In 1978, after winning an art contest, I was able to purchase my first real camera at age 12.  A Pentax K1000, manual 35mm SLR.  It was the beginning for me and my introduction into photography.  Years later I would earn my CPP and upgrade my equipment many times over.  The digital age is now upon us and as I embrace the new technology, I never forget that the gear I use is only responsible for a very small percentage of the final result. I believe vision and true appreciation for the subject matter are what separate a snapshot from a portrait.