The Camera Makes the Photographer

For most of my photography career, I’ve struggled with what kind of photographer I’d like to be. Wedding, portrait, event, commercial, landscape, and unusual are all words I’ve used to describe my business. Ultimately, I believe my business could be more successful if I choose a niche and stick with it. However, I’ve realized that really all I want to do is create.

One of the main reasons I switched from film/TV to still photography was to be in creative control of my projects. What I neglected to consider was that the client is the one who always has the final say.

Sometimes in life there is a difference between what you want to do and what you need to do for survival. For the last couple years, I’ve been working with Conn-Selmer’s Music Professor. It was an incredible opportunity to create educational videos that actually seem to matter to a lot of people. I had the opportunity to design the whole production process all the way to publication on the website. It’s been a wonderful ride, but the process becomes very formulaic once established. Also, working for a large entity such as Conn-Selmer requires buy-in from many individuals which inevitably leads to compromise.

During the times of feeling creatively stuck, my brain was still flooded with ideas for personal projects. The big question was about execution. Did I have the right equipment to pull off what I wanted to create?

My main camera body for the last several years has been a Canon 1Dx MK2. It has been an absolutely incredible camera that can do everything I dreamed of. One of the fun aspects is that the camera is so big and bulky and heavy that it looks like a big expensive professional camera (at least by Jurassic Park rules). I’ve never worried about clients seeing my camera and wondering if I’m really dedicated to the task at hand. Therein lies the problem. I’ve never had a problem bringing the camera on paid gigs, but it’s never been very comfortable to take on trips and utilize as a personal camera.

Enter my new camera.

Midway through my work with Music Professor, Hasselblad announced the X2D. I immediately fell in love. All the features include everything I feel like I’ve been missing with my Canon. The best part is that it’s much much smaller than my Canon and way more powerful.

A couple of months ago, I was able to purchase the X2D and a couple lenses. It has been an absolute dream and just everything I imagined it would be. I even set up a hard case for it so it can travel with me wherever I go.

So does the camera make the photographer? Yes, but only in how it inspires. Everyone deserves a car they love to drive or a bike they love to ride or a guitar they love to play. My new Hasselblad had reinvigorated my creative process and has the power and capabilities to bring my ideas to fruition. There is never a substitute for practice and practical knowledge, but what’s the point if you aren’t enjoying what you’re doing or have the tools to execute your vision?

I’m ready to keep pushing my creative limits. Stay tuned for more insights into that process.

Thanks for reading.