"Should I buy a DSLR or not? My pictures look terrible."

"Should I buy a DSLR or not? My pictures look terrible."

Some of our friends (you know who you are) have asked us that question and similar ones. I usually find it difficult to answer them. I've seen photos by people who use point and shoot cameras that completely bowled me over. They're so gorgeous; you'll weep. I've seen others taken using DSLRs. They were so awful; you'll weep as well.

Does owning a DSLR mean you'll take better pictures? Yes and no.

Yes. With a DSLR, you'll be able to choose lenses and camera settings to improve the picture quality of what you take. You'll also love the level of control you have.

No. You better make time to figure out and study the bells and whistles of your DSLR. You can set it to Auto, but that's like using a point and shoot. Which is what you're getting away from.

I'm a firm believer in "it's what you do with it that counts". Even if you get the most advanced DSLR camera out there, the camera can only do so much. The rest is up to you. When taking pictures, it's all in your hands and your eyes. The camera is your tool. You're the one in charge. YOU'RE the one composing the shot. YOU'RE the one pressing the button. YOU'RE the one deciding who and what to photograph.

Before you plop down those hard-earned cash, go online and look for photos taken using point and shoots. You'll be surprised and yes, inspired. In the meantime, give your point and shoot another chance before you plop down your hard-earned cash for a DSLR camera.