Are pro photographers still using on lens filters?

I'm pretty sure I know this answer.    However yesterday I ran into the most pompous photographer I think on the planet and I feel like posting his stupidity here.

First off the guy was talking about how great his gear was, compared to others.   Then he had the nerve to say if a photographer didn't constantly invest in the latest gear, how can others including clients taken him seriously.  

Then he splintered off into a filter discussion.  Largely because I had a polarizer on my camera, and I was on my phone shopping for a new 10 stop ND.  His exactly comment went something like this: "pro photographers simply don't use filters, perhaps when they were getting started.  But that is learn about light.  If you want to go pro, you need to ditch filters". 

At this point, I'm just going along for the ride so I asked him what are these "pro's"  doing when they need to photograph something with a reflection that they don't want (where a polarizer would be used for)  or better yet, if they need to slow down the exposure for effect (where a good ND would be used).  You can tell the guy got stumped, he started to make a comment that they "don't take these sort of shots".  Then, the cherry of the discussion:  He pulled out his phone and pretended he needed to take a call.  Guys... I saw his phone, he had no call.  But he put on a good show that he was talking to someone and walked out.  

LOL this was too good not to share with you!  

Filters were critical in the film days.  We used them to adjust color temperature in color photography and contrast in black and white photography.  In the digital age there is no use for any of those filters so we are down to polarizers and ND filters.

Personally I don't own an ND filter and use polarizers only rarely.  While I used to shoot all kinds of subjects as a commercial photographer in the past, the only commercial photos I do today are product shots which require neither of the above.  My use of filters today would only be involved with amateur shots made for pleasure rather than money.

My guess is that the know-it-all photographer described above was trying to say that patience and work can do a better job than a filter.  If the light is wrong then wait for better light or find another time time or different angle to make the image.  Photo editing can resolve issues as well.

I don't mind his comments about filters.  I certainly disagree with him on the requirement to impress his clients with his equipment.  He should impress them with his images and great images don't require the latest equipment.  They involve good photographers as they always have.

I'll tell you a true story.  I had a client once that insisted that I use a Hasselblad camera for his shoot.  I didn't have a Hasselblad system.  I had a Mamiya system instead.  I could have rented a Hasselblad but, instead, I did the shoot with my Mamiya system and a 6X6 film back.  When I presented the transparencies his comment was "Isn't it wonderful what beautiful images the Hasselblad can make?"  I shook my head in agreement and presented him with an invoice.

For me, camera equipment is pretty low on the scale of requirements for good photography.  Sorry for the rant.

That guy sounded like an absolute idiot.  

What does this clown's work look like? We need a name or website.

Huh?

I made a decision a long time ago to avoid debates with those that are perfect....

Oh I bet this guy would be a treat to listen too.  

Seriously though, that was some funny stuff!

G'day all

I'm sure that we've all met clowns like this as we do our stuff - a year or so back I had camera on tripod for some stuff I was doing and was approached by a bloke who started on & on about his fabulous dSLR camera he had bought [turned out from a chain store] and this magic camera even had 2 lenses ... an 18-55 and a 55-200. Wow!!

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

What?  Come on.  Man I hope this guy isn't in any sort of teaching position with that sort of 'understanding'.  

Best laugh I've had all week.
Thanks!

LOL I can only hope this guy was joking

I just read all the comments and had a good laugh.  What a do do head that guy seems.  I can't stand people who don't know what they are talking about and have this 'world is all about them' attitude.  

Such horrible advice.  What's sad is there is likely new photographers that have run into this person who listened to him.  

Hog wash, how absurd. 

I sometimes use red or yellow filters when I'm shooting B&W film. I'd use a polarizer going to a lake or someplace similar (which isn't often where I live!).

Depends on what you're doing if you may want to use a filter or not, and I see no need to have the latest equipment. I've done sports and events and nobody gives a rat's what you use or how you get the pictures, just so you get good photos fast. A knowledgeable pro knows what equipment to use when.

I might have been tempted to use the pretend to get a phone call ploy before he did! lol