We often hear the refrain that gear does not matter and a talented photographer should be able to create good images no matter what they are using. And while the advice is well intentioned, it is incomplete at best, and it is important to consider the situations in which gear actually does matter and how carefully thinking about your needs and budget can lead to better images. This excellent video examines that exact issue.
Coming to you from Simon Baxter, this video discusses a personal situation in which gear mattered to Baxter and the more general philosophy around the subject. The common adage that gear does not matter is generally meant to dissuade beginners from thinking more equipment will improve their work more effectively than practice and education, but it is also an overgeneralization. The simple fact is that there are cases where you simply will not be able to get a certain shot without specific specialist gear, but there is also the middle case: gear that enhances the convenience of your workflow to the point of invigorating your creativity or enabling you to pursue difficult shots with far greater ease, increasing your chances of success. Check out the video above for Baxter’s full thoughts.Â