Photography isn't difficult. It's not really magic. The only thing you need is a camera with a good lens and a bus ticket.

Cameras used to be easy. They were just a box which held film. The emphasis was on the lens. A good lens is necessary, still today. After all, crap in equals crap out. A bad lens means a bad image.

Today's cameras are now computers. You have to buy new when the features update, if it suits you, that is. Photographers today probably update their gear every 3 to 5 years. It is mostly because something comes out which has them salivating for new technology. Additionally, like computers, the cameras may just wear out. I personally have not experienced this. This is probably because I am one of them who salivates for new technology. Go figure.

Now that you have the right equipment, assuming you just went and purchased some, you have to get somewhere pretty when the light is right. Optimal outdoor photography occurs from dawn to about 10:00 A.M. and about 4:00 P.M. to dusk. Bright, harsh, overhead light, which occurs between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., causes shadows and glare, which makes for a wider and undesirable tonal range across the image. If you shoot from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., it's best to shoot in shade or cloud cover, or the shade of cloud cover (LOL), where there are no shadows. Stand where your subject is. If you are squinting, the light is too harsh. Move along and come back when the light is right. Remember: you are looking for soft, even light. Caveat: Harsh, high-contrast light is ideal for infrared imagery.

Compose your image with interesting foreground, subject and background. Remember the rule of thirds: divide the image in thirds vertically and horizontally, put the subject on the intersections (don't put your subject in the center).

One of my favorite nature photographers, John Shaw, says, "Don't be late for work."