As it says in the title, i'm a beginner. I have a problem with taking my camera out with me or out of the camera bag, i feel very self-conscious that people are watching me and thinking he hasn't got a clue what he's doing. As an example, me and the family (no kids, just oldies) went for a day out to the severn valley railway (steam trains), a good opportunity for me to get the camera out and practice on a subject that i am new to. But when we got there, the platform was full of people and many had nice expensive cameras and it's this situation that makes me self-conscious. I know we all have to start somewhere, what i'm asking really is, did anyone else feel like this and if so how did you get past it.
No.. I've never felt that. Why are you feeling that?
This needs a no-nonsense answer to set you straight immediately.
First of all... just because they have nicer cameras that you, means nothing. Cameras do not take photographs.. people do. I know loads of people with fantastic equipment who are completely s**t photographers, and just as many who use very basic gear who are truly amazing. No one will care about you, or wonder how good your photographs are, as you're just another person.. one amongst many. Why would they be concerned about you? Just enjoy your day out and stop worrying.
Ultimately, you can take this advice, or you may as well just sell your camera and move onto something else. That's not meant to be harsh, or unkind, it's kind of a reality: If you never ever get your camera out of the bag if anyone can see you, then you're going to be extremely limited in terms of where you can go and what you can do.
At a place like a heritage railway, there will be an endless supply of blokes with cameras and you will just be one amongst many.. completely unremarkable.
Seriously... forget this silly fear of people thinking less of you because they have "Better" cameras. If someone is s**t with a crap camera, they'll be every bit as s**t with a fantastic camera. If cameras took photos and not people, what exactly is the point? Your camera would be responsible for your work, not you. Why would THAT be of interest to you? Some of my best work was done with very simple equipment. Film cameras for example... merely a light tight box that holds the film flat for you... they're all the same. Sure, some digital cameras are feature rich, or have very high resolution etc... but it's all down to what you point it at that matters.
Your camera is NOT a measure of you as a photographer.. your photographs are. So.. have you seen THEIR photographs? That guy with the D810 or 5D MkIII may be utterly crap for you all you know
In fact.... assume he/she is, and in all likelihood, you'd be right more often than not.
All the gear.. no idea... that's usually the case.