Does the equipment you use, affect your creativity ?

ThomasHorton

Perhaps the question is not worded properly.

Creativity is an intent and intent is independent of equipment. I can be creative and not have any photographic equipment. I would opine that the majority of creative people in the world do not have or use any photographic equipment.

Equipment won't make me more creative but it will help me utilize my creativeness or demonstrate my lack of creativeness as the case may be.

Will the equipment affect my ability to record my creativity? yes
Will the equipment affect my ability to create a "better" (however that is defined) product? yes
Will the equipment affect my confidence in the context of creativeness? Hmm That's an interesting question.

sevencrossing

@ ThomasHorton
The question is: Does the equipment you use, affect your creativity

I would guess majority of creative people do in fact have some photographic equipment. but it might just be a P&S which they use simply to to record an idea, for a future work of art
The P&S It will be part of creative process and IMHO help and effect the artist's creativity
That said. Remove the camera from a painter and effect may be negligible
Removing the camera from a photographer, will not stop him being creative, as he can change media. But in my case, as I not a very good painter, it would definitely affect what I create; eg my creativity

spraynpray

So, if you are saying 'Does actually having photographic gear affect your creativity as a photographer (as opposed to not having any)', then I would have to say yes... :P

sevencrossing

', then I would have to say yes... :P

excellent

Picking up your point
Your creativity is yours. The gear isn't creative, you are
What factors, if any, do affect one's creativity
or do people think it is "wired in" and cannot be effected

Vipmediastar_JZ

With better gear, I get better results, but it does not affect my creativity. Your creativity is yours. The gear isn't creative, you are.

Well Said.

My father in law said I had no imagination and It is probably true. My sisters said my pictures were not as good as their beloved friend photographer. After I picked up the D800 and better glass along with NRF they seemed to have changed perspective.

I'm still working on the creative side. I have many ideas in my head it is the lack of making those ideas become photos that is limiting me in my creativity. Before photography I would draw, scribble, do caligraphy and even poetry. I think I have a creative side and the gear I own including lights have helped me most recently.

But to qoute @spraynpray that seems to go with how I feel.

spraynpray

', then I would have to say yes... :P

excellent

Picking up your point
Your creativity is yours. The gear isn't creative, you are
What factors, if any, do affect one's creativity
or do people think it is "wired in" and cannot be effected

My creativity is something I have to work at. I do not have a copious supply of it and I find that the way I can best free my creativity is to clear my mind and make the time for it because if I am under pressure, my creativity suffers a lot.

Golf007sd

I have found that: the more complex situation I put yourself in, the better I get in honing my skills. The more skillful I become, the more creative I can be.

spraynpray

Yes Ali, me too. Push, push, push.