Overcoming G.A.S.: Why Your Equipment Isn't the Most Important Thing
Many photographers have fallen victim to G.A.S. – the "Gear Acquisition Syndrome." The urge to buy new gear feels constant, but is it necessary for better photos? No.
Whether it's a DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone, almost any modern camera can produce high-quality images. The belief that technology matters most is widespread but often misunderstood.
Taken with iPhone 15. Edit with Lightroom Preset Ilford Delta 3200
What Really Matters: The Image, Not the Camera
When we see a great photo from a famous photographer, we often ask, "What camera was used? What lens? What settings?" But to be honest, that’s nonsense. We wouldn’t ask an author what typewriter they used to write their book. So why this fixation on the camera?
The problem doesn’t even stem from camera manufacturers' marketing. It seems that many of us have a misconception about photography. The camera alone does not make the photographer. It’s just a tool.
Technology Isn’t Everything – But Handling Is Important
Now, I’m not saying that your gear doesn’t matter at all. There are certain criteria that need to be met, but these often aren’t technical. It’s more about how the camera feels, how it fits in your hand, and even how the shutter sounds. These are the details that matter to me personally.
A camera should feel good in your hands and make you want to work with it. These things can foster creativity and motivate you. But even those aspects fade into the background when you focus on what really matters.
The Game Changer: Working on a Project
The real secret to overcoming G.A.S. is working on your own project. Once you commit to a photography project, you'll quickly realize it’s no longer about the camera but only about the images you create.
You’ll be busy planning your shots, visiting locations, executing concepts – and suddenly the gear becomes secondary. It won’t matter whether the shot was taken with an analog Hasselblad, an expensive full-frame camera, or an iPhone. In the end, it’s all about the result.
My Tip: Start Your Own Project
If you want to improve your photography and overcome G.A.S., start your own project. Think about what kind of images you want to create, plan them, and start shooting. With this approach, equipment quickly becomes irrelevant, and the focus shifts to what truly matters: your photos.
Focus on your images and what you want to express, and you’ll find that the urge for new gear fades into the background.
Example of one of my current photography projects "James Bond"
Here’s an example of one of my current photography projects: a James Bond-inspired photo series. The idea came from my fascination with the aesthetics of the films. What's interesting is that the photos were taken with a wide range of cameras. From Full Frame Cameras to an iPhone – I deliberately used different devices to show that it's not about the camera but the result. All images were taken digitally and edited using the Digital with Lightroom Preset Ilford Delta 3200.
Digital with Lightroom Preset Ilford Delta 3200
Summary
Overcoming G.A.S., or the constant desire for new equipment, is common among photographers. But today, almost any camera is good enough to take high-quality photos. Instead of fixating on the technology, focus on your projects. Once you start working on a photography project, equipment quickly becomes secondary. Focus on your images, and in the end, only the results will matter – not the camera.
Thomas L.
I am based in Austria with a deep passion for photography, design, and 3D printing. I strive to capture the analog film feeling in my digital photography.
About the Magazin
This magazine explores the unique charm of analog photography and how its ideas and techniques can be adapted to digital photography.
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