National Geographic photographer Bob Krist explains why he moved to Sony

[Larry]

Read into things much? The examples were chosen *because* most people have opinions on the subjects.

So....you voted for Obama, love hip hop and celebrate popular youth fashion? You'll forgive me for assuming that someone posting these things on a forum that skews heavily toward wealthy, middle-aged/elderly American and European white men had a specific opinion in mind.

You are right that ignorance doesn't stop people from forming opinions but it really really should.

This will be my last on the subject, ...continue if you please.

I am "the decider" re. whom/what I will forgive

In this case I will base the forgiveness on your obvious lack of situational awareness. You really, really should note that your ignorance re. my voting/music/fashion preferences has not "stopped" you from forming an assumptive opinion about same. ( FYI, your score was 33 1/3%, ...in my experience, this is a failing grade. )

 

[AcutancePhotography]

Its honestly one of the reasons I keep coming here. Its just so entertaining. It never fails to blow my mind how much of some people's identity is wrapped up in what brand of camera they use.

I agree. I haunt several photography forums; but for maximum entertainment, you can't beat Canonrumors. As I posted before, it is the Jerry Springer of photography!

But there are times when it gets a bit much.

 

[Diko]

Read into things much? The examples were chosen *because* most people have opinions on the subjects.

So....you voted for Obama, love hip hop and celebrate popular youth fashion? You'll forgive me for assuming that someone posting these things on a forum that skews heavily toward wealthy, middle-aged/elderly American and European white men had a specific opinion in mind.

You are right that ignorance doesn't stop people from forming opinions but it really really should.

This will be my last on the subject, ...continue if you please.

I am "the decider" re. whom/what I will forgive

In this case I will base the forgiveness on your obvious lack of situational awareness. You really, really should note that your ignorance re. my voting/music/fashion preferences has not "stopped" you from forming an assumptive opinion about same. ( FYI, your score was 33 1/3%, ...in my experience, this is a failing grade. )

At least we now know who you voted for ROFL

 

[Dantana]

This is what I don't understand about the photography "community".

Some guy decides to switch camera companies. He is not saying that his previous camera sucked, nor is he saying that he thinks that every other photographer needs to follow his lead. He simply made a choice.

But, when the story is posted, look at the defensive (and sometimes offensive) posts.

Who cares if this person switches camera systems? Clearly it was the right decision for him

Equally clear is that his reasons should have no influence on anyone else's decision to stay or move.

No one here can say that his reasons for switching are wrong for him.

So he switched to another manufacturer. Good for him. I wish him the best of luck and I hope that his new system makes him happy.

So why did some people feel it was appropriate, or even helpful, to attack his photography?

It just does not make sense.

+1000

If company X made camera model Y that was better than every other camera for every possible reason, then that would be the only camera that people would select. until someone invents a camera that meets a multitude of conflicting requirements, people will choose what works best for their criteria.... and to those people I say "Go for it!"

+1000 to you both.

These are just tools that we use to make image. Some tools are better at certain things than others. The systems that these tools exist in also have a great impact on their use.

This guy decided to switch tools for reasons that are important to him. Maybe these reasons are not important to anyone else. Maybe they are important to a lot of people. Good for him. He didn't sit around complaining about one brand or another, he just switched.

There is no perfect camera/system out there. There are cameras and systems that work better for individual users. There's no reason to take it as an insult that someone has found a new tool that they like.

I'm very happy with the tools that I use. Maybe at some point I will become less satisfied and look elsewhere, or be lured by some other system for some specific reason. That doesn't seem like something that should make others angry or hurt.

 

[marcel]

He use the cameras in APS-C. If he use the A7S in crop mode for stills the result is a 8 mpx camera. Like a Canon Eos 350.

 

[unfocused]

This is what I don't understand about the photography "community".

Some guy decides to switch camera companies. He is not saying that his previous camera sucked, nor is he saying that he thinks that every other photographer needs to follow his lead. He simply made a choice.

But, when the story is posted, look at the defensive (and sometimes offensive) posts.

Who cares if this person switches camera systems?...

+1000

...until someone invents a camera that meets a multitude of conflicting requirements, people will choose what works best for their criteria.... and to those people I say "Go for it!"

+1000 to you both.

...He didn't sit around complaining about one brand or another, he just switched...

...Maybe at some point I will become less satisfied and look elsewhere, or be lured by some other system for some specific reason. That doesn't seem like something that should make others angry or hurt.

While I understand your points, let's remember that most of these people don't simply "switch" and then go about their business. They seem compelled to rush out and make videos justifying/rationalizing their conversion.

Every day, there are probably a thousand people who are like those you describe. They switch brands because it works for them. That's fine. But most don't make videos about it.

If you are going to turn your private decision into a public one, they I think it's perfectly legitimate for people to critique your reasoning. I don't think people get offended, they just disagree and want to say why they disagree. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[Larry]

While I understand your points, let's remember that most of these people don't simply "switch" and then go about their business. They seem compelled to rush out and make videos justifying/rationalizing their conversion.

Every day, there are probably a thousand people who are like those you describe. They switch brands because it works for them. That's fine. But most don't make videos about it.

If you are going to turn your private decision into a public one, they I think it's perfectly legitimate for people to critique your reasoning. I don't think people get offended, they just disagree and want to say why they disagree. Nothing wrong with that.

"Compelled"? is it reasonable that someone who, after considerable thought (and expense) invests in a new camera or system, would want to use(test) it immediately afterward?

...and that if the results are pleasing, (assuming honesty and some objectivity on the part of the new "parent",) that person would choose to share his findings with the photo "community?

Most may not make videos about the experience, ...some do.

Anything wrong with that?

 

[AcutancePhotography]

I don't think people get offended, they just disagree and want to say why they disagree. Nothing wrong with that.

I think some of the posts on this website go a little beyond simply disagreement.

Name calling, personal insults, and ad Hominem attacks are not disagreements.

Also, just because someone publishes somethign that I disagree with, does not mean that I have to respond. I disagree with a lot of stuff in life and I don't respond. ;D

 

[Larry]

...just because someone publishes somethign that I disagree with, does not mean that I have to respond. I disagree with a lot of stuff in life and I don't respond. ;D

Google (images) - "Someone is wrong on the internet."

 

[dgatwood]

I don't think people get offended, they just disagree and want to say why they disagree. Nothing wrong with that.

I think some of the posts on this website go a little beyond simply disagreement.

Name calling, personal insults, and ad Hominem attacks are not disagreements.

Also, just because someone publishes somethign that I disagree with, does not mean that I have to respond. I disagree with a lot of stuff in life and I don't respond. ;D

But... but... but...



(xkcd #386)

 

[AcutancePhotography]

But... but... but...



(xkcd #386)

Guess I was mistaken. ;D

 

[Larry]

But... but... but...



(xkcd #386)

Guess I was mistaken. ;D

The only world-wide completely volunteer force ...The Internet Police! (Help stamp out inferior know-nothings! )

 

[AprilForever]

what he doesn't do is illustrate his decision with one half descent picture! Certainly nothing that I would deem National Geographic worthy!

unlike you. a self proclaimed critic who has not shown a single picture.

Bob Krist is a freelance photographer who works regularly on assignment for magazines such as National Geographic Traveler, Smithsonian, and Islands. These assignments have taken him to all seven continents and have won awards in the Pictures of the Year, Communication Arts, and World Press Photo competitions. During his work, he has been stranded ona glacier in Iceland, nearly run down by charging bulls in southern India, and knighted with a cutlass during a Trinidad voodoo ceremony. He won the title of “Travel Photographer of the Year” from the Society of American Travel Writers in 1994, 2007, and 2008. In 2000 his work was honored at the Eisenstaedt Awards for Magazine Photography in New York City.

now i would really like to see some of your images guys.
you know something that shows your DSLR´s are superior.

you seem to have the idea, that because he changed the camera he suddenly became a worse photographer.
i mean sure all the snapshots you take on vacations are masterpieces.... so don´t be shy!

but hey why i ask... mr. and mrs. anonymous on the internet sure know better than this guy.

Very low post count, blatantly re-posting the link to a personal webpage, taking on regular members of the community, and calling them anonymous... Are you sure your name is Jon D and not Bob Krist?

 

[AprilForever]

And the guy's pictures were not at all stand out for anything...

says mr. anonymous on the internet.
at least he made it to nat geo... you?

care to share some of your work?

he does:

http://bobkrist.com/

Oh, and I have posted several pictures here on this forum, and other places on the internet as well, which you likely would have checked first, if you were not a sock puppet for Bob Krist. Self promotion is all well and fine, but be honest about it, no need to hide behind fake names and insult people who disagree with you.

 

[Don Haines]

But... but... but...



(xkcd #386)

Guess I was mistaken. ;D

 

[Monchoon]

So he is switching out from a Nikon to a A6000, to a A7s? Is this for video or did I miss something.

 

[sagittariansrock]

Accutance and Steve,
I agree with your comment that sometimes the defense of Canon equipment on this forum is quite rabid, but consider the fact that this thread was started with the aim of provoking Canon fans by someone whose sole contribution to this forum (Jon D, all 15 posts) has been to rant against Canon.
So when people do get provoked, you cannot solely blame them.

Regarding Bob Krist's criticism, as unfocused said- whoever puts his personal opinion in the public domain can expect to get criticized. He might be a very accomplished photographer, and he is certainly entitled to his opinions. That does not mean he is the ultimate authority in deciding which one is better, Sony mirrorless vs Canon dSLRs. His posts about technique might be more useful to the learning photog.

Also, gear isn't why he is a NatGeo photographer. While I'd love to publish in NatGeo, even my using a $50K Hassy won't help me do that. And he would have published in NatGeo even with a P&S (well, probably).

 

[ifp]

Read into things much? The examples were chosen *because* most people have opinions on the subjects.

So....you voted for Obama, love hip hop and celebrate popular youth fashion? You'll forgive me for assuming that someone posting these things on a forum that skews heavily toward wealthy, middle-aged/elderly American and European white men had a specific opinion in mind.

You are right that ignorance doesn't stop people from forming opinions but it really really should.

This will be my last on the subject, ...continue if you please.

I am "the decider" re. whom/what I will forgive

In this case I will base the forgiveness on your obvious lack of situational awareness. You really, really should note that your ignorance re. my voting/music/fashion preferences has not "stopped" you from forming an assumptive opinion about same. ( FYI, your score was 33 1/3%, ...in my experience, this is a failing grade. )

At least we now know who you voted for ROFL

I might be reading a bit too much between the lines, but I think it's much more likely that we have an idea of who Steve didn't vote for.

Anyway, I think the OP was either shilling or trolling. Meh. As far as needing to be a great photographer to critique, that's simply fallacy. To be a credible photography critic, one needs to know something about photography, but a person doesn't need to be a great photographer to have that knowledge. Being a great photographer doesn't necessarily mean you're a credible photography critic either. And anyone can critique photography, much like anyone can critique fashion/politics/music. To be credible though, you need knowledge of the topics at hand.

Of course, I suspect everyone knows this. We just all like to beat each other over the heads since we're all internet tough guys.

 

[Besisika]

Bob Krist's accomplishments and talent aside, this thread has examples of a kind of pseudo-logic I always find interesting - the idea that only those who are themselves highly capable are entitled to have "an opinion" about anyone else's performance.

Do you have an opinion about the president of the U.S.? (Have you ever been a successful president of the U.S.?)

Do you have an opinion about Rap music? (Are you a recognized rap musician?)

Do you like/dislike some paintings in a museum? (Are you an accomplished painter?)

Do you have an opinion about pants hanging off a**es with undershorts filling the waist-leg gap? (Are you acclaimed as a fashion critic?)

What do you think of breast-feeding in public? ( Oh, wait, have you ever been a mother with a child to nurse?)

Do you think some pro quarterbacks are very good, and some less-so? ( Answer only if you are one of the good ones. )

...ad infinitum ( or nauseam )

I don't know if you are right or wrong but I like the way you present your idea - examples are clear and powerful
thanks for sharing.

Agree, protectionism is used by many. Here in Quebec we have a lot of "order of ..." and only members of these orders can practice some specific professions. My friend was an expert in AIDS from France, finished 2 year-specialization at one of the best universities in Montreal and still cannot practice, had to become a member.

My opinion; photo is a photo, whether the light lighting ratio is perfect 4:1 or anything else. People like it, it is a good photo.
Quality depends on the viewer and not his degree of success-fulness in photography.
Real photographers will do everything to protect their territory - they are the pro.

 

[Monchoon]

Sounds to me like he sees the switch as enabling him to take more easily photographs that before would have been difficult or impossible.

What?