ERIC KIM

Why Do We Buy Cameras?

HAPTIC CAMERA by ANNETTE KIM
HAPTIC CAMERA by ANNETTE KIM

We buy cameras to look cool. Thus, the proliferation of hipster, old school retro cameras.

We buy cameras to unlock our potential. We are not satisfied with our phone cameras. We want more detail, and more aesthetically pleasing images.

We buy cameras because we are nerds, engineers, and math folks… who were always told we cannot be artistic. We think the camera is an easy way to draw and create art (which is true).

We buy cameras because we feel it validates our existence. If we don’t take a photo of something… did it really happen?

We buy cameras before a big trip, for fear of regretting of forgetting good memories.

In short, we buy cameras to record personal memories, and to feel more personal meaning, purpose, and joy in life.

We buy cameras as social markers of status.

I’ll buy a Leica to look professional, cool, and hip. Also, wearing a Leica around your neck at a photography exhibition is equivalent wearing a (very expensive) gold chain.

I’ll shoot with a digital medium format camera, to signal to my clients that I’m professional. Unfortunately, humans always will equate quality with size. Human bias.

I’ll shoot with a more expensive camera, because I genuinely feel that my potential is being held back by my shitty gear… rather than my lack of creativity and innovation.

The camera is an easy excuse for us photographers. If only I had that new camera or lens, I could finally make good photos and be happy.

My life story

I’ve had all the above thoughts. But realize, it is “creative constraints” of having shittier gear can help us be MORE creative with our photography.

Let’s worry less about the gear, and JUST SHOOT IT.

BE STRONG,
ERIC

HOW TO CURE YOURSELF OF GAS >

GAS: (Gear Acquisition Syndrome): wanting to buy new cameras, because you feel like your photos aren’t good enough, because your camera isn’t good enough:

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