Working With What You've Got: Creation & The Impact of Envy
In a world in which an array of brands and companies vie for our attention through the constant release of new products, it’s easy to feel as if you're not keeping up. With adverts bombarding us as to why the latest phone, laptop or camera is the "best yet" we can often find ourselves doubting the capability of the resources that are already in our possession. However that's not entirely a flaw we as consumers conjure up, in fact it's a highly useful marketing tool that pressures us to desire, and ultimately purchase, such items.
The Power of Numbers
One of the most easily demonstrable examples of this is the application and assignment of numbers, because of their universal nature, to particular items. On one hand, numbers serve to mark the linearity of a brand and its products' evolution, but on the other they dictate our focus by subconsciously instilling the idea of new versus old, more versus less, and better versus worse. Why would anyone be dead set on getting the iPhone 11 when the 12 exists? Will I really be happy with the GoPro Hero 8 when I know others are out there using a Hero 9?
While the examples I've just imagined do characterise modern society in so much that we often find ourselves wanting the latest, as the word is often deemed to be synonymous with 'best', they merely expose our superficial tendencies. We still continue to use our phones for hours on end despite it not being the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and we still continue to watch films on said phone even though we may dream of viewing blockbusters on a sixty-inch 4k screen. Although we may want for more, a lot of the time we get by with what we have and, I would hope, are not noticeably impacted by it.
Wanting More, Doing Less
Unfortunately, in the fields of photography and videography, because of their intrinsic connection with technology, the discussed line of thinking can have notable consequences upon the creative process. With the intent of portraying a subject in the 'best' or most visually appealing way, as mentioned our minds often equate this with shooting on the latest camera bodies, lenses and equipment. Henceforth a subjective practice can at times be reduced to an objective task, with some correlating success with the acquisition of high-end gear rather than the production of high-end work.
Not only is this damaging physically to the bank accounts of the individuals who pursue the 'dream set-up', but mentally it demonstrates a submission to a tool rather than an admiration of the skill and knowledge it takes to properly operate it. Furthermore, this weakness will manifest itself later down the line as frustration when it is realised that a machine or accessory alone cannot evoke a sense of artistry nor can it tell a story.
Conversely, for those without the means to spend on such a grand scale, this attitude can equally be as damaging in that it can limit inspiration and subsequently hinder creativity. Rather than get out there and practice with the tools at my disposal, at times I have certainly been a victim of the mindset that this will only be a worthwhile pursuit when I have all the gear I could possibly wish for. Similarly though, this too is a cause for frustration as while we see our peers learn and grow their skillset, we can find ourselves stuck waiting for a day that may never come.
So how do we overcome this mindset?
Facing Reality
When it comes to camera equipment, our desire and perception of what is the best gear doesn't necessarily stem from the manufacturer but instead our favourite creators on Instagram, YouTube and other such platforms. Therefore, it is vital to remember that cameras, lenses and accessories are not akin to merchandise nor are they a shortcut to success. In the same way that buying a £250 pair of Nike Mercurials will not turn you into Cristiano Ronaldo, shelling out £3000 on a Canon 1DX Mark II will not transform you into the next Peter McKinnon. These individuals have worked their way up to using high-end equipment and are therefore warranted to do so both financially and professionally as their gear maximises the potential of their already broad skillset.
The dream set-up we crave, at least when the criteria is the 'latest and best', is unobtainable for the majority of us on several grounds- the greatest being cost. Constructing an armoury of the best camera body, lenses, drone, computer and accessories is a monumental task that comes with a monumental price tag, nor is it a one-off expenditure either. The purchase of these products only serves as a temporary remedy for if we are victims to this wantful mindset now, we will simply continue to be as new products get released down the line, catch our eye and ultimately cast doubt upon those possessions we once held in a high regard. Therefore the key is to be content with our current gear, but also to be strategic when upgrading.
Conclusion
This state of contentedness isn't necessarily difficult to achieve either. The reality is that for those of us who own a DSLR/Mirrorless camera, we have something very powerful in our hands for the purpose and formats we most likely shoot for. To remind yourself of this, I urge you to go back and revisit the work you're most proud of that demonstrates both your equipment's and your own potential.
It is for this reason that I've selected the gallery to the left. In this instance all the photos shown were taken on my first ever DSLR - a second-hand, entry-level Canon 600D/Rebel T3i and its accompanying 18-5mm kit lens. While this set up will never be the envy of many, its output is definitely capable of surprising.
