I went to my favorite local beach (for photography) tonight and thought about some of the things I've learned with my camera in the last few years. 1) The best camera is the one you have with you. We all carry our smartphones (most of us). So we've got the tools. 2) Sometimes you need to change your perspective. Although I had my big Canon camera, the first shot I took was with my iPhone - edited in Instagram. I haven't looked at the shots from the Canon yet. On perspective, Lake Erie Bluffs is actually not an attractive beach at first glance. I like it because it has a nice view of the sunsets and few people go there. In order to find the interesting views, I have to move around - usually closer to the ground.

Image shot and edited on iPhone5s/Instagram

The beach from a distance. Shot with iPhone5s, unedited.

My walk back to the car got me thinking, these two things can be applied to more than photography - they can be applied to work, hobbies, and life in general. 1) we all have to the tools to succeed, we just need to learn how to use them. 2) Sometimes a change of perspective is necessary to get inspired or motivated.

So, learn your tools and find your perspective.