Why do photographers keep asking me this question?

[jerry12953]

A certain kind of painter perhaps. I'm sure there is the painterly equivalent of the camera club... and I bet it's that lot that would sit there talking about brushes.

Perhaps the local art society?

 

[bdslr]

Its part of the learning experience - beginners think its about the camera, those with some experience think its about the lens, experts know it's about the light is the old adage.
So if someone asks let them know - there's no harm in it. Then tell them what lens and that actually what made the picture was the reflector you brought in, or getting up before dawn (or whatever)

 

[Pookeyhead]

experts know it's about the light

...and subject. Everyone forgets subject. Make as nice an image as you want, but if it's not really saying anything about anything, it isn't really doing anything... except maybe look pretty. Pretty is 10 a penny on Flickr though.

 

[bdslr]

...and subject. Everyone forgets subject. Make as nice an image as you want, but if it's not really saying anything about anything, it isn't really doing anything... except maybe look pretty. Pretty is 10 a penny on Flickr though.

Fair point - very well made.

 

[Oliver Pohlmann]

Or alternatively.....

Someone's took the time and trouble to be interested in what you do and how you created something.

It wouldn't hurt that much to politely answer the question, however irrelevant you feel it might be?

It doesn't hurt at all in fact.

 

[Oliver Pohlmann]

I read a quote many years ago along the lines of "Asking a photographer what brand of camera he uses is like asking a novelist what brand of typewriter he used to write his book."

Haha, I love that!

 

[lfc1892]

In many cases, the camera is much less relevant than the artist taking the shot.
But there are a fair few cases where a better or more appropriate camera makes a big difference.
I need a lightning fast system for shooting on the streets so I use mft. If I were waiting for a compact to lock and focus the moment would be gone. Then there's macro. Long focal wildlife etc.
Yes, you can get long lens bridge cameras etc, but when quality is key, a high end long lens on an slr will make a big difference.
So, in essence, there are times when asking what kit was used is relevant, but it's not the majority.