The Beginner Photography Podcast

The $400 Repair That’s Worth More Than a New Camera


Listen Later

#590 In this episode of the podcast, I share a personal, behind-the-scenes look at what’s been happening in my photographic life, focusing on one of the most common dilemmas photographers face: Should you repair a broken camera or upgrade to a newer model? After my Fujifilm X Pro 2 suddenly died while on a shoot, I walk listeners through the emotional and practical decision to spend $400 on repairs rather than buying a new camera. I talk candidly about why this choice isn’t just about saving money—it’s about honoring the sentimental attachment to a workhorse camera and making smart, needs-based decisions rather than getting distracted by shiny new gear.

KEY TOPICS COVERED 

  1. Repairing vs. Upgrading Your Camera - Raymond breaks down when it makes sense to repair a camera versus upgrading, suggesting repairs are usually worth it if they cost less than 30–40% of a new camera’s price, especially when the current camera still meets your needs. He also touches on the sentimental value attached to long-serving equipment.
  2. The Role and Impact of Upgrading Gear - He examines whether new features truly benefit your workflow or if upgrades are driven by boredom or “shiny object syndrome.” Real improvements, he argues, should address specific workflow issues or unlock new creative possibilities.
  3. Creative Inspiration and Intentional Projects - Raymond describes how long-term, theme-driven personal projects—like documenting the Indiana State Fair—offer structure and cultivate deeper creativity. He shares techniques for using constraints to generate focus and learning.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

  • Repair/Upgrade Threshold: The decision guiding whether to repair gear based on whether costs are less than 30–40% of replacement value, contextualized in terms of need, features, and sentimental value.
  • Creative Constraints: Deliberately limiting yourself to a theme, technique, or subject to focus your creative energy, avoid overwhelm, and produce more meaningful work.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  1. What has influenced your past decisions to repair or upgrade camera gear? How did those choices affect your creativity and output?
  2. How can creative constraints or themed projects deepen your photography and help you grow as an artist?
  3. In your own workflow, are there features you genuinely need in new gear, or are you tempted by upgrades for other reasons?
  4. How does stepping away from work to seek inspiration impact your creative process?

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond!

  • Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
  • Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
  • Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/


Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Beginner Photography PodcastBy Raymond Hatfield

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

404 ratings


More shows like The Beginner Photography Podcast

View all
The Candid Frame: Conversations on Photography by Ibarionex R. Perello

The Candid Frame: Conversations on Photography

662 Listeners

FroKnowsPhoto Photography Podcasts by FroKnowsPhoto

FroKnowsPhoto Photography Podcasts

698 Listeners

Street Photography Magazine by Street Photography Magazine

Street Photography Magazine

59 Listeners

B&H Photography Podcast by B&H Photo & Video

B&H Photography Podcast

2,015 Listeners

Picture This: Photography Podcast by Tony Northrup

Picture This: Photography Podcast

512 Listeners

F-Stop Collaborate and Listen by Matt Payne

F-Stop Collaborate and Listen

276 Listeners

The Photowalk by Neale James

The Photowalk

111 Listeners

The FujiCast: Photography Podcast by Neale James & Kevin Mullins

The FujiCast: Photography Podcast

114 Listeners

FRAMES Photography Podcast by FRAMES Magazine

FRAMES Photography Podcast

96 Listeners

Photography for Beginners | Learn the Basics of Photography by Photography & Friends

Photography for Beginners | Learn the Basics of Photography

24 Listeners

Photography Side Hustle by Andy Jones

Photography Side Hustle

90 Listeners

Oh Shoot! with Cassidy Lynne by Cassidy Lynne, Bleav

Oh Shoot! with Cassidy Lynne

478 Listeners

Beyond The Lens with Richard Bernabe by Richard Bernabe

Beyond The Lens with Richard Bernabe

120 Listeners

Passion With Purpose - Photography Podcast, Creative Business, Six Figure Photographer by Nathan Chanski - Photography Business Coach

Passion With Purpose - Photography Podcast, Creative Business, Six Figure Photographer

534 Listeners

The PetaPixel Podcast by PetaPixel

The PetaPixel Podcast

86 Listeners