(01) The Camera as a Status Symbol: Does the Gear Matter More Than the Eye?

Once upon a time, a camera was a tool to tell stories. Today, for many, it's a tool to tell their story. Photography gear has become a fashion accessory, where owning the latest model is often more important than having a unique vision.
A quick scroll through YouTube reveals countless videos by photography influencers who barely talk about photography. Instead, they showcase products in slick, slow-motion B-rolls—always wearing perfect outfits and sunglasses—shooting fire hydrants and manhole covers with cameras worth thousands. The message is clear: this isn't just about a camera. It's a lifestyle. And that lifestyle could be yours, if only you bought this season's "must-have" gear.
In the end, it’s not about creating images. It’s about being seen with the right camera.