The more familiar we become with our camera, the less hesitant we may be to pick it up and use it. We've all heard of being "camera-shy". How about having "photo paralysis", when great moments and shots slip right through our fingers because of being intimidated with our camera. Afraid of taking a "bad" shot, or of the camera not working right. Fear of disappointment..... If this doesn't happen to you, you're a rare breed.

Am I more interested in just picking up the camera occassionally, or do I carry the camera with me when I go places? Does the task fall on me to take family pictures on holidays and celebrations? Do I enjoy it? Or do I get nervous and see it as something to get over with?

Confidence in taking pictures alleviates most of anyone's anxiety. When I know my temperment, I can then go out and find the right camera to fill my needs. I cannot afford to buy just the least expensive camera unless it is what will fulfill my photographic needs. Many people buy what they don't really want and it just sits there in the closet like an unplayed violin.

Confidence in one's equipment is the life's blood of any technical art, and with the delicacies of detail in photography we try to give ourselves the best selection of options before we frame and press the shutter.

To become acquainted with one's own camera is a big part of taking pictures. In order for to find your creative place as a photographer, the technical aspects must become second nature. Buttons and dials become "automatic" and "learned" so fhe focus can become just taking the picture. .