Interesting article. I agree with a lot of it, but there's more to the story, and a few things I don't agree with.
Yes, your brain is the most important thing, but the better you get, the more important it is to have better equipment. It is a lot like what I learned when I took a performance driving class -- I started on a track prepped Miata, and my teachers told me to stick with that car until the car would hold me back, then and only then, it's time to move up to a faster track car. So, yes, you have to learn to use what you have before you start thinking about moving up.
6 megpaixels is really plenty for the hobby photographer. But, get decent lenses, and test your lenses thoroughly. I know my lenses like the back of my hand. I know what apertures are sharpest, and what apertures will be softer than I can live with. The lens I use most is my AF-S Nikkor 28-70 f2.8, and I know the best aperture for that lens is f8. I also know it does not meet my standards of sharpness at small apertures, like f22. Knowing your equipment is very important, even if it is not the best available. I'd say that knowing your equipment is more important than what equipment you have.
And take care of your gear. Keep it clean. put it in a good case to protect it when not in use. If it looks like you ate lunch on your lens, you can't expect to get a good image.
Also, the big difference in my $5,000 Nikon and a Nikon costing a fraction of that price is that mine can take 50,000-plus shots a year under tough conditions for years. If you don't need that kind of durability, then don't spend the money. I could easily do a magazine cover with a D40, but a D40 won't hold up to the workload of my D3. So I agree, spending a ton of money on a camera does not buy you better images. There are other reasons that pros spend that kind of money.
And, there is something to be said about trying to duplicate the works of top photographers -- as long as you do it for the right reason. If you do it as an exercise -- to force you to think like they did -- then you can learn a lot. Really, if you see a photo you like, try to duplicate it. It is a great learning experience. Just don't try to sell it or hand it on the wall and call it yours. But, there is absolutely nothing wrong with duplicating great photography for the purpose of learning.
I have learned an incredible amount about photography and design by "reverse engineering" photographs and designs that I am impressed with. Those "duplicates" are for my eyes only, which is all they need to be. I have enjoyed a whole bunch of "AHA" moments by trying to recreate photos and designs that I admire.
That's just my thoughts. If you want to be a better photographer, then feed your mind with inspiring images, and then go out and take a ton of pictures. Inspiration, and perspiration.
http://www.pbase.com/caseydog/moving_pi ... photogrphy
CD
and again, and again.
