With all the sales now on it is probably tempting to take your Christmas money and head off to the high street and buy the latest camera.

The sales pitches are tempting - the pictures showing what the camera can achieve even more so.

And of course the latest camera will have even more pixels.

But why would someone want an upgrade?

It has been said in the past, to me and no doubt to many other, "oh thats a lovely picture; you must have a great camera..."

Well, that's like saying to a chef, thats a lovely roast; you must have a great oven.

Cameras are tools. You are in control. The expense of the tool has no bearing on how the photographer will use it.

So what I'd recommend is that you save your money, and continue learning how to use your camera. Cameras on phones, DSLRs, Film Cameras, are all great tools and phenomenal shots can be achieved from them all. The only exception I'd say is if you have used an auto camera for a while and want now to upgrade to one with manual features so you can increase your control. 

One option, which I'd recommend, is to buy a monthly magazine which frequently have special editions on say landcapes, portraits and such like - concentrate on these areas a month at a time. Take shots deliberately and be critical with yourself. 

Thats my recommendation - a great fine art photographer I know had an exhibition the pictures of which were taken on a £14.99 disposable camera with a tiny plastic lens - how did he manage to take great shots - he used it well. Its who's behind the camera that counts. 

So thats my tip for what its worth.......enjoy shooting.

Cheers

Guy