witness the activities on several photo forums over the past few years and it has been a revelation to say the least.
A photo forum is a place where those interested in "Photography" gather to discuss topics related to photography.

Hmmm...Well let me be quite frank. For all intent and purpose (and this is a generality) the photo forums are more akin to fans cheering for their favorite teams. The frenzy is often similar to those watching a heated football match between two arch rivals, with a packed stadium of fans frothing at the mouth screaming, we will "Kill You". We are the Best!!!

The classic argument on most of the generalist photo forums is that of the "we are the best and your team sucks". Now what I find really curious, is that in many cases, I could quite easily take an identical image stick a different brand name on that image and those who are on the team of that image will find some very good reasons why that image is better than the identical image with a different brand name on it.

Why do I know this. Because I have done just that. Not only did I do this but I did so confronting a "Professional".

I had a hell of a good time. I presented certain images that were shot with one brand and called it another brand and visa versa. Well wouldn't you know it? I knew within five minutes where his bias was and how to play with it. Was one of the most amusing moments I have ever had with a "Professional". Now this pro was not really a photographer, but a professional critic of camera equipment. In fact this person reminded me of another professional that I was had the unpleasant experience of communicating with on another forum. Of course, I am no longer welcome on "That" forum. But, knowing what I know now, it wasn't really an issue as what that individual had on offer was utterly irrelevant.

It is also quite interesting to note, that those who are actually working at and loving their craft are the ones that rarely get in to heated arguments regarding the "Which Brand is Better" scenario. Why? Because they have other more important things to do. They are content with using their tool to express themselves and are content with the gear they have chosen. They also know a very special secret. Hanging a 30,000€ Blad around your neck will not guarantee that your images will look like a 30,000€ image.

I like photographers who talk about photography. I like artists who talk about their art. I like Chefs who speak passionately about cuisine and I love people who do what they love.

Ben

http://www.benjaminkanarekblog.com/?p=1355

How true !! Well said .

Howard

Well said!

Good point.

I've often mentioned other makes I own in forum threads, as have other members with no replies of "It's a Pentax forum dummy!"

In fact, a certain member on here keeps reminding us he has a Horseman (and bad back from lugging it around!)

But the one thing we all have on this forum is that we use and enjoy Pentax equipment.

Now where's that Zenit gone...

Benjikan,

You have very well illustrated what is endemic in human society and that is the tribal nature of testosterone fuelled factions. We are all guilty of it, it is in our nature. If we don't exhibit this tendency online then it may well be over a pint discussing the latest antics of Jeremy Clarkson and crew with their favourite toy. We separate and then defend our territory.

To rise above the mob we must acknowledge this genetic characteristic and channel our energies into the more creative aspects of our lives.

So, I concur. Well said!

Yes well said Ben

I love my Pentax equipment (especially the old lenses), but when it comes down toa great image the equipment is irrelevant.

A work colleage passed my desk recently as i was looking at my Yellowstone trip pictures on Flickr. He commented he liked them and that I must have a great (ie. very expensive) camera. Needless to say he had never heard of Pentax or the K10, or the concept that I could have taken the same set on my old DS.

Did someone say Horseman?

Well said Ben, by the way.

K.

Ben you're a genious, tell us more!

You dont post as often as you should Ben, but when you do its always worth a second read.

Just being polite Dave

I did watch a program a few years back when 3 photographers were invited to go out and take pictures, one with a camera phone, one with a compact and one with the DSLR, what surpised me was yes they were reluctant to accept the compact and phone cameras but none the less they preceded to use the equipment given them and take some stunning pictures. I find sometimes photography mirrors Golf in the sense that the fortunate few precede to buy the best clubs available but couldn't hit a cabbage in front of them.

Some very true points there Ben...

Most professionals I have met in the music photography world very rarely discuss systems, they do however talk images a lot.

Discussing so & so photographer's work & how they made that image are the usual sort of conversation I have had, which has also helped my photography improve immensely.

It seems to only be in the amateur world that brand arguments abound. I am also amazed at the amount of amateur photographers having spent a small fortune on gear then refuse to take it outside of their home for fear of theft, damage or breakage in bad weather. What is the point of buying all that gear?????

Well said Ben. And thats all I have to say on the matter.