Tips for giving advice on GAS

[shootandrun]

Hey all,

I've been shooting for a while now, i've collected a decent amount of gear which i've perfectly happy with. I have a few family members that are recently getting more active into photography which is awesome.

But the problem i've been running across is GAS. They have it bad... and it stinks (metaphorically). They both have respectable prosumer bodies.... t1i, 50d. They are not particularly proficient with their cameras yet...But they are now wanting to upgrade to 5dmkII or the 1d series but not a L glass between them. So I try to give them advice, but it seems GAS>Common Sense.

Reasons why they are "noobz"

• They shoot only jpeg, but try to PP and end up making the pictures look horrible. I try to tell them to shoot raw to give more latitude in PP...but in one ear out the other. They think they use iphoto....
• They only have 1 memory card
• They ask.... "What does AWB stand for?"
• They have under 5k exposures in 1-2 years.

How can I tell them to work on actually work on their photography skills instead of being fixated on gear without sounding like a %#^&$? They make it seem like i'm jealous they are trying to get better stuff than me... Is it really my business to try to advise them? or should I just let them be?

I should just let them buy whatever and then buy it in a few months when they get tired of it

[Snarfy]

Challenge them to contests and use a toy camera or an old body and a crappy lens.

[KenJulio]

Welcome to Pixtus!

It is their money....

You are providing your opinion/advice to help them, it is up to them to understand what will make their photos better. Keep helping them and slowly guide them to fix one thing at a time or show them an example between post with a jpg and a RAW file.

The single memory card, that's personal preference in how much the photo is worth to them if the card goes bad. Maybe for Christmas, take advantage of the Sandisk specials for 3 packs of 4gb cards and give it to them.

I have the same issue with my mother in regards to post, basically, she wants to take the photo but doesnt want to do any post and hands me the harddrive. I am...nope, those are yours, I have my own. :)

[revjvegas]

If they asked for your advice and didn't follow it, then it's no sweat off your nose. Let them burn up their money if they wish.

Maybe they'll tire, give up, and sell you their gear for cheap.

[shootandrun]

Thanks everyone. I guess I should just throw my 2cents in, walk away and keep it at that. I would do that contest thing, but that just seems like i'm picking on them.

I'm guess the best thing for me to do is to support them, and help them learn best i can.

[TXAvi8tor]

Originally Posted by shootandrun

<snip>
I should just let them buy whatever and then buy it in a few months when they get tired of it

This.

You've tried to help. If they weren't family, you wouldn't spend the time and effort, so let 'em be and put your energies into your own work. They will either see your results and decide for themselves to listen to you instead of believing ad campaigns, or become frustrated & turn to another avocation. If that happens & they'll sell you their gear cheap, good. If it sits on the shelf & rots, that's OK too.

[ChrisTX]

Go line them up to shoot a wedding, then tell them to come here and ask for help.

[SCone]

Some people can train, others can't. It's not the knowledge that is lacking, it's the ability to work for days or weeks, encouraging & patient. Waiting for that breakthrough moment when the light comes "on" and progress is made.

Just as so many new camera owners believe they are photographers, too many photographers believe they are teachers.

[cooltouch]

Have you shown them any of your pics to use as examples?

Maybe even better. All of you go out on a photo shoot and then when you get back, compare photos. Maybe they'll start asking you how you managed this or that shot, and there ya go, the door's open a crack.