Lachlan Kent

Something I’ve come to realise from my photography is that although a good tool (camera) can help the workman (photographer), the most important thing is that you get the most out of the camera you have.

I haven’t previously stated what sort of camera I use for my digital photos. This is partly because I think that people may judge my images differently if they new what I used. But I’ve decided to speak a bit more about what I use and how I use it.

Nearly all my digital images are shot on a point-and-shoot 6-megapixel Canon A540.

There are many advantages of shooting with a cheap, compact digital. For a start they’re cheap! Mine cost $300 with a 1GB SD card and case. The newer version of mine with an image stabiliser can be bought for pretty much the same price.
They can also produce quality images in classically good photography conditions (ie. soft, ambient light) as long as you use the lowest ISO and a tripod when a slower shutter speed is needed. You learn to work within different boundaries. For example, you quickly realise that to take acceptable photos of architecture you have to choose from limited viewpoints otherwise you’ll have curved lines that should be straight all over the place.
And they’re so small.
You can stick it in your pocket, and there you have it… the equivalent of a 35mm 35-135mm lens and it weighs next to nothing. You don’t need to think twice about slinging it round your shoulder, so you catch those moments where you wish you had your camera.

There are definately advantages for getting a “better” camera (such as an SLR). They are much more versatile in terms of the conditions in which you’re able to take good quality photos, and there’s something very satisfying about looking through the lense rather than off a live LCD. Personally, I have a 3 film SLRs and a rangefinder. The one I have begun to use predominantly is a Fujica ST705W with some really sharp fujinon and SMC Takumar lenses. I am pretty happy with what I have. I have the advantages of digital with my point and shoot, and advantages of film with my SLRs. One thing that I think that everyone should experience from using film is the need to make every photo count. With digital, you can tend towards shooting and then looking, whereas with film you must and do look, at everything, before you shoot. I think it has taught me to be thoughtful.

So what’s the point of all this? Well…. I’ve kind lost it a little bit, but basically it was to say that if you don’t have the money for a Hasselblad, fear not! The camera you have is probably better for learning on anyway as long as you expore its potential. And if you do try to use it to its fullest potential you’re likely to produce some fine work in the process.