I am sure that all of us knows about the Dell and Apple computers rivalry. Many people swear up and down that Apple is the best. It's most reliable, it is accessible for anyone to use, it is virus free, and the customer service is the best around. Some people would love to disagree. Some say Dell is affordable, you can buy it anywhere, and it's not as fancy (making it easier to use). I mean, I could go on and on about the arguments but it wouldn't be fair because I am an Apple supporter and have been my whole life. I don't really care to argue either when the opportunity arises. How can I ever argue either, I am not a valid customer of both. I have never used anything other than a Mac computer. It wouldn't be a fair argument. Neither side wins.
I realize that this may mean nothing to you but like I stated before, I am here to inform.
In the photography world it is very much the same. I always knew that people consider cameras in two brands. There is either a Cannon or a Nikon. The photography world seems to forget the many other brands that also get the job done. My personal opinion is that it is the person behind the camera and their eye, not necessarily the equipment. I will admit that a nice lens might get you farther then some cheaper plastic ones but you have to know where to point that lens and how to use it.
Nonetheless, I have recently noticed some "boxes" that I have had to fit into. When starting my first classes this session, my teacher asked who photographed with a Cannon camera. When majority of the class raised their hands, he stated "You are all getting A's". Everyone laughed and he proceeded to ask who photographed with Nikon cameras. He told those students "You will probably get C's". Now I know this man was joking but this how the world of Photography is. You are categorized by what you use. I was quick to notice that about five of us did not raise our hands at all. We fit into an invisible category. We shoot with Pentax cameras.
Who is to say that one is better than the other. People joke but really they can't make any sense of their comments unless they have "walked a mile in the other person's shoes".
When I first started at this school, I felt embarrassed to say that I shot with the Pentax. I shouldn't have to feel this way. I should be able to be recognized for my work and not for what I carry in my camera bag. Why must we have side. Why can't we appreciate both for how far they have come. Why can't we forget the equipment and look at the photographer.
Just some food for thought.........
Very well written! I know this is not exactly the same, but the concept is...I feel this way when it comes to parenting and childbirth and pregnancy. People are too quick to pass judgment, often when they have little to no experience. You never know what you would do (for sure) until you have "walked a mile in their shoes." Not everything is as black and white as we would like it to be.
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