I fell into the world of expensive cameras, complicated lenses, and ridiculous filters about four years ago. Since then I have primarily used two cameras and I still have no idea what I'm doing.

My sister took a photojournalism course in high school, but soon found out it wasn't for her. I commandeered her camera without her consent and have since then been taking pictures almost everywhere I go. I currently shoot on Canon's "consumer-pro" camera, the 70D, but before that, I was using a Rebel T3.

Neither are top of the line, but in a world where the tech of each camera is constantly changing and the prices are ever out of my reach, I'm glad to have gotten one that fits my needs. Anyways, I've yet to land a gig at a wedding and I'm still waiting for National Geographic to sponsor me; however, I didn't start this hobby with the intentions of ever "making it." Of course, if anyone out there is reading this and would like to pay me to take a trip to Bavaria to photograph castles, I'd willingly accept.

You see, in the world of photography, there is always something to be caught on camera. I've never understood why people say, "Don't take a picture, it won't do it justice" or "Just embrace the moment man, you don't always have to have your camera out."

Screw that, I'm taking the damn picture, stop telling me what to photograph!

Whether it's friends I'm taking pictures of or the mountains, there's always that one person that chips in their opinion of what I'm allowed to take a picture of. Yes, I am overreacting, but this is a real problem. You see, my job as someone who likes to take photos is to take photos.

This brings me to my next point in that someone will always have better gear than you. I just got my Canon 70D for Christmas and I love it. But, I have several friends who shoot with the 6 and 7D's. Each camera, of course, fulfills different roles and lenses can greatly improve the quality of whatever it is you're shooting, but one of the things I'm quick to have learned is that "It's not about the gear you use, but the story you tell."

One of my favorite photographer's/filmmaker's by the name of Casey Neistat said this in one of his Youtube videos and I could not have said it better. That's not to say don't buy expensive equipment, but as in anything in life, focus more on the content of what you're doing or creating rather than freaking out over not having the best of the best. Go outside and take pictures because if you're stressing over not having the best equipment, you'll never have anything to show for it.

And if I ever go hiking or to the beach with you, you can expect me to bring my camera and you better not say anything other than cheese.