I’m going to be real here, y’all. I get asked a lot what camera I use. I have a lot of other people in the professional world who don’t think I should be working with the camera I have. To a certain extent, I get that. I’m not working with an accepted camera in most professional circles. However, I am working with the camera I have.
Story time: I started my professional journey on a Canon Rebel 300D. For those who don’t know, it was one of the first digital Canon Rebels and it was a beast. About a year ago, I was worried the shutter would go at any moment, and I replaced it. Having just had a baby, we were a little strapped for cash, but we managed to get enough together for me to replace it with the modern equivalent: Luna, my Canon T6.
At this point, you’re probably saying to yourself, “Wait, Marie. You’re telling me you went to Best Buy and got a camera that anyone can get?” Yes. I am. And I shoot weddings on this camera while I save up for the Canon 5D Mark IV.
“But wait, Marie. Does that mean that your image quality is compromised or lesser?”
While I am very careful about the settings I use, my camera does not make the images. It captures them. The posing, the lighting, the composition are all in my control.
Honestly, technology is improving every day, and I feel as though we need to get this idea of “professional camera” (i.e full frame) versus “consumer camera” out of our heads. The same people who want to tell me I shouldn’t be a professional photographer until I improve my camera are shooting on a ten year old camera and think iPhones will take photographers’ jobs.
And yes, there is a reason that a lot of professionals have full frame cameras. But, when you’re choosing a photographer, look at their portfolio and a recent gallery or two. That will tell you all you need to know about their gear. If their photos look the way you want, then hire them (provided you’ve talked to them and made sure personalities mesh, too, because that’s half the battle). Photographers, remember that sometimes, the best camera is the one you have.