It's not the tech, it's the operator
Regardless of the photographer’s camera, lenses and lighting gear…
…it’s not about the tech you should focus on…it’s always the operator.
While chatting with a speaker colleague the other day, camera equipment came up.
He asked some questions about my camera and lighting…
…for those of you keeping score, I use a Nikon Z9 and Profoto lights.
He then asked me the difference between using my gear versus prosumer or consumer gear.
And before we fell down the rabbit hole even further with gearhead hats in tow, I stopped him right there to make an important point about equipment, in general:
It’s NEVER about the tech, it’s ALWAYS about the operator.
When you’re qualifying whether a photographer is the right fit for you, don’t even bother looking in their camera bag.
It’s not what they’re using.
It’s how they use it to capture the images you need to share across your entire online presence.
Now sure, top-level, professional gear does offer certain technical advantages when the photographer knows how to exploit them.
But ultimately, if you’re working with an experienced professional, you can hand them a disposable camera and they’ll still be able to create a bunch of compelling visual assets for your image portfolio.
We wouldn’t want to ever do that shit, but we could if we had to :)
As a result, when you’re considering which photographer to hire, think more about:
Their experience working with clients like you
Their style and approach to capturing the types of photos you need, whether portrait or event-based
Their personality and disposition
Their communication and directing style
These variables are far more important to weigh than whether they use third-party lenses, light modifiers or ND filters - that’s gear head shit that is of no concern to you. Skip the labor pains and allow them to just deliver the baby.
It’s all about the deliverables and the experience they offer you to create those deliverables.
You want a collaborator in your success behind the camera, not someone who is a tech monkey who wants to dazzle you with the types of batteries they’re using to power up their camera.
When you’re on the phone with potential photographers, remember to keep the conversation all about how they plan to help solve your problems.
The tools of their trade and how they plan to use them is THEIR problem.
For more visual storytelling strategies and insights for experts, I’ll talk your eyes off through my blog. Sign up to receive them directly in your inbox, and if you have any questions, set up a time to chat with me and then I’ll talk your ears off, too :)