If you’re like all photographers, I won’t even say “most”, you lust after more gear. There’s always that lens you think will take you to the next level, or that light, or the widget to control it. You know the one.

Case in point, I have a friend who is really excited about his new 5D MkII. He’s been shooting some tests and wants to put together a demo reel to go after some work. He shoots samples and knows the camera’s controls, but he isn’t shooting the stuff he wants for the demo reel yet. Why? Because he’s still amassing the accoutrement he feels he needs to do it really well. Like a jib. And he obsesses about which one to get, a cheap one or a better one. And he doesn’t have frame one shot yet, even the static shots. He’s waiting until he has all the gear he thinks he needs.

We’ve all done it. Waited to get that next big piece of gear. And stopped shooting until we get it. It kills creativity. That’s one of the greatest things about being a photographer, you have to be a problem solver. If you don’t have that widget, you have to figure out how to create your vision without it. Work around it. Make it yourself, even. Or, *gulp*, RENT it. If you’re making enough money and keep renting the thing over and over, eventually it will make sense to buy it.

Just don’t get stuck in the “I can’t shoot until I have the 13-750 f/1.4 lens” mode. Get out there and be creative. Create enough, and you’ll be able to justify ten new widgets.