When out & about, how do y'all respond to gear small talk?

[Tabor Warren Photography]

Actually when i get that I use it to get a portrait done.

-"Nice camera"
- "Yeah it's great.......wanna see the results? I can take your picture and email it to you later!"

90% yes results. Of course it's not candids but it makes the best of an otherwise useless small talk.

I do something very similar, but upload it to an invisible locked gallery, send them the .jpg, and let them know that there are no strings attached, purchase if you please, but here's the .jpg if you would just like a desktop background of your son/daughter/boyfriend-girlfriend etc.

-Tabor

 

[GuyF]

From what I gather photography is a bit like fishing; no sooner have you picked a quiet spot to practise your hobby than someone appears from nowhere to enquire what you're doing or if the fish are biting. I'm convinced many fishermen don't have a hook on their line, they just want the peace and quiet of sitting on their own for a couple of hours. Maybe with a beer and a sandwich. Perhaps there's a nice bit of Parma ham on the sandwich....sorry, I'm getting off track....

I often go to my local park and whilst lining up a shot a few years ago (40D and 17-50mm lens, so nothing "fancy") an old woman once asked, "oh, what are you taking a picture of?" I looked at her blankly hoping her tiny brain would allow her head to turn in the direction I was facing and make some half-baked guess as to the subject (it's a public park for ****'s sake!). However the evil voices in my head made me say I was an architect and the park had been bought over and was to be redeveloped for housing - I was taking pics to show a before and after "vision" for a large piece in the local paper. The park contains a large stately home dating back about 600 years and the notion of it being bulldozed would certainly set tongues wagging among the blue-rinse brigade. Job done. (Note to non-Brits: for some reason old women here insist on dying their hair blue or pink. Must be some 1977 punk throwback thing.)

However the thing that always demands public scrutiny is carrying a big white lens (anything less than 300mm need not apply). People are quite insistant that you're a professional. They cannot conceive that a person may have a job, save for years then buy things that make them happy. I got so fed up of people queing up to interrogate me that I cut the sleeve off a black sweatshirt and use that as a lens-coat. Not once has anyone spoken to me when I'm in "stealth mode"!

 

[cayenne]

Goodness.
I guess what country , or even what city you live in makes a difference.

I live in New Orleans, if someone approaches you to talk about most anything, camera included, it is usually met with a friendly answer, a smile, and could at any time end up with making a new friend, at least in my experience living here many years....

Of course if you are in a rush or busy, that maybe not happen as with above, but for the majority of the time, if anyone speaks to me when I'm out and about, I'm assuming I'll be having at least a short, pleasant conversation with them...especially if at a bar here.

And heck, are ya'll that worried about someone coming right up to you and stealing your camera off your neck? Again, I live in NOLA, where crime *is* a problem, and frankly, I'm not that concerned about it...I just stay out of the areas where it is a problem, especially at night.

I dunno...just struck me as quite odd to hear so many seem to actually almost take offense at someone bothering to speak to them in public at all. I know in the NE of the US, that people aren't quite as friendly as we are in general in the southern US, but I just figured it was mostly up there, but sounds like this is prevalent in much of the world?

If so...sad. I'm used to walking about, smiling and very often saying something, even if briefly passing a stranger and something bout them catches my eye. Especially if a pretty girl (of course), but even with other men, I'll say hi, or smile or say "Hey..nice xyz"...that just seems common to me.

But I am saddened a bit when I hear so much negativity with simply being outgoing and friendly to those you meet or even just pass by during life.

When someone takes interest in my stuff or what I'm doing, I'm flattered, and have quite often ended up talking about that for at least a short time...

My $0.02,

cayenne

 

[ckwaller]

I dunno...just struck me as quite odd to hear so many seem to actually almost take offense at someone bothering to speak to them in public at all. I know in the NE of the US, that people aren't quite as friendly as we are in general in the southern US, but I just figured it was mostly up there, but sounds like this is prevalent in much of the world?

I know exactly where you're coming from.

I should add, regarding my zoo memory, I did engage in small chit-chat with the folks at the lion pit. I'm always happy to "talk" gear, as I truly feel passionate about it, and about the prospect of potentially learning something new. Unless I feel that I'm in immediate danger of being mugged, I'm always happy to discuss my gear when approached.

I live in an area (Buffalo, NY region) that has a pretty heavy photographer population. I've experienced firsthand and observed folks being rebuffed by "pros" and the (please forgive me) "hipsters with cameras" when they were approached to talk about their gear. That goes back to me mentioning some carry a "holier than thou" attitude. Of course, different situations call for different reactions, and my good experiences far outweigh the bad.

Now before I put my foot in my mouth, I am speaking solely of experiences in my region. It honestly seems like people are more approachable elsewhere...must be that "New York Minute" mentality, huh?

 

[Loswr]

I know in the NE of the US, that people aren't quite as friendly as we are in general in the southern US, but I just figured it was mostly up there

What the *#$%$ are you saying?? That we're *#$%$ unfriendly here in Baaahston? That our wicked baahd attitudes mean we ignore polite *#$%$ conversation?!?!?



S'ok. I'm a native Californian. Try LA - they'll give you a big, friendly smile (bleached teeth or caps, of course) as they run you over with their Hummer. Not that I'm trying to stereotype anyone...

 

[RLPhoto]

Someguy - "Thats a nice camera, It must take great pictures."

RLPhoto - "I taught it everything it knows" *Smugness.

 

[V8Beast]

.
When I'm taking pictures I'm very focused and I really don't want to talk about what some guy did with his camera club last month.

People with expensive cars like to take pictures of them, so I get sucked into gear talk all the time in the field. I try to be as polite as possible and answer their questions, but when I'm on deadline and the clock is ticking, it's definitely a distraction.

What never ceases to amaze me is how many people feel entitled to give you photo tips and advice while you're working. I had one dude recently offer unsolicited lighting advice while I was lighting up his buddy's car. Mind you, earlier in the day he showed me a bunch of snapshots he took with his 5D2, Alien Bees, and some expensive primes that could have been taken with an iPhone. At this point he had no credibility, but then he went on to complain about how much the 5D2 sucks in low light, which only compounded matters. Fortunately he didn't take offense to me ignoring his "advice," but believe it or not, a lot of people do.

Don't get me wrong. I love talking about photography techniques, and to a lesser degree gear, with photographers who have useful information to share. That said, I would never tell a working professional in any field how to do their job, especially while they're working, and then get mad if they ignored my useless advice.

 

[distant.star]

Goodness.
I guess what country , or even what city you live in makes a difference.

I live in New Orleans, if someone approaches you to talk about most anything, camera included, it is usually met with a friendly answer, a smile, and could at any time end up with making a new friend, at least in my experience living here many years....

cayenne

cayenne, New Orleans is so different that your surprise is no surprise. I call it "Hospitality City."

For a lot of years I traveled all over the U.S. I did this both as Press and as trade association management. I worked with the hospitality industry everywhere. All towns/cities are welcoming when you're bringing a lot of people in for meetings/conventions/shows. What they like most is your money. New Orleans impressed me as the only place I ever went where they were genuinely happy to see and meet people. In my experience, no place else comes close!

That said, let's retire to a nice little place on Burgundy Street (proper pronunciation!) and have a few Sazeracs.

 

[thepancakeman]

People with expensive cars like to take pictures of them, so I get sucked into gear talk all the time in the field.

Haha! Just last night as I was shooting a bike race, some guy drives thru in a porsche convertible and seeing my white lens (70-200 2.8L) stops and waves his hands and yells (in a friendly tone) "don't you want to take a picture"? Uh, no, but thanks. I just smiled, pointed it in his general direction (without even looking thru the viewfinder) and feigned pushing the shutter. He smiled, waved and drove off.

 

[dstppy]

For gear small talk, I do what is obligated by my religion: proselytize about fast primes ;D

I know in the NE of the US, that people aren't quite as friendly as we are in general in the southern US, but I just figured it was mostly up there

What the *#$%$ are you saying?? That we're *#$%$ unfriendly here in Baaahston? That our wicked baahd attitudes mean we ignore polite *#$%$ conversation?!?!?

How do you disappoint a Bostonian?

"How's it going? Just in for the weekend? Where ya from?"
-"Yeah, just staying a few days. We're from New York"
"Hey, you must be a YANK-EEEES fan eh?" (grinning big)
-"Uh, actually, I don't follow baseball"

I still chuckle to this day and ALMOST feel bad for how he physically slumped as he said 'oh'.

 

[nebugeater]

If I get asked about the gear I tell them that I really should be saying this but it is actually the next generation of the Iphone and I am lucky enough to be testing it in the wild!

 

[SPG]

As well as photos for the past 20+ years, I also shoot video with my 5DIII (I know, I know, UNCLEAN!!!) so when I'm shooting video I'll put on a Zacuto Z-finder loupe for focusing with the liveview screen. Nothing gets more questions or comments than that does. Last weekend at the farmers market I started to count how many people asked what it was or commented on it...nine in just an hour or so.
Occasionally I'll see other people out shooting video and since I'm sometimes short on crew for projects I like to meet new people in the business. I'll take the opportunity when they're not shooting to try to strike up a polite conversation and surprisingly most of these guys are complete *&%$s. Too bad for them, since they're passing up a chance at a paying gig.

 

[pj1974]

Someguy - "Thats a nice camera, It must take great pictures."

RLPhoto - "I taught it everything it knows" *Smugness.

Gold!!

 

[jdramirez]

I see a lot of people who take pictures with their hoods reversed. I've been tempted to ask them what that's all about but I've resisted and just went about my business with my lens hood the right way on hoping they'll take the hint.

I get asked the basic small talk like "what kind of camera is that?" Etc. I think I'm going to start making up bullshit to see if they clock on.

Question I like answering are ones about technique or specific to what I'm doing. Then it feels like I'm helping them rather then them just filling an awkward silence.

I never see that... or haven't yet. Now that you mention it, I will probably see it every time I step out the door.

 

[jdramirez]

My wife told me that story last week. She received similiar comments in public when shooting with my RX1. In addtion, they asked her "how the camera performs in low light?"

I highly doubt that an ave Joe would know much about RX1, must be the photogs ;D

You edited it... it kinda ruins my joke.

I think they were hitting on your wife. "How do you like it... in low light?"

 

[jdramirez]

Speaking of gear talk and what not, and little different, but last wedding I was using my 5DII and in the crowd is a guy with a 5DIII, a 70-200LII, an 85L and a 24L, all untouchable gear to me, my Sigma gear can match pretty close (70-200 OS, 35mm 1.4) but man am I jealous... I was renting a 100mm macro, could have rented that stuff too though.
We later hooked up and chat a bit, neat guy, says photography is just a hobby, and true that when something's an interest you can spend all you want but when it's something you aim to make something off of then suddenly it's a lot more "unaffordable". Whenever someone asks how much my gear costs I tend to continue the conversation down another path or say "well, with enough work I can afford this", I start to feel ridiculous when I tell someone how much I've spent... haha

Photography is a hobby for me too... I'd like to make a few bucks to take some photos, but that would just go into my expendable cash and go into buying more stuff. If photography was my full time job, all of my money would go to the mortgage, car payments, clothes, food, etc. I do wonder if my gear would be better than what I have now... the same, or worse. I'd guess worse.

No one has asked how much my stuff costs, but it is a little weird to have $5000 in gear wrapped around my neck. Especially when the wife doesn't have any REALLY nice jewelry. But she would lose it all anyway.

 

[jdramirez]

It's funny though, the setup that got me the most attention was the 60D + 70-300L...while I was out at a fair with the 5D3 and 24-105 people could almost care less...it's the white lens that really draws attention to itself.

The white does bring out the peepers. My 100mm f/2.8L was the sharpest lens I had in my arsenal for a while and it doesn't rouse nearly as many questions as my old 70-200 f/4L USM.

 

[CharlieB]

Totally depends on who I think I'm talking to. Out in the wilds, coming across another photographer with their own gear, I might devo into a gear discussion.

At a social event... I'm usually too busy, thank them, stay busy.

Out and about... non event or nature.... I usually try to avoid or deflect gear related talk... "its not that good..." "thanks, its very old" "these were considered a bad model, so I got it next to nothing". If the other person knows their stuff, they'll question me, and I'll know they're safe to talk to.

 

[jdramirez]

I'm really bad at small talk. Tell me about your first dog that died... ok... I'll listen and be engaged in the conversation. It's amazing I had any girlfriends considering small talk leads to sexy talk.

I usually just say thanks - although it always sounds really funny to me because all I did was buy the stuff. I didn't design or manufacture it. I'm not much for small talk so I usually don't engage with them.

This happens most often when I'm carrying my 7D and 70-200/2.8.

I often hear, in passing, someone say to the people they are with something along the lines of "That's the camera I want." Typically they are carrying a point-and-shoot or nothing at all. If they are looking toward me, I just smile and let it go at that.

I think that a lot of people are assuming that the 70-200 is a much longer lens than it really is because it's so much bigger than their point-and-shoot.

I also like, but can't answer, the question "how big a zoom is that?" when I'm using my 300/4. So many people measure focal length in "X" instead of mm. They look at you funny when you tell them that the 70-200 isn't even a 3X zoom lens. I think they are expecting a much, much higher number.

If they ask how much something cost, I just shrug unless they are carrying gear that is in some way comparable.

The most interesting thing, though, is if I actually get into a conversation with someone and they express an interest in something like the 7D w/ 70-200/2.8. Then I let them hold it (while I'm holding the strap) and the weight often changes their mind. The SL1 has the opposite effect, at least among people carrying as much weight as I am.

I was at the beach and I heard someone say, "Now that's a camera." Then the other person corrected them and said, "No, it's the lens." I instantly hated the know it all.

When I sold gear, I explained that a lens' zoom was respective of itself, but if you consider that 18mm is as wide as most people go with their kit lens, a 250mm is roughly a 14x zoom. But yeah... I know what you mean, and I'm not going into that kind of detail in small talk.

 

[jdramirez]

Well I found that the Mark III did not draw much attention now. About 3, 4 years ago when I used the 5D Mark II outside, a few times people stopped by to chat how great the camera is.

I think the 50d/60D looks pretty comparable to the 5d line. I wonder if the cameras getting more affordable are taking some of the Ooooohhhhh factor away from the higher end full frame cameras.