I have not purchased any new photography gear for the last 8 years. Recently I got the bug for getting a new camera in hopes of inspiration and having a new shiny toy to play with. I’ve been self conflicted on actually buying a new toy. Totally understanding that getting a new camera will not improve my photography or the experience of taking a photo. I have been dissatisfied with my photos. My dissatisfaction is also around not going to places with my camera or making a true effort in being at the right place at the right time.
Why We Suffer
The Paradox of Choice – Why More Is Less is a book written by American psychologist Barry Schwartz.
When we have too many choices we are nat “happier” and its the opposite we are more stressed, anxious and it makes a decision less obvious. From my own personal experience in marketing and advertising I always new that having more than 3 options makes it difficult for a potential client to make a choice. Even having 3 options makes it tough to choose one.
“Autonomy and freedom of choice are critical to our well being, and choice is critical to freedom and autonomy. Nonetheless, though modern Americans have more choice than any group of people ever has had before, and thus, presumably, more freedom and autonomy, we don’t seem to be benefiting from it psychologically”
has paradoxically become a problem instead of a solution and how our obsession with choice encourages us to seek that which makes us feel worse.
Anticipation
Anticipation is excitement, waiting eagerly for something you know is going to happen. Dopamine drip fires in the brain in anticipation of pleasure. In music, we anticipate the next note or a resolution from one progression to the next. I get excited in anticipation of many things including getting a box delivered even if its just an inexpensive item like a shipment from Amazon of nutrition bars or protein powder. Dopamine drip all day until the box arrives at my doorstep.
Before the excitement of anticipation there is some sort of a ritual that happens. For example, going to a website then selecting items and sometimes doing “research” of which items have more reviews or more stars. These rituals actually prime an emotion.
For me, I do read reviews, watch videos on YouTube and other review sites before making a buying decision. The algorithm is so tuned at giving you a tail to chase. After that they follow along on all the social media feeds, advertisements etc. Scarcity, friction, and uncertainty, reigniting the excitement of the hunt and the joy of discovery beyond algorithmic feeds.
Im not immune to the finding, researching, deciding and then placing an order. Anticipating the arrival of the package, unboxing, taking it out of the bag, learning how to use the item etc.. I am this way with photography gear. Once, the new shiny object is received, looked at, played with – dopamine has diminished. What now?
I completely understand and know from experience that gear has very little to do with the final product. I always use golf as an example. Getting better golf clubs did not improve my game at all! I no longer play golf, but that example from my life sticks with me. Another example is a road bike. Sure a better bike may make me 10 seconds faster over a long distance, but it will never improve my cycling ability nor my health.
All that research is required as we have too many choices in life, products, food, clothes, hobbies et.
Thats it, for now
Been looking, researching and watching reviews for 3 months or so. Put various cameras in my shopping cart only to delete the shopping cart next day. I figure that if the next day I still have the strong desire to get that specific camera that I would. So far, no purchase and as I continue to play the game and fighting off the gear acquisition syndrome.
How does everyone else manage this syndrome? If you have ideas, would love to hear about them.
