Recently I had some thoughts about the nature of photography and photo gear, after reading a book about Alfred Stieglitz and looking at his work. It was a reminder that the latest and greatest in equipment isn't necessary to make great images, even sharpness isn't necessary.

But, that all depends on what you the artist and photographer want to do, of course. I'm sure a kid's soccer or hockey event could be done artfully with a Holga, but that's not what the client or other parents may be looking for as a regular feature. .

Recently I took a step sideways, and loaded up my Nikon F3 with Tri-X film. I got some keepers from that first roll, which inspired me to keep at it. Its a look I don't get trying color->Black&White conversions from my D70's digital files. Thankfully all the lenses I have work on it (no compatibility breaking 'G' or DX lenses in my bag yet). I know its been said before, but having only one roll of B&W film with me slows me down a bit, wanting to be sure about the image before pressing the shutter release.

some of the BW images were posted HERE

On the flip side, with the recent addition of the 80-400mm VR to my lens bag, I've done more bird photography and am running into some limitations of my digital body. So I appreciate and lust after the latest hi-tech gear as much as anyone else. Again, it all depends on the application, and what result you're after.

--Lars