Proof of concept

I made a test. I took somebody who had never used a "real camera". Exposure, aperture, ISO and focus modes were like a cryptic language to this guinea pig. She had only used a cellphone or a point-and-shoot camera and by that represented the majority of people today. So I lured her to travel to Kenya with me. This was phase one. Next I gave her my Sony NEX-6 camera with the 18-200mm kit lens. Look here, zoom that, press this. Simple? Yes.

Even the baboons look nice in a right light ;)

The pic above and right are taken by my girlfriend - who had never used a dslr. This wrote this post to demonstrate that you don't need to be "a photographer" or own an expensive gear to take emotional and memorable photographs. It's more about being in a right place at the right time and to know what to do.

I was pretty focused and deep into my filming with the FS700 so I didn't know what was captured with my little Sony until her the second day in the park. Most of the animals were dead on center framed, so I guided the her to try different compositions. Few days later she asked me how to take panoramas. Then how to adjust(lock) the exposure. And next was a lecture about the focus points and modes. The pics got better and better.
Now when I saw the pictures that came through the Lightroom, I had to do a little comparison. I won't show it here, 'cos it doesn't put me in a good light :) But these pictures from an complete amateur are better than mine from my first trips. And I was serious hobbyist at least with a deep understanding about techniques and cameras/optics!!
So what has changed? Where does the difference come from? Well, I think that 6 years ago I just didn't know what to look for. I had all the gear and knowledge, but I couldn't "see" it. But those trips were necessary 'cos they showed me what not to do. So the good news are that if you come with me, you'll get to the good stuff right away ;)

My favorite photos from our trip on Google+ page. Credits to my amateur girlfriend ;)