And you’re so, so very right about photography being just like a boat. No matter how many items from your to-buy list you get, it stays the same length. The only thing that shrinks is the "available balance" on your bank statement!

It seems like the more I learn, there more gear (and gear to clean and transport the gear, and the gear to process and print the photos taken with your gear) there is to buy to do what I’m learning about. It’s exciting and frustrating at the same time.

It’s all April can do to not roll her eyes every time I say, "You know what I’d love to get…."

I remember reading once that "a boat is a hole in the water, into which people pour money" – I can’t help feeling that photography is not dissimilar.

I just splurged on a Benro tripod (model # A2680TB1 – the legs detach and can be used as a monopod!) – it is small enough to fit in my carry-on bag, light, and extends to almost full height. My old tripod was well past its sell-by date.

I can’t wait for it to be delivered so I can try it out!

Now I just need to start saving for a 70-200mm, a 2x extender, the 5D Mk III, oh what the hell, I think I’ll just go all out and get a boat