Fighting demons . . . ?

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As a follow on in my mind from a thread I have been reading, I got to thinking:thinking:

Why do we desire the latest technology . . . I refer to photography of course. Most own perfectly good cameras, we dont sell or have any professional outlets for our pictures, and yet we want more . . . and thats in these times that are getting tighter by the week?

I'm fighting it myself, new D7000, the tongue is dragging on the floor, I'll never make best use of it . . . any more than I make full use of my present kit . . . ?

Personally, I have a history of fighting such urges by going in the totally opposite 'minimalist' direction, enjoying simplicity . . . it has worked for me in the various lives I follow . . .

Does any one else fight these demons . . . ?

CJS
 
I agree that those 'demons' exist but for me its simple. With the kit i've got, i cant take decent football pics in low light conditions that would be good enough for commercial use. Not for your bread-and-butter shots anyway, experimental and creative yes, back page of Sun, nope.
I personally do want a professional outlet for my pictures, i.e i'd like to be able to sell them, i think its perfectly reasonable for me to want better equipment in order for me to do that. So i dont feel like im needlessly desiring gear just for the lust of it.


But to answer your question, yes we all get GAS, we are a bunch of spoilt consumerists as a whole so yeah theres plenty of demons to fight, i just try to ignore them as much as i can. I cant afford to pander to the fickle whims of my inner materialism.
 
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Sounds a bit Yoda but - Satisfaction is available everywhere - inferior results displayed by those who have so much more to work with.
 
I've learned the hard [i.e. expensive] way over the years. Buying new-ish technology years ago which can be had for a fraction of the price today. In recent times I've forced myself to hang on to what I have. Like my 5D which I've had for just under 5 years now. It still takes good pictures, and the Mk2 didn't have a strong upgrade attraction to me. And when a suitable replacement does come along, I'll be waiting a while until the price drops a bit.
 
I fight them and win often..
Its not just camera toys either, being a keen cyclist both on and off road. The temptation is always there (not bought anything expensive for camera or bikes etc for over 2 years and the demons are getting harder to fight). My solution to the problem was to cancel all my credit cards.
If I want it now its cash only. In my opinion its a lot harder parting with cash than plastic.

Dave.
 
Not at all - I was taught from a very early age that If I wanted something I must save and buy it, not get it on credit. Thus when I bought my 450d + extras I had saved for a long time.... it takes perfectly good pictures and will last me 10 years (unless I drop it) I have no desire to upgrade (unless of course I win the lottery) because I cannot afford it. I have no debt, except my mortgage because this basic (don't live beyond your means) value instilled by my mum and dad. I'm currently in the process of clearing all the material wealth (ie: tat) out of my life, as I have no need for it (can't take it with you when you die)
 
If I only WANT something new, I fight the demons that are telling me to get it, unless I feel that it has a lot to offer me and will show a marked improvement in my results. If I need something, I feed the demons and order or buy it (as long as I can afford it at the time). The credit card does come out from time to time but generally only for mail/internet purchases where cash isn't a real option.
 
I came to terms ages ago that it just wasn't possible to keep up to date and have settled on a buy it when you need it way of life.

Hence the twelve year Toyota Corolla car that runs perfectly well, passed the last MOT with no outlay and old but good hi-fi separates and speakers.
Canon 40D camera that produces nice enough pictures despite my efforts to hamper it,ancient Manfrotto 055CB tripod and various other items that are still doing what I bought them to do.
I too mountain bike and have had many different bikes over the years, now just got the one and it dates from 1993, but it still rides like the great bike it has always been

That's not for everyone and how boring would it be if it was,don't suppose manufacturers would be that chuffed either
I do sometimes cast an envious glance at the new shiny's, but it soon passes when I realise the new purchase will be out of date by the time I get it home.

So yes I agree with the OP and who knows all my things might be worth a few bob when they become "retro"
 
Rules of Aquisition.

Humans 'want'...that's it in a nutshell.
We never stop at 'need' once the need is satisfied: we always 'want' more - it's what defines us as a species.

In the past we entertained ourselves by aquiring property on a grander scale: whole continents fell to our need for shiny kit...how do you think the Empire was built? We stole it...lol

You'll see: in a few hundred years when the Earth's resources are really running low, with the global population ten times what it is now, we'll push outwards into space again.

Remember those locust-like space-aliens in 'Independence Day' that built a whole civilisation around moving from one system to another, raping it of all resources then moving on?

That's US, that is...
 
I just need a sugar-daddy. Anyone want the job?
 
Photodiva said:
I just need a sugar-daddy. Anyone want the job?
Click to expand...
I was one for 18 months (21 year age gap) blew £10,000 redundancy money, had the time of my life, enjoyed every minute and we are still good friends even though it didn't work out. Regrets? only a few, but nothing worth losing sleep over...... very happy with the lovely lassie I am seeing now so I must politely decline :love:
 
I was hoping this thread was going to provide some photography tips on shooting demons fighting each other.... now that would have been a good thread, especially with some example shots :D
 
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