Cure for GAS...possibly

[RogerSmith]

I have had a recent bout with GAS (gear acquisition syndrome). I admit it, I suffer from it from time to time. Before my wife and wallet rebel, I try and find ways to deal not only with the symptoms but the underlying disease. One way I have found is to find a photographer I admire, particularly one with say "mid range" gear (and that's NOT a snobby assessment, just an eval of the market level of their kit) and ask myself, do I have a portfolio anywhere near as lovely as theirs with the kit I have, nevermind with what I am thinking of buying? One example (if I can post a link) is an Irish wildlife photographer named Sean Meade. In my opinion he does well crafted relatively short YouTube videos, has a wonderful portfolio, and hasn't had to mortgage a house for his kit. How I ask myself does he do it? The basics. Knowing his subjects, knowing his environment, getting low, getting out early and often, chasing light, getting closer to his subjects, etc. If I can channel my GAS energy into that kind of tactical effort, I know my images will improve more than dropping $X on some new piece of gear. So just sharing this thought stream blog style, a reminder to get out and work for the images you want, you can't buy them through gear Cheers to all fellow GAS sufferers!

 

[Unframed Dave]

Good post and absolutely true.

Gear and software do not equal effort and technique.

 

[Clide]

I have had a recent bout with GAS (gear acquisition syndrome). I admit it, I suffer from it from time to time. Before my wife and wallet rebel, I try and find ways to deal not only with the symptoms but the underlying disease. One way I have found is to find a photographer I admire, particularly one with say "mid range" gear (and that's NOT a snobby assessment, just an eval of the market level of their kit) and ask myself, do I have a portfolio anywhere near as lovely as theirs with the kit I have, nevermind with what I am thinking of buying? One example (if I can post a link) is an Irish wildlife photographer named Sean Meade. In my opinion he does well crafted relatively short YouTube videos, has a wonderful portfolio, and hasn't had to mortgage a house for his kit. How I ask myself does he do it? The basics. Knowing his subjects, knowing his environment, getting low, getting out early and often, chasing light, getting closer to his subjects, etc. If I can channel my GAS energy into that kind of tactical effort, I know my images will improve more than dropping $X on some new piece of gear. So just sharing this thought stream blog style, a reminder to get out and work for the images you want, you can't buy them through gear Cheers to all fellow GAS sufferers!

Roger, you nailed it with your recommendation. The other idea I have been thinking about to help in regard to GAS is what am I doing with my photos. I print for family and friends but that is it, I never pursued the sales end. Thanks!

 

[iamdlewis]

See I am currently trying the 'bought a new A/C and heater system' method but I think your method sounds cheaper.

 

[Tim Mayo]

Great post and very true. Looks like he's shooting with Nikon, time to dump all my Sony gear and buy a Z9 I also found having two children helps to keep my GAS in check as I have very little time to use anything I buy and a lot less money! I'm slowly minimising my own gear bag to just a handful of lenses and a couple of cameras.

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

Perfectly true, and this is why I snigger to myself when I see some people with literally all the gear, but absolutely no idea. Yeah I have some nice gear, and will try to buy the best I can afford, but I'm careful and won't skint myself, and often sell stuff to fund my need. When I shot Nikon I never had the best bodies or lenses, but certainly did well enough, as you say learn your craft. Expensive gear (and 120fps) does not a great photographer make.