As a photographer, it is easy to get caught up wanting or feeling the need to acquire new photography gear as soon as it hits the market. Camera and lens manufacturers market their products in such a way to make us feel as though we absolutely must have their latest and greatest release, and that having said product will enable us to take “higher-quality photos” and “become a better photographer.” I know and am sure you have met people who have a wide array of high-end gear and don’t even know how to use it properly, or seldom take
pictures. It seems they have awesome gear just to carry it around with them and show people. I urge you to appreciate the gear you do have, no matter what it is. You can experiment and learn no matter what photo gear you have at your disposal.
I have had the same camera and set of lenses for the past 7 years, and while I have found myself wanting a newer DSLR and a couple lenses (just being honest), I make do with what I have at the moment, and don’t let the desire for new gear get in the way of creating modern art. Currently, I own a Nikon D90, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D, Nikkor 24mm f/2.8D and a AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens, as well as two old school fully manual lenses – a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 and a Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/4.5, both of which I inherited from my Grandma.
Instead of dreaming about that new camera or lens you are dying to get your hands on, use your energy to take pictures and hone your craft. Check out the following article for some more thoughts about using a limited amount of gear and how it can help improve your photography skills – Gear Avoidance Syndrome: It Might Be Healthy For Your Photography.
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