GAS: A Few Thoughts

U-Drop Inn and Chevrolet Tow Truck, Shamrock Texas (click to enlarge)
Lots of playing in Lightroom and NIK Color Efex Pro with this image, just for fun!
Nikon D810, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR lens @ 24mm; 1/320th sec. @ f/10; ISO 100

If you aren't familiar with Gear Acquisition Syndrome, AKA GAS, you must either be a new photographer or don't read much about photography.  GAS is a common topic discussed regularly on most websites, blogs and talked about on You Tube.  Briefly, it is an almost irresistible desire for the newest, latest, greatest and best photo gear of all kinds.

As is sometimes the case, I have way too much time on my hands and my mind tends to wander and think about things that either are ridiculous, inane or just plain funny.  But that is just me.  The other day I was thinking about GAS.

We all know that many photographers, including myself in the past (I admit a severe case of GAS over most of the past 46 photographic years), suffer from the desire to acquire new, better, more, different and other gear.  Nothing wrong with that.  It stimulates sales for the camera companies as well as allows us to buy used gear from others who suffer the same fate.  Additionally, it allows us photographers to expand our photographic skills, try new types of photography and, most importantly, scratch an itch which makes us feel better.  But I wondered if others, who pursue other endeavors, suffer from the same?

I wonder if a carpenter would ever be heard saying, "Man, I wish I had that new super "wham-bam" copper clad hammer. I could really drive some nails much better than with this old one."  I wonder if Shakespeare ever got upset that he didn't have the latest swan quill pen and felt he could write better plays if only he had the newest, latest and greatest one. Or a painter lamenting, "I could paint twice as fast and have fewer brush strokes if only..."  How about sports?  I could hear a javelin or discus thrower telling his or her buddy, "I've got to get one of those new magnesium and titanium black anodized discus when they are introduced next week. I'm going to pre-order one from T and F out of New York."

What about hikers, campers, football players, mechanics, etc.  I wonder if they suffer from the same desires and wants as us photographers when it comes to wanting and buying new gear?

I suspect some do.  I suspect some in every endeavor (or endeavour for my friends across the Atlantic) think that the newest, latest and greatest will give them the ability to do better in their chosen profession or hobby.

Often times, the question is posed, "What is more important, the photographer or the gear?"  I think the answer is both.  A good photographer can make a good photograph with just about any gear, no matter how simple of complex.  A poor photographer is hopeless with any gear, unless there may be some luck involved.  The gear is not going to provide the skills necessary to make consistently excellent photographs.  But I think there is a middle ground that may be more accurate.  Any photographer can improve his or her skills with the "right" gear.  The right gear can enable a photographer to do things and make images that he or she would be unable to make with inadequate gear.

For example, an accomplished sports photographer is not going to be able to great images of the runners at the finish line of the 100m Olympic race with an old point-and -shoot camera.  Too slow and the lens does not have enough reach.  I don't care how good you are, you won't be able to capture Sports Illustrated-type images.  You have to have a camera that has almost no shutter lag when you press the shutter.  Also, you have to have a camera with a long lens to isolate the runners (and potentially blur the background to highlight only the runners and not the clutter of the background of a track meet).

So, if you suffer from GAS I suggest you celebrate.  GAS shows passion for photography.  It shows you want to get better at being a photographer or it shows you love photo gear. GAS generates excitement.  GAS stimulates the economy. GAS gives you something to talk about.  GAS can also give you something to lament about.  Buy what you want, if you can afford it and be happy.  Then use that new gear to go out, take photographs, practice, gain new skills, get better then start the cycle all over again!

UPDATE:  I warned you I had too much time on my hands!

Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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