Has photography become a race for gear?

If you follow practically any photography forum you will often see conversations about photographic gear. Often the conversation is about the latest and greatest gear available or about upgrading gear. Photography has always been about gear to some extent. Let’s face it, you have to have a camera of some sort, but it seems as if photography has become more and more about a race for gear. My newest camera body is now 8 years old. My next most used camera body is 11 years old. They both still perform well. I have yet to find something that these cameras don’t have that holds me back.

I think photographic gear is awesome. I love looking at photographic gear. I love looking at quality photographs more though. I often believe people are searching for a way to make their photography better without having to work and learn. If I buy this new thing my photography will be better.

To me, it is about learning, experimenting, seeing, envisioning, and then somewhat about gear. Don’t let the quest for gear cloud your growth as an artist.