Do you ever get the urge to just sell up, but then can't go through with it?

bass_junkie83

bass_junkie83

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These days I get very little time for photography and every so often I get the feeling that I should sell up.

Particularly since lockdown, and with two young kids, I just don't seem to find the time to get the camera out the bag and when I do it is just to take snapshots of days out, something a modern phone is perfectly good enough for these days. I can't remember the last time I went out with the camera specifically with something of photographic interest in mind, and finding time to sit down for a bit of editing is even more rare.

I can't help thinking that having all this kit sitting gathering dust is a waste and it makes more sense to sell up now, than to hang onto it only to lose value only to come to the same decision further down the line. Its not a lot of gear and nothing high end, but it could put a good dent on a credit card bill or something.

But when push comes to shove, I can't bring myself to do it. Photography has been a hobby of mine for ~18 years and voluntarily being without a camera, even one I don't use is like cutting off a least favourite limb, or maybe my gallbladder would make for a better analogy.

Does anyone else suffer this dilemma, or is it just me?
 
I had a long period after the children came along where all I photographed was holidays and children. However I kept the kit (because it DID still take a decent photo) and I'm glad that I did since I still use some of it now.

You probably won't get back a decent return on your investment - keep hold of it, even if it just sits in a the bag for now.
 
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Never had that problem. Can't seem to stop buying gear, trying new stuff, selling on, it never ends. It's fine for now, but as soon as Pentax announce a 100mp 645z I know I will waver and GAS will kick in with the full force and fury of Mike Tyson in a boxing ring.
 
Hi, I went through a similar process 35 years ago - I had a host of 35mm camera's and lens, etc and a complete darkroom. I was never without a camera and enjoyed hours in the dark so as to speak. THEN - kids came along and my darkroom became a nursery and my time for photography evaporated. I visited my local dealer and swapped all my kit for the what was a the time the Dogs Whatsits - Canon EOS 500 with a 35-80 kit lens and built-in flash. I used to great effect for family stuff and still have it today. Perhaps you could do something similar with a compact mirrorless and even a bridge camera.

PS I am now rediscovering my love of photography and like others buying more stuff !
 
No, never. I've sold things but only when they've already been replaced.

Photography has its moments though, it is absolutely one of the most frustrating hobbies I've ever been involved with, for more than one reason, time being one of the main factors,

but.........

don't sell, it will keep you sane and when you can get out and nail an image, it's worth the angst. (y)
 
I’ve gone through stages of this, especially over the last two years when I’ve not been out much with lockdowns etc. On several occasions I’ve discussed this with two close friends who are also photographers. I’ve often thought if im not going to use and if I could put the money to good use something else then why not do it. I don’t really understand the ‘it’s worth less than you paid for it so it’s best to just keep it even if you aren’t using it’ thinking. It really depends on the value you have sitting in the cupboard and if it could be used elsewhere instead!

I decided to re-evaluate my kit a few years back. I had a think about what I liked about photograph. Carrying heavy kit about wasn’t at the top of my list even though the image quality was fantastic. I let go of the expensive heavy kit and replaced it lighter (but still relatively expensive) kit but I minimised the quantity of kit I had. I still like to be involved in photography but I’m not as obsessed as I once was. I found photography got me out to some nice places that I may not have otherwise visited. I just put less emphasis on getting a great photograph now as it’s more about the time outdoors in the fresh air. I don’t kick myself if I’ve not taken a good photo.
 
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Far more likely to move to a bigger house.That can accommodate more kit.

You do not mess with obsessions.
 
My other hobby is amateur radio. I had a 20 year break from that, but my old gear still worked and I can still talk to people. I have since updated my main radio, but radio, like photography, is based around science, which doesn't change, it's just that the newer gear is better....
 
Not quite got to the stage of selling up, but I have reduced my camera gear quite a bit, down to 4 lenses now and still don't use all of them that often
I really can't be bothered with selling the ones I don't use, they are too heavy to think about posting
 
Passion always remains even if it’s hidden in the depths but gear changes so sell it if you have lots of spare cash. When you do decide to get back into it just buy a new set of kit. If you don’t have oodles of money then keep it but don’t forget to charge up the battery regularly as that will help preserve the battery life.
 
Lez325 said:
I'm going through that right now- I ask myself why do I do this for a few comments on a internet site?

So watch this space :(

Les
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I thought it was your wrist you fell onto not your head ;)
 
I very nearly sold my motorbike this year. I wasn't getting out on her due to the restrictions and she's getting heavier or I'm getting less fit. ;)

Then an opportunity to ride for a day came up and I thought lets get that last ride in. By the end of that ride I had forgotten all about selling her.

I approach photography in the same way I approach riding, I do it for me and the joy I get from the experience. Sometimes it is easy to forget that and it takes a while to recover it but I have found that a true passion never dies.
 
It is difficult to find the time with young children. I have had months where I have barely picked up my camera. Swapping from a FF DSLR to mirrorless (straight swap, so no extra expense) made a big difference, as it is easier to take out and about with the kids. Even if I just take them to the woods/park I take the camera and the photos are way better than anything from a phone.
 
Compuwight said:
Hi, I went through a similar process 35 years ago - I had a host of 35mm camera's and lens, etc and a complete darkroom. I was never without a camera and enjoyed hours in the dark so as to speak. THEN - kids came along and my darkroom became a nursery and my time for photography evaporated. I visited my local dealer and swapped all my kit for the what was a the time the Dogs Whatsits - Canon EOS 500 with a 35-80 kit lens and built-in flash. I used to great effect for family stuff and still have it today. Perhaps you could do something similar with a compact mirrorless and even a bridge camera.

PS I am now rediscovering my love of photography and like others buying more stuff !
Click to expand...

rob-nikon said:
I’ve gone through stages of this, especially over the last two years when I’ve not been out much with lockdowns etc. On several occasions I’ve discussed this with two close friends who are also photographers. I’ve often thought if im not going to use and if I could put the money to good use something else then why not do it. I don’t really understand the ‘it’s worth less than you paid for it so it’s best to just keep it even if you aren’t using it’ thinking. It really depends on the value you have sitting in the cupboard and if it could be used elsewhere instead!

I decided to re-evaluate my kit a few years back. I had a think about what I liked about photograph. Carrying heavy kit about wasn’t at the top of my list even though the image quality was fantastic. I let go of the expensive heavy kit and replaced it lighter (but still relatively expensive) kit but I minimised the quantity of kit I had. I still like to be involved in photography but I’m not as obsessed as I once was. I found photography got me out to some nice places that I may not have otherwise visited. I just put less emphasis on getting a great photograph now as it’s more about the time outdoors in the fresh air. I don’t kick myself if I’ve not taken a good photo.
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I actually went through a process of downsizing my gear a couple of years ago when I decided to stop doing any paid photography, sold all my Canon gear and a collection of L lenses and moved to Fuji. It certainly encouraged me to take my camera out with me much more than I did before, but even that has tailed off. I love my kids but taking photo after photo of them on walks through the woods is not what tickles my photography pickle.
Lez325 said:
I'm going through that right now- I ask myself why do I do this for a few comments on a internet site?

So watch this space :(

Les
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I certainly don't do it for internet likes, but actually doing something with the photos I take rather than leaving them hidden away on a hard drive might help.
moggi1964 said:
I very nearly sold my motorbike this year. I wasn't getting out on her due to the restrictions and she's getting heavier or I'm getting less fit. ;)

Then an opportunity to ride for a day came up and I thought lets get that last ride in. By the end of that ride I had forgotten all about selling her.

I approach photography in the same way I approach riding, I do it for me and the joy I get from the experience. Sometimes it is easy to forget that and it takes a while to recover it but I have found that a true passion never dies.
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I get that. I have not lost interest in photography, just don't seem to find the time. If I somehow start to find the time again but have no camera I will kick myself for selling, it, I guess that answers my own question.
 
Lez325 said:
I'm going through that right now- I ask myself why do I do this for a few comments on a internet site?

So watch this space :(

Les
Click to expand...

A part of the problem for a lot of us with skills like photography, music etc is the 'why' we do it. Despite what's sometimes said about doing it for our own pleasure, often nothing is further from the truth, and our labours are only validated in our own eyes if we can share their fruits and see they are valued by others.

And that's not wrong.

Most of us need and want affirmation that we are good, useful, productive and to simply do stuff solely for our own pleasure feels shallow and unsatisfying to us. Ive been playing guitar since the age of 16 and consider myself a useful player, but I had a situation some years ago where I really was not welcome as a player, and it made me want to jack the whole thing in, sell up and walk away. If I didn't play out I'd have stopped years ago. We need outlets for our work that affirm our value and provide opportunity to be appreciated. This forum is certainly a part of that, but is probably not enough for many of us.

I don't have a ready answer, although sometimes exhibiting can help provide both a reason to work and a focus for how we work.
 
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I've cleared out my kit every few years since the 1970s and I've never regretted it. After all, when you can't make up your mind what to take out with you, it's time to rethink... :thinking:

Cameras.jpg
 
You've answered your own question. It seems like you just needed re-assurance.

Don't sell it, keep it in a cupboard for now.
 
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I can't think of anything in particular that I need to keep doing in order to feel that I'm fully me. And if I do have certain skills & aptitudes that require gear to pursue them, and there's a lack of that gear, then I can just set those activities aside.

Some things that we choose to do can provide adventure & fulfilment, but however seriously we practice them it's possible to engage with them lightly, without obsession.

We can take a break - there are always other things in life! And life goes in phases - that's natural.

Gear is just gear.

I don't have to make photographs. But I can't imagine never studying images made by others.
 
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I had a fair amount of money tied up in the gear I had
My solution was sold it all, bought a 40d and 18-55 to use every day
Banked the rest
Not regretted it
 
One thing's for sure; if you think phone pics are good enough for taking pics of your kids, you'll be cursing a few years down the line when you realise what bloody awful quality they actually are.

If you need/want to sell all your kit to pull some money back, be sure to at least keep a good camera and lens, then bin the idea that your phone camera will do.
 
bass_junkie83 said:
But when push comes to shove, I can't bring myself to do it. Photography has been a hobby of mine for ~18 years and voluntarily being without a camera, even one I don't use is like cutting off a least favourite limb,
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I used to do quite a bit of airshow photography. A couple of years back I stopped taking my camera to shows. Felt odd at first but I found after a while I didn't miss it at all - in fact I enjoyed the airshow so much more and was glad of the choice I made. Like you say though, felt strange not having a camera with me though.

Maybe you could try and get a bit of 'me' time. A few days away somewhere photogenic and see if the enthusiasm returns/is still there.?
 
I've been feeling the same as you, I've not used my kit in over a year.
I can't explain why I have fallen out of love with photography as I can't put my finger on it.
I have 2 good friends I used to go out with and even with them asking me to go and do photography I have declined.
So I am sat looking at the Canon and Olympus kit and debating selling it all to MPB.
However, my other thinks I should keep it.
 
I did do once sold everything and just got a compact camera, a Sony RX100.
Missed it after a while but still made a decision to keep things as compact as possible but still full frame and ended up again with Sony in the A7C.
 
ancient_mariner said:
...to simply do stuff solely for our own pleasure feels shallow and unsatisfying...
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That's right where I am with photography at present. It feels pointless taking photos that don't have any other purpose than going through the process of taking them. :(

I'll not be thinking of selling my gear though, not unless I desperately need the cash.:)
 
Ed Sutton said:
That's right where I am with photography at present. It feels pointless taking photos that don't have any other purpose than going through the process of taking them. :(

I'll not be thinking of selling my gear though, not unless I desperately need the cash.:)
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Considering the work you produce, that's no surprise at all. I wonder if we need a TP salon somewhere?
 
I had Nikon gear for years, from the D80 onwards.
I upgraded bodies a couple of times and gathered quite a few lenses.
I had times when I would take lots of shots and then weeks when I would not pick up the camera.
As I grew older the gear just felt heavier and cumbersome and that dissuaded me from taking it out so often.
I decided that I did not need so much stuff, particularly of weight, and decided to ditch it all for an Olympus m4/3 and a 12-40 lens and put some money in the bank.
I felt much better about taking this outfit out more regularly.

Then came Covid. Foreign travel stopped, exploring churches, cathedrals, castles stopped. Movements were restricted, outdoor recreation was the only type that my wife and I would take. We have never been ones for 'just going for a walk' - we need a point. So the camera became even more useful. Wildlife was more noticeable to us as we were observing more. I had never taken shots of wildlife.
I decided that I needed a telephoto for the birds and for the last 21 months I have taken many photos, visited places that I would not have gone to necessarily, such as Bempton Cliffs, Leighton Moss, Rutland Water.

Our 7 year old grandson became more involved with his local football team - training, league and cup matches, round robin tournaments - again something that began to open up in the earlier parts after lockdown because it was outdoors. I was asked by the coach to take some photos (he had seen from my Facebook page that I liked to record local stuff) .

I decided that I needed a 40-150 lens. Can anyone see where this is going?

A couple of months ago, after lockdown ended, we took up a holiday in Bamburgh, Northumberland, that we had had to postpone from last year. A trip to the Farne Islands with the telphoto. A visit to the castle, Holy Island, Cragside NT - did I mention that in lockdown I had seen a very interesting and entertaining video by Gavin Hoey about a fish eye lens? :)

I post some of my bird shots on TP. Not as good as many who also post here.
I post some wildlife shots on my FB page with descriptions of what species and where etc - which my friends tell me are good and informative.
I post my football shots on the Club's WhatsApp page. Other parents tell me that they are excellent. They are not. They are just competent shots of action with a decent camera and lens which copes with the circumstances and when enlarged on screen you can see the details of the players' faces, movement etc. The parents are so used to phone shots they are impressed by anything that shows such detail.
At the end of the year I put together and get printed a Year Book - just memories, people, places, hopefully well shot.

So after 2 years I am back to a full complement of lenses, planning places to go to which I might not have done otherwise and enjoying what I do when I do it.

Circumstances change, interests change, other people come into the world, others depart.
For me, having a camera which can cope with these things has been beneficial.
Unless I really needed the money - and I am well aware that I am comfortable enough not to need to sell - then I would not have sold merely because i was not using it and to get it out of the house
 
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ancient_mariner said:
A part of the problem for a lot of us with skills like photography, music etc is the 'why' we do it. Despite what's sometimes said about doing it for our own pleasure, often nothing is further from the truth, and our labours are only validated in our own eyes if we can share their fruits and see they are valued by others.

And that's not wrong.

Most of us need and want affirmation that we are good, useful, productive and to simply do stuff solely for our own pleasure feels shallow and unsatisfying to us. Ive been playing guitar since the age of 16 and consider myself a useful player, but I had a situation some years ago where I really was not welcome as a player, and it made me want to jack the whole thing in, sell up and walk away. If I didn't play out I'd have stopped years ago. We need outlets for our work that affirm our value and provide opportunity to be appreciated. This forum is certainly a part of that, but is probably not enough for many of us.

I don't have a ready answer, although sometimes exhibiting can help provide both a reason to work and a focus for how we work.
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I understand Toni, fully.

I recently sold one of my prized possessions as I no longer feel the need to own it and I have several others :) ( I don't need the money that's for sure)

Photography for me was once a passion - not any longer I'm afraid - I'll not make any hasty sales as yet- still mulling over my options


Les :)
 
Lez325 said:
I recently sold one of my prized possessions as I no longer feel the need to own it and I have several others :) ( I don't need the money that's for sure
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I've started to wonder about letting some of mine go too. I don't play them enough now, and while they aren't quite as rare and valuable as some of yours, they are still a bit special.
 
ancient_mariner said:
I've started to wonder about letting some of mine go too. I don't play them enough now, and while they aren't quite as rare and valuable as some of yours, they are still a bit special.
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It was a hard decision Toni- but I still have a nice selection and can only play one at a time :)
 
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Lez325 said:
@ancient_mariner

The 52 telecaster went :(

UHOm6ZD.jpg
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:sorry:
 
Lez325 said:
It was a hard decision Toni- but I still have a nice selection and can only play one at a time :)
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I'm grateful that none of mine represent serious money, as it makes it much easier to leave them sitting around. But yes, I can only play 1 at a time.
 
Lez325 said:
I'm going through that right now- I ask myself why do I do this for a few comments on a internet site?

So watch this space :(

Les
Click to expand...

A few comments on the internet are pretty low on my list especially when I remember that the internet has only existed for a fraction of the time I've been taking pictures.

This may not help you but in your place I'd think again about why I take pictures. For me it's the recording of moments and it's something I enjoy doing. The internet is a small part of that tagged onto the end.

Maybe scaling back on kit and weening yourself off the internet could be options?
 
droj said:
Anyone done that?
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If it's a problem for someone and getting them to the point that they want to give up photography then maybe they could try it. Or, if it's a case of filling time people could read/watch/listen to lots of free and interesting stuff as there seems to be a blog for just about everything. That could take the pressure off their photography.
 
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