Regardless of make or model, the best camera will always be the one you have with you.

The best camera is the one you have with you. That doesn't mean you need to carry a SLR into the movie theatre on date night. Though having one in the car is highly recommended. Images and opportunities to make photographs often pop up unexpectedly. For instance Sunday, out of the blue, a friend of my brother gave me a call and offered to buy me lunch. I had just eaten breakfast, but felt the gesture was nice, so I met him at a local eatery. As we sat there, I noticed nice window light from the north. I sipped my soda as we got to know one another a little better. He mentioned being a singer and wanting to release a record at some point. As I drank, I could not shake the thought of what that cover might look like. Angles and light took control, getting the best of me as they have done so many times in the past. After he finished his meal, I asked if I could make a portrait. He agreed to sit for a minute or two and sang softly as I made a few exposures with the ol' iPhone. I spent another couple minutes toning and tweaking and sent him an electronic copy. He mentioned money, I told him to pay it forward. After all, he'd already bought me a Coke. You see, sometimes photography shouldn't be about the money. I certainly am not suggesting you photograph weddings for free. But, if someone does something nice, say offers to buy you a soda or lunch; why not do something nice in return? Who knows? Maybe the next time they hear about someone needing a photographer they'll mention your name. That my friends is called reciprocation. It works. It may cost you a little time, but not many dimes. Marketing people, marketing. Communicate. Live. Repeat.