The never ending search for the right partner in photography has always been every photographers' dilemma, just as every person searches for a lifetime partner. We always find ourselves looking at a lot of available "The One" in the market. In a relationship, we always want it to be our last, we do our best to make it work, we invest emotions, energy, and most importantly, time. The camera is an extension of an artist's eye, it is a tool that helps us express ourselves.

For some, new doesn't always mean it's better, for the rest, the newest is always better. Each one of us has our preferences and yes..budget. :) Knowing the difference between "what you want" and "what you need" plays a vital role in making the decision.

In choosing the right camera for yourself, you need to examine and take into serious consideration more than a handful of factors.

Characteristics. This is among the most important things one needs to consider. Yes..character has its share of flaws, and strengths; it is up to us whether we can accept it, and live with it or not. This usually mirrors and complement our own personality and disposition. We need to take time to examine the camera's capabilities and limitations, weigh out everything that matter most to us. A well-balanced character makes it easier to accept and more comfortable to be with.

Reasonability. By this, I mean living with the cost of maintaining the relationship and actually being bounded by how deep our pockets are. One may afford the top of the line camera, but it doesn't necessarily mean that one is happy, and one may only have an inexpensive, pre-loved, entry level camera and be ecstatic at the same time. Well, this is all about being contented and knowing your monetary limits.

Aesthetics. Being comfortable with your partner, whether in photography or in life, is equally important with acceptance of its concealed characteristics. Just like how a pair of shoes or jeans fit, we need to actually feel the way it fits on our hands. This also plays hand in hand with ergonomics and how functionality meets beauty.

Value. Do not confuse value with price and worth. Value in this sense is not a number, but rather it is the usefulness of something. For one person, the value of a camera may be different from another. It is how much we value something that makes keeping them worthwhile.

Relationships come with no user's manual nor a how-to guide, it is as unique as the irides of our eyes. Each relationship comes with its own experience and lessons for us to realize and learn from. Photography has its lessons to teach us as well about relationships. Before anything else, I would like to make it clear that I am no expert when it comes to the matters of the heart, but I would like to share some insights on some lessons learned.

Photography, no matter what genre you pursue, whether in wedding, fashion, commercial, landscape, portraits, macro, wildlife, or street, teaches us a thing or two about being in a relationship.

Patience. It teaches us to be patient and uncomplaining, just like landscape photography, we need to be calm and even-tempered. Setting up and getting the money shot takes tons of patience just as relationships do.

Responsibility. Photography inculcates to us a sense of responsibility in the way we decide and make our choices. In our choices of subjects and locations to shoot. We need to be responsible for our actions, and being careful of the places that restricts flash photography, use of tripod and other related restrictions. Shooting the appropriate subject that doesn't degrade nor discriminate other people but rather, taking a shot that tells a moving story of the subject.

Coexistence. The camera allows us to embody our vision and foresight. It is a tool to express our imagination, no matter what system or what brand of camera we are using, relationships should not be defined by our differences, but rather, it should complement each others attributes and characteristics. The next time you date someone who owns a camera with a different brand as yours, think again, he or she may be the one you have been waiting for.

Acceptance. We all have our unique way of seeing through a view finder or a lens for that matter, it is how we interpret and use our creativity that makes each and every moment, a moment worth telling. What you see may be different from what your partner sees. You may be looking at the same view, but what is important is we share the same inspiration from that same view.

Understanding. Oftentimes more than ever, you need to take a step back to get a bigger and better picture of what really is happening in front of you. In doing this you get to understand the totality of the situation, thus you can react and prepare accordingly.

Simplicity and Contentment. We all have our wish list of camera gears and accessories, but to others, it's a choice between putting food on the table and investing on new lenses or body. We have to be contented with what gears we have, and enhance our skills with it. We make sure that we make the most out of it. Merely buying the most expensive gears doesn't make one a PRO, it's the skills, knowledge, and wisdom accumulated over the years of experience that makes one a PRO. (special thanks to mentors)

Audacity. Everyday we take risks, risk that may or may not have positive results. As story tellers we try push the envelope of our craft, in doing so, we take risks. Taking risks in relationships is as important as risks in photography, nobody makes a masterpiece by playing it safe. Failure is very much a part of every success.

These are just some of the things that photography taught me from my experience. What has photography taught you?

Finding the right camera is like finding "The One" in a relationship

7 things that photography teaches us about relationships