Dodging The Magic Bullet

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Famed Polynesian tattooist Roonui poses near his studio in Hauru Point, Moorea, French Polynesia

Life Magazinephotographer Alfred Eisenstaedt was fond of recounting. Eisenstaedt, whom many considered to be the father of modern photojournalism, was at the opening of a retrospective show of his work at a major museum.

A man and his teenage son approached and asked, "Excuse me, Mr. Eisenstaedt, but what kind of camera do you use?"

"A Leica, usually," Eisenstaedt replied.

"Son, I’m going to buy you a Leica," the man declared, "so you can take pictures as good as Mr. Eisenstaedt’s."

This story always draws a chuckle from experienced professional photographers. These days, though, that laughter might originate as much in self-deprecatory embarrassment as in amusement at the naivete of the well-meaning Dad. That’s because even we professionals can fall prey to what photographer Michael Johnston, author of The Online Photographer, calls the "magic-bullet" syndrome—the belief that if we just had a better camera, it would allow us to be better photographers.

For a schedule of Bob Krist’s workshops and seminars, check his website, www.bobkrist.com, under the "Teach and Talk" heading.