I started in photography as a kid. But got educated and obsessed when I was an adviser to the Vietnamese Presidents photograph unit. They worked in the most primitive conditions imaginable and showed me that it's the person, not the gear that makes outstanding photographs. I was lucky and bought for really a pittance two Nikon FTn's, plus 7 lenses and a motor drive. I was really hooked.

As I am told I am creative, but can't draw a stick figure or even read my own writing, the camera game me the opportunity to be creative.

In another life ( before marriage) I had pretensions of being a Professional Photographer - whatever that means, To me it meant I got paid (usually) for my assignments (I was never full-time), But I was raised on B&W film developing my own,. Never managed to do my own color. 30 years later

I finally "bit the bullet" and switched to digital. Growing pains, alas. It is a truly different world, and it has proved harder than I liked to switch.But the results can be awesome.

My old Nikon FTN's now sit in the closet with all the trimmings as I try to master a new Canon EOS 2D. (now 40D). But I will keep trying. Fortunately whether film or digital, the basic principals still apply -

Ratios between F Stop and Speed, Good composition is essential, its the glass not the camera, and the person, not the rig.

And practice, practice practice. Like a football coach, you MUST look at the films after they are shot and learn from your mistakes.

It's not the camera, but the photographer. :-)