Do you remember the simpler days when cameras only allowed you to set the aperture, shutter speed and ISO? You could also focus if needed, but they did not have the myriad of menu items that are available today. My Nikon Z9 seems infinite and it can be overwhelming.

I have learned through the years that not knowing every function of the camera is OK. There is no shame in that. The camera should be something that works for you and should not be daunting. If the actual camera is road block to your creativity, that’s is what I have heard referred to as a technical road block.

Take solace in the fact that photographers that I have talked to, or attended workshops with, both professional and novice alike, don’t know all the answers. If you have a keen understanding of how to use the light, or perhaps are really good at composing a scene for a photograph, you have all you need to be successful despite the lack of all things technical.

I have taken the position that the majority of functions that are in the camera, I may never need or us and if I do need to learn how to do something with my camera, I can learn that from reputable sources and add that to my toolbox. A new camera with all the bells and whistles can be daunting, but it can be learned. There are plenty of how to you-tube videos if the need arises.

Often the biggest obstacles for photographers is not the technical aspect of things, but the creative. My point is this, try not to focus so much on what the camera is doing, but rather your creative vision and what you see in your minds eye and what is happening with the person behind the camera.