Here is a subject I know EVERY photographer is guilty of.

Gear envy.

We’ve all had it. I’ve had it. Whether is the latest body style, most popular computer and monitor, or the best lenses. It’s something that exists in all creative fields. I would see other photographers using the latest models and most expensive lenses, and I thought to myself…”man…I want that!”, or ” Geez…if I only had THAT lens, I could take better images.” But you know what? There are people who have the “best of the best”, yet, you wouldn’t be able to tell by their images if their using a Canon 5D Markiii or Canon Rebel.

Let me let you in on a little secret…it doesn’t matter if you have the highest grade camera or the best of the best lenses. The magic that comes from your photos is YOU – the artist. Now, yes, higher grade equipment CAN HELP you achieve certain images, but that is not what makes the photo.

Photo by: Kir2Ben Photography

You – capturing the love and passion of a newly engaged couple.

You –  documenting the raw emotion of a new family member being welcomed into the world.

You – being a story teller. That’s what makes the photo.

When I first started in digital photography, I bought the Canon Rebel T2i with the 18-55mm kit lens. And let me tell you, I rocked that baby for all that it was worth! Took pictures of anything and everything. Heck, it wasn’t until about one whole year later that I decided to buy another lens, the 50mm f/1.8. Going from the kit to the 1.8 blew my little mind! I wasn’t in a position where I could go out and purchase any gear I wanted on the spot, so that thing was my baby! 3 years after buying my Canon Rebel was when I was able to upgrade my camera body, and a few months AFTER that is when I started to upgrade my lenses. And guess what? From there I saved and saved until I could afford other gear.

I went slow.

I learned.

I researched.

And most importantly, I made sure I got everything I could out of the gear I already owned. 

Bottom line is, you don’t need the fanciest of things to be great. You don’t need that grade A camera bag, or top of the line computer. Work with what you have. Rock what you got. And when it comes time to when you’re ready to upgrade your gear, you’ll appreciate it – and your art – SO MUCH MORE.