Sometimes it is hard not to scratch one’s head when observing the behaviour of others. I had a recent experience with an article that I penned for another web site that really has me wondering if camera ownership is becoming politicized.
By that I mean narrow-minded, mean-spirited and falling prey to the opinions of zealots.
The impetus for this article was some of the responses that my recent ‘other website’ article elicited. The piece was simple enough. It shared some sample bird images that I captured during a recent holiday to Cuba. One would think that such a benign topic would not elicit any negative outbursts, or venomous comments from readers. Not so.
One individual expressed an opinion that because I am shooting with Nikon 1 gear that my images were suffering as a result. Supposedly my skill set is such that I have ‘outgrown’ the Nikon 1 system and I was doing myself a disservice by not shooting with ‘better quality’ gear. Some recommendations were then made about gear that I should purchase that would ‘better match’ my skill set. Additional comments focused on how much better my work would have been if I had shot the images with other, specific cameras.
This, of course, is a rather presumptuous position for someone to take. How could I possibly know if the camera gear that any of you have chosen to use is the best for your individual needs? The short answer is I have no way of assessing your needs. Nor would it be logical for me to assume that I know more about your camera equipment requirements and your skill set than you do.
Do I understand the limitations of shooting with Nikon 1 equipment? Hmmm…I think I do. Heck, in one of my articles I pointed out the Nikon 1 V2’s that I use are some of the worst-rated cameras that DxO has ever tested in terms of sensor performance, and even quoted DxO test scores. So yes, I do know that the dynamic range, colour depth and low light performance of my Nikon 1 V2’s pales in comparison with larger sensor cameras.
And, I also know why I love shooting with the Nikon 1 system and have written pieces covering this perspective as well. Whether someone else chooses to shoot with Nikon 1 gear is their personal choice. I would be the last person to ever say that you, or anyone else, should shoot with the same camera gear that I use.
Another poster chose to be extremely critical of my images. *shrugs* That is their choice of course. Whenever any of us writes an article or posts an image on a blog we are putting ourselves out there for critique…it comes with the territory.
Sometimes the basis for comments, or lack of one, can be rather odd. Does an image with a maximum size of 250K and saved at a quality setting of ‘4’ accurately represent a camera’s image quality capability? Any of you reading this article and answering that question in your mind right now would logically say, “No”.
How can I, or anyone for that matter, comment on the amount of detail in, and the colour quality of, an image posted on the internet unless we have some knowledge of the technical limitations involved with the posting of that specific image? Obviously we can’t.
Of course that doesn’t stop some folks from ranting on and on about image quality and going so far as to state that my clients are fools for hiring me because I shoot with ‘toy’ cameras.
To me there is a big difference from making constructive comments and observations on the work of others, and simply spewing out venom. The discussion pertaining to my ‘other website’ article got high-jacked as a result, and very emotional posts and counter-posts resulted.
On a personal basis I must confess it can be very difficult not to be drawn into the cesspool. In retrospect I should have completely ignored some of the comments, rather than try to add some rationale to the discussion. 🙂 Another lesson learned.
I make no bones about the fact that I have used various camera formats in the past, Nikon DX and FX for example, and that I have made the decision to shoot exclusively with Nikon 1 CX gear for both my client video work and for my personal needs. I feel no need to apologize for my choice of camera gear – and neither should any of you. We can all be assured that each of us makes the best decisions for our specific needs. Cameras are simply image capturing tools, nothing more and nothing less.
Where is this essay leading? To some closing comments about respect.
Unfortunately some photography blogs on the internet are populated to some extent by individuals who hide behind their screen names and spew out their senseless venom . This has a chilling effect on many readers who do not want to become a target. The quality of dialogue suffers, as does the opportunity for people to share and learn from each other.
When it comes to the camera gear that someone else owns I believe we need to be respectful of their choice. They are the only ones who truly understand their needs and we must be mindful of that fact. We may love the gear we own and it may suite our needs perfectly. That does not mean that we should approach others with the missionary zeal of religious fanatics to try to convert them.
We’ve been together on this blog for just over a year. Our community of registered readers has been growing exponentially. I am extremely thankful for all of the support that each of you has given this blog, and the respect that you have shown each other.
To date I have not had to delete even a single comment due to unprofessional or ‘venomous’ content. But make no mistake – as the owner of this blog I am fully aware that it is my personal responsibility to create and maintain a constructive and positive environment for my readers…and that will always be one of my priorities with this web site. That’s what you folks deserve.
My intent is to keep this photography blog advertising free. If you enjoyed this article and/or my website and would like to make a modest $10 donation through PayPal to support my work it would be most appreciated. You can use the Donate button below. Larger donations can be made to tom@tomstirr.com through PayPal.
I too would like to thank you for your note about “civility.” It seems odd to be praising someone for upholding civilized discourse. But the barriers are always under siege. I’m not a professional photographer so feel shy about arguing cameras with those who are pros. I’m in the learning game; I’m happy to learn from you. I love all my cameras, including my Nikon One V2. I look forward to the V4. But I also look forward to the next Fuji… or Olympus…
Thank you for your supportive comment Bill and for taking the time to visit this site – both are appreciated!
Tom
Hi Tom; A long time ago, I shot a wedding using a Mamiya RB67 with a 90mm lens. As I had time, I used for the same picture, my Canon A-1 with a 50mm f1.4 lens. I had our local camera store make up a 4×5 image from each negative. On Fridays, when the local photographers showed up at the store, I challenged them to tell me which picture was taken by which camera. They needed a Lupe in order to finally make the correct guess. That was the point in my professional career when I started using 35mm equipment for less expensive weddings, augmented by the RB67 for formal shots, and I ended up making a lot more money. As everyone has stated, it’s the knowledge, or know how, that makes a great picture, not the equipment. Yes, the equipment does help, but only in the right hands. I’m now waiting for my 4th Nikon 1
camera, and enjoy them immensely. Just letting you know that I enjoy your site, and your youtube videos. I also purchased the Tenba Discovery Shoulder Bag, per your advice, and it works perfectly for my small Nikon 1 System. Like great art, which is created by the artist, great photographs are created by the photographers. Thanks Again Tom.
Thanks for sharing your experiences Wolfgang, and for your supportive comment! I’m glad the Tenba Discovery Shoulder Bag is working well for you – mine is really starting to show signs of wear after all the abuse I’ve given it. Having a more shallow design really does work well for small sized equipment like Nikon 1 gear. I have 4 Nikon 1 bodies (three V2’s and one J4) and I’m hoping that a future V4 fixes the quirky design choices Nikon made with the V3. If they don’t I’ll likely have to wait for a V5…
Tom
Hi Tom; What I think goes well with respect is also, mentoring.
I’ve always appreciated the help I received when I was much younger, and even now, I am open to learning more in my 60’s. When I’m at my local camera store, I don’t mind answering questions, or giving advice when asked. I try to show people the passion that I have for photography, and show them that they don’t need the latest and greatest, but to learn with what they have, and then add to their equipment as the need arrises for better or a different photographic adventure. On my last vacation I only used a Fujifilm X-10, due to space requirements and my family was amazed at the picture quality. I am waiting to see what Nikon comes up with next with the Nikon 1 System. Looking forward to your next post or video.
Hi Wolfgang,
I really related to your comment about the importance of mentoring. The more that each of us share with others, and are mentored by others, the faster we all learn and the deeper our knowledge pools become. Sharing our passions is contagious!
Tom
Hi Tom,
I regularly follow your articles on Nasim’s site and then this one and Peters site. I started in this as a hobby 38 years ago when I was 12 and have always believed in surrounding myself with good people. Along with Thom as well, all the contributions are a labor of love of the art and the people that follow.
Like many others here I have CX DX and FX and they are tools. The religious fervor some adopt is not constructive but bullish and is negative not positive and never helps anyone. For this reason I have traditionally lurked more than contributed. I used to be a moderator for the MSN Photography forum in the 90’s and had my fill of those individuals then. However I do very much appreciate all the efforts you and the others who care put forth. Seeing this commentary has compelled me to respond. What you do is indeed appreciated by the majority. It’s the few that ruin it for everyone else.
The sad thing is the attitudes of some who post are the same attitudes of many clients now. It can at times seem like a race to the bottom chasing and competing for them when often they aren’t worth chasing. But we do what we do because its what we choose to do, so we keep trying to find the good ones.
We are out here and very much enjoy your articles, insight and art.
Steven
Hello Steven,
Thank you very much for your supportive comment, and for sharing your perspectives and some of your background! Support from readers is all any of us needs to ‘keep on keeping on’.
Tom
Might be some of the commentators can’t equal your results with thousands they spend on their equipment and wonder why they still get rubbish images from full frame cameras.
I run DX and CX and love using both.
And yes it seems theres a lot more ‘you cant be taking good pictures with that gear’ than there used to be.
It would appear some people get more enjoyment from criticising rather than doing.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for adding your perspectives! I guess none of us really knows why some people behave on blogs the way that they do. I just wanted to make a clear statement to my readers that they can rest assured that they will always find a safe and respectful place here on my blog.
Tom
Tom,
Ignore the haters and trolls my friend! The more attention you give them, the more time and energy you will waste. Keep up the good work and your excellent shooting!
It is easy to get discouraged by such offensive behavior. If you remember, we have had such moments at PL as well in the past. Some people will always find ways to diminish others, that’s just the way they are on the Internet…
Hi Nasim,
Thanks for the support my friend! As you know this type of experience did not end my contributions on Photography Life and I fully intend on staying the course with my photography and articles – not only on my own blog but on other sites like Photography Life and NikonRumors. By the way, I’m working on some ideas for a new article for Photography Life…once I finalize a concept I should have a new article for you later in February.
Tom
Fine article, Tom. I have the same sentiments! I call some of such individuals ‘elitists’. They set themselves up as judges of equipment, individual’s work and whatever else one wants to talk about. To a certain extent, I blame some of the photo mags and review sites because they take a narrow, often biased view. That is why I no longer subscribe to photo mags. I got tired of their prejudices, and recommendations based on subjective views and lab test charts, which are meaningless to me.
As you say, at times the media ruins the prospects of a new product. They come out with their narrow viewpoints and opinions and discourage people from buying good products. I saw this right away with regard to the Nikon 1 series cameras and equipment. They were immediately panned because they didn’t have the sensor size they felt they should have, rather than trying out the equipment in realistic situations. As a result, camera sales were seriously affected, and no one tried them out.
I am one who goes against the flow, and make my own decisions. I bought the V1 and love it as my mini Leica, for street shooting, etc. I now have two V2’s, and my favorite lens is the CX 70-300. I still have my FX and DX equipment and use them regularly. But the results from the Series 1 cameras is really good. Hey, I can make as large prints from it as I could get from my old 35mm equipment. It is impressive.
Ignore the elitists! You will find few of them post their work for others to see. Makes one wonder what they are getting from their ‘perfect’ equipment! Stay the way you are! That’s why I started following your work. And I do want to keep up on the state of Nikon 1 photography. Regarding the critics, I am reminded of a western movie character who was asked why he didn’t talk much! He answered that one doesn’t learn much when their mouth is open! Something to think about.
I really appreciate your work and follow you regularly.
Vern
Hi Vern,
Thanks for adding to the discussion by sharing your perspectives! I agree with you that the Nikon 1 system was panned right out of the gate. I think it is is still much maligned and misunderstood…but I still love it!
Tom
Whilst your choice of equipment is not everybody’s cup of tea your enthusiasm for photography and your ability to get the very best out of your equipment shine through in your blog. I bought a V2 a year or so before your articles started to appear on Photography life site. They have given me much encouragement as well as helping me to strive towards what you can achieve. Keep up the good work !
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your positive comment! I’m glad that the articles have been helpful for you!
Tom
Thanks Tom,
I too am a professional who shoots with a V1, V2 and J5. Don’t let these guys get under your skin. A camera is a camera as a brush is a brush.
Love reading your page.
Thanks for the support Jack – much appreciated! Often times my skin is so thick I wonder if there’s any bone or flesh underneath. 🙂
Tom
Tom:
Your excellent essay is to the point and heartfelt. Very often people who deal with the public such as in the retail trade, face this issue. They may receive many positive and encouraging comments during the course of a day but it is the one negative or particularly unkind comment that stays with them and cuts deep. Photography is one of life’s great blessings. It is wonderful to capture a superb image and then to post it online. We do this to share our joy in this passionate hobby we have so enthusiastically embraced. When our images are posted we genuinely hope people will enjoy them and understand the spirit in which we have shared them. Positive comments about our images encourage us and negative ones seem to distress us. It is far healthier to look beyond the negative and unkind comments, as I know you do, and keep on doing what you love to do: Keep shooting; Keep posting; Keep writing; and above all else, Keep on letting us in on the action!
Your friend,
Ray Miller
Hi Ray,
Thanks for sharing your perspectives and adding to the discussion. You’re absolutely right that many people who deal with the public are subjected to all kinds of negative behaviours from others. And, while those negative experiences can bring folks down, those same workers also remember and cherish dealing with people who treat them positively and constructively.
Tom
Hi Tom,
Your site has been great inspiration for me and you surely reinvigorated my interest in the Nikon 1 system.
Even though dxomark rated the V1 and V2 rather low, I think they produce a unique output that is really nice.
The newer sensor in the J5 is not that far from other cameras with a larger sensor, but there will always be people complaining.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the comment Anders – I’m glad the site has been an inspiration for you!
Tom
I shoot Nikon FX-DX-CX(partially your fault!). They all work. I have gotten photos with the V2 and 70-300CX I simply could have not gotten any other way-killer combo! I enjoy your blog and I am glad you can easily ignore the nonsense.
Marcus
Hi Marcus,
Sounds like you have quite the arsenal and are ready for anything! As you point out – they all work – and that’s one of the beauties of photography! I’m glad to hear that you are enjoying your Nikon 1 gear…I also like the V2/CX 70-300 combo!
Tom
As you allude to, the anonymity of the internet, along with its concurrent safety, have ineluctably led to a proliferation of mean spirited ad hominem attacks on people everywhere. It is almost as if some feel compelled to disparage whatever anyone else says or does; perhaps this is the only way such folks can feel good about themselves. Like others have said, your choice of equipment is not mine. So what? How dull would the world be if we all thought and acted en masse with no room for individual thought or creativity? The bottom line is your images are wonderful (indeed, my wife happened by as I was typing this and I explained to her what was transpiring-she is not a photographer at all and only cares what the picture is; she looked at your some of your photos and was mighty impressed) and would be if you took them with a box camera or some fancier and far more expensive medium format rig. The haters will always hate and you are well served to let them vent and then frustrate them by ignoring them.
Hi Cal,
Thanks for taking the time to add to the discussion – much appreciated! I agree with you that the anonymity of the internet has contributed to a proliferation of mean-spirited comments and attacks. The main objective of this article was to let my readers know that I am dedicated to creating and maintaining a respectful photography blog. Spewers of venom can simply go elsewhere.
Tom
Thank you for this excellent post. I shoot with Canon, and although this is a predominantly Nikon site, I still receive excellent information. I have always felt that whatever works best for a particular person shouldn’t be criticized by others. I would never criticize someone’s gear, and I appreciate that my friends don’t criticize mine. It’s the love of photography that keeps us together.
Hi Cynthia,
It is great to read that my choice of gear is not getting in the way of you enjoying the web site! I agree with your comment that the love of photography can keep people together! A mutual love of photography has certainly enriched my life and led to me meeting, and interacting with, a huge number of wonderful people that I would not have connected with otherwise.
Tom
I think this is what happens ( all too often) on the internet.
I had a long break from some of my favourite sites recently as things were getting tetchy. You are right not to argue with idiots, you can’t win! :))
I enjoy your writings immensely, and yes I shoot Nikon 1 but I’m sure I would still enjoy what you upload even if you switched systems.
Keep up the good work and don’t let these people get you down.
Hi Ian and thanks for the supportive comment – most appreciated! I’ve had the pleasure to view some of your work and have enjoyed it immensely!
Tom
Hi Tom
Although I follow you blog for quite awhile this is the first time I write here.
I always found very interesting the things you said about the gear you use (Nikon 1) in spite of knowing that probably I will never buy it. Let’s say that your opinions works to me like a window to a different landscape than mine. And I like it.
As for the other guy we have an old saying that goes like this:
“Os cães ladram mas a caravana segue em frente” which means in a free translation “Dogs bark but the caravan moves on”.
Please keep on doing your great job.
Regards
Hi Jorge,
Thanks very much for the positive comment! I’m pleased that my choice of gear is not getting in the way of you enjoying the site! Sharing perspectives about how each of us sees the world around us is always a fun thing to do – and I’ll keep on keeping on.
Tom
Just ignore these unconstructive heckling. You are an rare example of a photographer who picks up a camera that suits your shooting best and then make the best out of it. It`s not all about MPIX otherwise it`s easy to end in never-ending futile banter. More pixels? Sky is limit. Phase One 100 MPIX, Hasselblad 200 shift pixel technic, CanonFF 250MPIX, Saietz scanning panorama camera of 1GIGA anyone? As to birds, as you pointed, beside the money involved, who`s got better chance to encounter some interesting species after hours of walking , you with your portable combo of 70-300 lens or the wise guy toting 13 pound 800/5,6 + camera? As to detail resolved, even FF would not be enough for ornithologist. He would have to inspect the bird by hand. Ten years ago I was happy producing good results with my Kodak 4800 3MPIX CCD camera ( admited at 100 ISO ) but still. If you see the feathers in the picture don`t ruffle them, would be my last remark. Keep up with your excellent work.
Hi Stanislaw,
Thanks for sharing your perspectives and for your support – both are appreciated! Funny you should mention your Kodak 4800 and the good results you were able to achieve with it. Way back in the day I owned a Kodak 6400 (I think I have the model number correct) with a 4MP sensor which was ‘huge’ at that time. I really enjoyed that little camera and had a ton of fun shooting with it – including my first trip to New Zealand.
Tom
Mr. Stirr,
There are the ranters, the followers, the quacks, and the inept. So many of the commenters from the madding crowd, are those who couldn’t tie your shoes, let alone perform a pixel of improvement that your deft interpretation has demonstrated time and time again. Let us recall your series on Christmas lights, to the unteathered feathered flight of magnificent birds, insects smaller than the jewels of pampered trophy wives.
Your post processing, your execution of the most venerable capture of images on a camera, and a system that the pretenders of knowledge couldn’t even define save for the repetition more akin to a certain US Presidential aspirant knowned for canned responses, is to me a marvel of accuracy with a passion of eloquence. I know from the abuse hurled by the heavyweights of wire service, agency, and newspaper famedom when they dubbed my Nikon 1 V3’s Girly Man cameras when I deigned to shoot the US Open with them. Funny, they never laughed when my trophy presentation shots of Serena Williams jumping up on que, never lost the top of the cup, while many of theirs did.
You keep on going Thomas, and let the others choke on contempt.
Hi Rick,
You’ll have to let me know when your complete and publish some books! I’m sure your twist of phase and dry humour will be appreciated by many folks! Thank you for your most generous words.
Tom
Hi Thom
Not really surprised by such negative comments, probably by people who have no pics to display so we can have a chance to give them their own medicine. I have seen so many high end camera owners that don’t have a clue in post-processing and post pics that a phone camera with a knowledgeable owner can produce better than them. When I read I am new to photography and I own a Nikon D810, it brings a smile on my face. I surely know with others that your images are not only the product of your camera but mostly of your experience and knowledge. As you already mentioned you perfectly know the limitations that such small camera sensor has.
Your choice of equipment is not mine and its perfectly ok for me. I am most of the time amazed by what you get from such a small sensor camera. I love my D7100 & D750 and the expensive lenses I bought for them and at the same time I hate that they are bulky and heavy for travelling. My old Canon G7 (9 years old technology) with its tiny sensor with heavy color & luminance noise is still my camera for travelling when I don’t want to carry the Nikons. I have to use all I know in post-processing to get good photos and I also printed quite a few at size 16X20 inch, but all taken at iso 100 while a challenge its always a pleasure to see I can most of the time achieve it.
Thom don’t let theses nobody stop you from doing what you do best like taking photographs and sharing them with all of us with your experience and knowledge.
Regards
Hi Luc,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with various types of cameras. It certainly brings home the notion that we all have different needs in terms of the photographic gear we use. I fully intend on continuing with my journey and sharing it with my readers here on my own web site, as well as continuing to write articles on a couple of other web sites. I am usually not baited sufficiently where I respond to silly posts…but I’m learning to exercise even higher levels of restraint…
Tom
Hi Tom,
Good article and a good point about how easy it is to get sucked into these venomous and inane exchanges – I learned the same lesson on the same thread you mention, but only after wasting much too much time. One just ends up “feeding the trolls” and encouraging them by replying to comments that deserve no response.
George Bernard Shaw’s observation is very apt – “I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it.”
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/georgebern137450.html#HODkFpJUr47uXoYr.99
Hi Patrick,
I agree that feeding the trolls is a waste of time – it is just very hard to remember when one is ‘in the moment’. Love the George Bernard Shaw quotation – a good one to remember!
Tom
“Trolls” are everywhere, the blogosphere just made it easier to them get out under of their rock!
😛
It is my believe that the majority of those supposed experts waist more time on the web then actually take photographs if eventually they are capable of doing so 😉
Just today I took a quick snapshot, and then took a proper one with my very old, widely used, tiny sensor, 10 years old, bridge Fuji S9600 of a blossom flower. It made me feel very good inside, later I e-mail it to my wife and put a big smile on her face.
What more could I possible want?
Hi Antonio,
I don’t think there’s anything else that you could possibly want – you exercised your creativity and brought joy to a loved one!
Tom