Monday, October 17, 2011

Whining - only a little though

Sedona geometry

You know what really gets me? What makes me laugh, but with mild frustration? Well, I'll tell you. It bugs the fa-zizzle out of me when someone looks at my pictures and says, "Your camera takes good pictures."

Seriously???

I want to respond, "Actually, I take good pictures. But, thank you." Too tacky, I know. So I just let it go. I smile uncomfortably and wonder what to say. The good camera helps, of course it does. But, the best camera in the world can't create composition or knowing just which moment to capture. That, my friends, is all up to the photographer. If you doubt it, visit my friend Susan, who has a very simple camera.

How should I respond to comments like that? Come on. Let me have it. Tell me what you think please.

18 comments:

Enigma said...

Correct them nicely. Smile and say, yep, after a little trial and error I got use to this camera and take some pretty good shots. Glad you like them. I am always improving my skills. Smile and then walk away.

Marilyn Miller said...

Say thank you, but it is the artist behind the camera that makes the photo laugh and sing. Fascinating, awhile back I took a walk with my son and he and I both took pictures that day. I was so touched by his pictures and it really sat with me that it is the artist behind the camera that makes special pictures. My son is an artist and it showed in his pictures that day.

Leslie Avon Miller said...

Well, my new mantra, from the Dali Lama I believe, is "When at all possible be kind. And its always possible to be kind."

Those folks that attribute your artistic vision to the tool you use just don't know.

And in my life there are plenty of things I don't know.

Anonymous said...

I'd say: "Yes, it does. And I take even better ones!" Then look them square in the eye and smile politely.

Sweet Tea said...

I think YOU are a wonderful photograher!!
You deserve to own it, Friend.
Today is the perfect day for the picking of "nits"!!
Woo! Hoo! It's so freeing!!!

Debby said...

I agree.
A good camera helps but it's all about the eye. I will check out her site.
My DIL had a great camera. It bit the dust. She borrowed her mother's point and shoot and her pictures are as great as the other one. She is just a good photographer.

Anita said...

You are a great photographer, Relyn. Anyone can take a picture, but it takes real talent to capture that special moment.

Unknown said...

Perhaps they are referring to it's superior ability to capture true color and focus???? You do take wonderful pictures. My daughter is a professional portrait photographer. One of my fears for success for her business is the fact that anyone can buy a nice camera and Photoshop and call themselves a photographer. Perhaps that's what is in the persons mind--if they had the camera and the photo program, they could take pictures as well as you. People don't realize the artistry needed to be a photographer!

Lubna said...

LOL. Perhaps you can add: Oh, and I loved the cakes you baked, you must have an excellent oven. Aww, but this is being a bit mean.

Relyn Lawson said...

Lubna,

I am dying laughing. That's it. That's exactly it. The same people would never dream of saying to a painter, you must have a wonderful brush.

Not that I am a painter yet - not an artist yet - but you know what I mean.

Amy said...

HA! It appears Lubna wins the prize ... that would be some good times! :)

Cindy said...

Reylyn any equipment is only as good as the operator. I do like Lubnas remark....it's like when I answer the phone and someone says, Oh your up?
I want to say, no this is a figmant of your imagination. the princess is still sleeping as fair lady seldom rises from her bed before late afternoon as she has no chores or participates in her life....of course I am up and if you did not think I would be, why are you calling me?......lol I will be thinking what to say to your lady all day, have her phone me. hugs, thanks for the visit......my word verification is slown...wierd hey.

Hausfrau said...

The camera takes great photos? I'd respond with something like, "Ha! I'd like to think I have a little something to do with them, too!" They'll get the point without feeling chastised.

However, I do love Lubna's response. :)

Relyn Lawson said...

Hausfrau,

That's perfect. Not as funny or as snarky as we all feel at time, of course. But, I don't really want to be snarky. And, I was truly looking for a good response. Thank you. Thank you, thank you.

Anonymous said...

I'd just like to say - you're allowed to be annoyed and to whine, a little! Lubna's comeback is perfect.

S. Etole said...

Smiling as my artist son has been asked on occasion about the brushes he uses.

And thank you for the comment ... it's a real honor considering the creative photos you take!

susanna said...

*grin* Yeah, it's an odd thing to say to someone - or to be told that by someone. My immediate thought is that whoever said this to you immediately compared their own photographs to yours and then thought a) your photos are better and b) they don't like their own camera. I think in their mind, you are winning the photo competition (and you didn't even know you were in one!).

I like Lubna's response, too.

Jaime said...

lol@ lubna!

That is fantastic. :)

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