My friend Seven

When I was first getting into photography, I went to a show by the Inquirer's David Swanson. After watching his presentation full of amazing images, I nervously raised my hand and said, "Those images were beautiful. What kind of camera do you use?"

He graciously answered me, but pretty much everyone in the room looked at me and laughed. At the time I didn't understand why, but now,of course, I understand. There aren't many better ways to insult a photographer than to suggest that it's the camera, rather than the person, taking great pictures.

So why am I thinking about a humiliating moment from five years ago? I just bought a new camera, a little Canon G7 point and shoot. It's several years old and I bought it used, but I absolutely love it. Since becoming a photographer I haven't touched a point and shoot, other than occasionally being handed one and asked to take somebody's picture.

When I got into photography, I felt like you need a serious camera to take meaningful pictures. Lately, that feeling has morphed into the idea that you need substantial events to make images that are worthwhile. I've steadily drifted further and further from the feelings that pushed me into photography in the first place. My new used little camera is changing all that. In the three days I've had it it's barely left my hands.

I take it everywhere and I'm finally remembering what is so remarkable about photography. It's about how you see the world, because nobody else sees it quite the same way.