The Trophy Around My Neck

We all have this urge to upgrade our gadgets right? I mean, one day I dreamed of having it, then the next  thing I want is an upgrade, since the newer ones offer a more advance feature. In my case, I wanted an upgrade because I believe that I've maximized my camera's use, and I now "need" to go beyond that. It took me 2 years to put my Canon EOS to a good use. Make that 3 years this 2011. I started with studying the manual, taking online lessons not only on photography, but also on how to maximize my camera's features. I own a Canon EOS 1000d. It is a good entry level camera and at the same time, it is not too heavy for the pocket. It's small, light and it gives quality images, especially if you go beyond AF.

I wanted a dslr because I got bored with my digital camera. I want  to have better looking photographs. Sharper images, brighter pictures, lesser disappointments on a poorly lighted venue. And the beauty of slrs is the capability of  it to change lenses, which aids on capturing remarkable images. I do have my favorites when it comes to lenses. One is my Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 which is perfect for my love of portraiture, and I also love Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD lens (cheaper) which is the close equivalent of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM lens. Just the other night, I was talking to my husband about the thought that I wanted an upgrade for my camera. Of course, my first dslr should stay. I'm not going to sell it. Then he told me, "yeah I think you need to move forward"... but then again "do you really need it right now?" It was the right question to ask.

Here's the hard part for me.

1. Some say, that my Canon EOS is good for a hobbyist like me, it's the lenses that I need to invest on. 

2. Some say, to study photography first then buy the right camera. 

3. Some say, upgrade the camera first, then study advance photography in order to maximize it right there and then.

I'm a stay at home mom, my only career is to take care of my family, I want to study photography but I don't have the time. Yes, it is a big investment. Do I need an upgrade? I believe so. A good point was made in one of my photography readings and I like to share it with you. The message was something like this: one must always put in mind that a dslr is not a trophy you hang around your neck for display. There's a very good reason why you got that trophy.  Make the most out of it. 

Let me put it this way, 2 years ago, all I wanted was a better camera "an upgrade".  It was just "a trophy",  a dream fulfilled. Until... I started enjoying and embracing what this gadget can do. Sure, a digital camera is enough once you have an eye for photography. But the truth behind everything, a dslr can really give amazing pictures whether you have the "eye for photography" or not. That's why everybody wants to have one. It pushed me to be creative. It brought out the best in me, quite a discovery I must say. It made my imagination more colorful and made my brain work harder. For me, these are the reasons, or lets say purposes why this trophy "was given" to me...

Let me cut it here... because throughout the time I'm making this post, I've reached a decision. 

I'm sticking with #1: My Canon EOS is good for a hobbyist like me, it's the lenses that I need to invest on. But for now, I think I have the lenses that I need. Will research further for the next one. I know that even an upgrade is going to be worth it. It's just a matter of time.


Case closed. I knew it! sharing a blog about it will help me. Hay... the wonderful things blogging can do...