I’ve just been exchanging some ‘tweets’ and an interesting but age old debate seemed to re-emerge. ‘That must be a good camera, the photo is lovely.’

Something interesting came up today after a few sessions on Twitter. I posted some photos that I’d taken last night whilst walking home from a launch party. I’d had a few drinks (the event was sponsored by Beefeater Gin) so it would be rude not to have a sample, or two.

Anyway, I was walking home and pulled out my camera that I carry with me every day. Its not my weapon of choice but I keep it with me just in case there’s an opportunity that arises. I feel that I’d rather have some memory than none at all. Not every photo I take is (or will be) a work of art.

I posted the images on Twitter this morning via Twitpic, and within a few minutes I’d had some great feedback from a couple of my followers. One wanted to purchase the image for her office, and the other wants to print it in their magazine. The images can be seen HERE

Another follower (@incapete) also commented on how nice the image was, and especially because it was from a compact camera and not a DSLR. After a few Tweets between us we came to an agreed conclusion: That when people say ‘ooh thats a nice photo, you must have a good camera’ is more than likely nonsense.

In the right hands (and with some knowledge) anyone can take a good or great photo using most cameras.

When you think back a few years, most of us had 35mm compact cameras, some had 110 cameras (the casette type thing) and some (including me) had the Kodak disc system.. then we had APS etc etc.

I think that its a shame how most people now dont even take 10 mins to look at how their new cameras work . If they did, they would probably have much better results. Simple things.. learning how to compose a shot, not always using ‘Automatic’ using a higher ISO etc.

Funny thing was that with film people knew about film speed.. even if it was basic knowledge – the film boxes had icons to tell you what that film was suitable for… clouds, sunshine etc.

People sort of knew that outdoors they would need 100 ISO, indoors 400 or 800ISO and that was that.. limited knowledge but it was all useful and helped take a better photo.

Digital has pushed this out of the window.. we’re lazy, and flippant. Film cost money to buy and process so we when were very careful.. now we spend 10 quid on a memory card and we can store hundreds or thousands of photos for a 2 week holiday and not have to worry.. when you get home.. you put them on your computer and that’s it.

That’s a whole other story which I will pick up another time, but the original point was that a small amount of education and knowledge can really help you take a better photo.

The marketeers at Canon and Nikon will have you believe that buying an ‘entry level’ DSLR will mean you immediately have better photos. I am certain that it won’t. I am also certain that most people charge it up, turn it onto the green square and leave it like that. Essentially you have just got yourself an expensive point and shoot camera. In my opinion, you’ve wasted your money.

There’s a ton of resources on the web – free guides, workshops, forums and so on.. plus there’s your friends (everyone knows a photographer) ASK!

I have no problem offering advice, its a compliment when people ask me things.

The summer is pretty much upon us, all cameras will love the weather.. learn the basics and you will reap the rewards with some lovely photos.

I promise!