So today I decided to go to the 30th Annual Multicultural Community Festival in Brockville. I bought all of my camera equipment in hopes of taking some nice pictures, and after three hours, and three hundred pictures, I have to admit, I’m super frustrated.
Not having the right camera equipment for the conditions I was going to be in: low light, no flash, fast movement, and not having the skill required to create art and capture the energy of the moment, basically made me want to throw my camera against the arena floor and walk out.
I usually enjoy photography, but for some reason today, I just want to give up on it. I wasn’t able to come out of the event with pictures that made me feel happy, and that I had captured the energy of the event.
Even buying better equipment, I know it will only help a little. My cousin, Mark, and my old co-worker, Jeremy, both have more artistic skill with their cameras, which only helps fuel my frustration.
Sometimes, I just don’t feel like I excel at anything and I’m reminded of what I heard from an expert in my field, “why do people waste so much time, trying to be good at things they have no skill or talent in?” I’m paraphrasing of course, but the message was that we should focus on the things we are good at, and accept that we can’t be good at everything we are interested in.
I just don’t know what to do then because I have no passion left for the things I’m good at, and I’m frustrated with the things I’m passionate about.
Malcolm's Ramblings 
6 responses to “Lack of Camera Equipment and Skill”
Personally, I think you’re too hard on yourself. I’m crappy at photography too, and I don’t have the equipment, but I still love it and still do it as often as I can. Are you looking to eventually make money from it? Then maybe you’ve a right to be frustrated. But if it’s just a hobby have fun with it and let it flow instead of worrying about all of the technical mumbo jumbo. That comes with time and a lot of experience. Maybe bring someone with you on these photo shoots so you can exchange ideas / equipment ideas with someone.
I just want to feel like an expert at something. In the top 10-20% at doing something… I don’t want to turn my hobby into something I get paid for (as that’s ruined my love for writing, programming, and computers). It is just hard not to compare myself to my cousin who started after me, but just seems to have a knack for it.
David, stop pouting! I agree with Stephanie..you are too much a perfectionist! I looked at your shots and they looked great to me..nice colour, you caught the movement of the dancers without blur..looked good…your header pic is beautifully artistic and I love the ones of the water. You are still developing (get it 😉 your talent and that takes time…Next time you are in an arena you’ll know what to expect…so don’t be so impatient and be glad you don’t have to pay for film like back in my day!!
Hope you were able to enjoy some of the Festival..looks like a fun time.
PS. He may be losing a bit of hair but Jer is not ‘old’ 🙂
Jer is definitely “old” lol. It was definitely interesting hearing the African drums. Out of everything I saw, I enjoyed that the most.
Just hang in there David! I don’t believe it’s so much that we shouldn’t “waste time” at things we are not “good” at – I think it takes time and practice to be good at the things we are interested in! Embrace patience – it will be a good lesson learned!
Love you!
Sometimes it’s okay to not be an expert at any one specific thing. I’m a generalist. I’m good at lots of things, but I don’t think I qualify as an expert at anything other than napping.
What I am quite good at is figuring things out – and I suspect you are the same. That’s what your expertise is; methinks.
If you’re concerned that not having the right equipment, I’d like to share that my absolute favourite photos that I’ve taken were taken with either a $20 Vivitar camera or Kodak disposable cameras.
Perhaps instead of focusing on more gear, try focusing on learning what the gear you have can do. Perhaps think about taking some classes to learn more.