Cameras dont take the photos, you do..

I read this interesting article by a blogger on DPS, entitled "Why your camera isnt a Superhero" (link is below) and thought I would share my opinion of the matter. Falling into the "I need new gear to make better photos" trap is one photographers ranging from amatuer and pro status struggle with, even admittedly myself. Your gear, if an Iphone, point and shoot, or full frame pro DSLR does nothing without your input, you select the subject, angle of photo, composition, choice of shot settings, etc... and these items are what make a photo, your camera only records what you ask it to with the settings you ask the camera to use. What does that say to me?? Learn the gear you already have!! Read the manual, learn what every setting does and play with each of those settings til you are confident you can 100% control that camera. If at any time you outgrow the settings you are familiar with on your camera or have a different need that your current camera isn't providing that's when you pony up the dough and move up, not because the Jones bought a new camera. Shoppers shame before learning what capabilities your camera already has is a large pill to swallow, a usually a large bill to foot.

For years I have struggled with telling people "I'm a photographer" because I felt my gear wasn't up to par with the pros! I didn't have that shiny new Canon 5DMark II (which ironically just became the newest in all outdated Canon cameras with the Canon 5DMark III release this year) when really it doesn't matter! Your average consumer of all things photographic have no idea what type of gear they are looking at, your portfilo and your attitude sells you at that point (or in my case, my lack of confidence limited my abilities). I am amazed at some of the photos that come out of IPhones, and am even more amazed at the amount of literature printed to teach people how to effectively use all the creative tools available for Iphones. Get out there start shooting, read up on your gear, and gain some confidence!! Am I suggesting shooting your best friends wedding with an Iphone, no. Am I suggesting you get out there and take some risks with your skill set and whatever camera you already own, yes. By ridding myself of the stigma that is "The Jones" I can say I am fully confident in my abilities!  I have read my manual, I have studied and continue to study with local photographic adventurers like myself, and I continue to use my camera to its ability. Go on, shoot it people, shoot it!

http://digital-photography-school.com/why-your-camera-isnt-a-superhero