So often, newer, better, fancier, more advanced gear isn’t going to be the answer to whatever you’re trying to do with your photography. I’ve definitely been an advocate of advancing with knowledge over gear, a believer in David DuChemin’s manifesto over at Craft & Vision, and have always done all that I could with the gear that I had.

Some people shoot primarily with their phones, others with a point and shoot, film, digital, color, black and white, we all develop a style and a look that becomes uniquely us. So, does the gear you’re using influence that? I think the answer is both yes and no. If you gave me a phone and I was only allowed to shoot with that for the next month, would I make images that look like me? Absolutely. Throw a film camera my way, a point and shoot, any old thing, once I have the hang of it, will eventually look like an Alison Bents photo. Now, could I do that to a greater degree using gear that suits my style. I think so.

Yes, I did get a new lens (it’s the Sigma 35mm Art), and I don’t know that it has made a difference in my shooting so much as it suits my shooting style just perfectly. All of a sudden the images I’m making are coming across exactly as I saw them rather than just being almost almost there. I’m over the moon for this thing and aside from a few very particular moments, it hasn’t left my camera body.

Have you ever had that piece of gear that has really just made the angels sing every time you pull it out? I’d love to hear all about it!

All the best,
Alison