From time to time, I get asked at weddings, in consultations, on assignment for a newspaper, etc. which camera am I using. I kindly tell them the make and model. Then I say ‘It is just a tool that helps me take a photograph which I created with my vision (light, angle, composition, etc.)’.
My camera allows me to do certain things, but no matter how you look at it, it was my vision that decided to make the picture. Photograph dancing with motion blur? My vision. Photograph a detail in selective focus? My vision. Use the video light from the videographer to light my couple on the dance floor? My vision.
Think about someone like Tiger Woods. It does not matter if he uses a Nike or Titelist driver. It is his expertise that makes him a professional golfer. Yes, the driver has a little to do with it, like the piano for Mozart or the camera for me. But the result is due to the person using the equipment.
So where am I going with this?
Photographers…Yes cameras are important to us. OK, that is an understatement. They are very important to us! But do not worry so much about upgrading to the new and latest DSLR every year. More importantly, push yourself to view your work/subjects differently. Photograph a new subject. Use new lighting. Focus more on your photographs than the tool used to create them.
Everyone else….Knowing which camera your hired photographer uses is really not relevant. Knowing they have substantial equipment and backups is. Even more important is knowing the consistency a professional photographer delivers is important. Ask to see current albums or proofs. If they have a blog, look at what they have created over the past few months. This will show how professional they are more than a black camera.