It’s Not About The Camera

My first DSLR was the Nikon D90 - I loved that Camera.

Only in retrospect did I experience buyers remorse in selling it to purchase the Full Frame D750. Here I am now in 2025 thinking about all the gear I have amassed.

I feel a hypocrite saying this but ITS NOT ABOUT THE CAMERA.

While that statement is true, learning and mastering the craft of image creation can be done easily on a D90 for at least one year of study.

In the last week I felt like giving my Fuji-X System a rest and simply create images with my old gear - The D700 & D7200.

It has been a great joy using my Nikons because I can feel the growth in my skill set.

The Lens I have been using have also been old Optics like:

28-70mm D

35mm 1.8G DX

50mm 1.8 G

50mm 1.8 D

These Lens are marvellous and render great quality images.

Creating great images is about seeing and feeling the possibility. This is beautiful to me because I know this to be true. When out walking in the last week, I only created an image if I felt the moment before me was Frame worthy.

A Frame worthy moment is a story in a single frame. This moment inspired me to create the Frame.

A Frame worthy moment speaks volumes about the subject and the photographer.

Seeing the moment, feeling the energy and gesture in the moment brings everything to life.

Some cameras can see in the dark so gear choice is required. I have come to appreciate the value of Lens collection more than camera body.

I have documented many times how my natural visions sits at 28mm up to 85. The 28-70mm D is my favourite walk around Lens. On my Fuji X System, that equivalent lens would be the XF18-55mm F2.8mm.

All of my favourite Prime Lens sit within that focal range. I do have wider and longer Lens but only use them when required.

I am now comfortable using my gear correctly for my subject matter:

• Light

• Colour

• Gesture

As taught by Jay Maisel.

The Mirrorless System has given me greater confidence in my exposures when using my DSLR. I have become a Human Light Reader. My understanding of exposure is on point.

It's not about the Camera even though it is important, it's about everything else.

Every images is self portrait.

Thanks for reading.