GAS: A Real Photographic Illness

Text and photos by Heather Cline 

On a recent photography workshop, a fellow photographer was telling me about a speech he had given on GAS. It had me laughing out loud and I immediately confessed to him that I would be stealing the idea for a photography blog. So - credit for this blog goes to Ken Cawley! 

Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) is a playful yet very real term in the photography world that describes the irresistible urge to keep buying new equipment—whether it’s cameras, lenses, tripods, or accessories—even when your current gear is perfectly capable.

It happens to the best of us—one minute you're browsing gear reviews, and the next you've convinced yourself that a new lens or camera is all you need to take your photography to the next level. That’s the slippery slope of Gear Acquisition Syndrome. You start adding more gadgets to your collection… a few extra lenses, a new tripod, maybe some lighting gear—until you realize you’ve got enough equipment to outfit a small studio. The truth is, chasing gear doesn’t guarantee better photos. If you don’t catch it early, GAS can leave you feeling frustrated, creatively stuck, and looking at an empty wallet. The real magic lies in honing your craft—not just expanding your kit. 

What Causes GAS?

• The “Next Best Thing” Trap: Believing that the latest gear will instantly improve your photography.
• Creative Rut: Feeling stuck and thinking new gear will reignite inspiration.
• Social Comparison: Seeing other photographers with high-end gear and feeling the need to keep up.
• Marketing Influence: Camera companies are masters at making every new release feel essential.

Why It’s a Problem

• Financial Drain: Photography is n expensive pursuit! Constant purchases can add up quickly.
• Clutter & Overwhelm: Too much gear can complicate your workflow.
• Skill Distraction: Focusing on gear instead of technique can stall growth.

How to Manage It

• Hold off on buying anything new. Use What You Have and challenge yourself to shoot with one lens or even your phone.
• Change Your Environment: New subjects or locations can spark creativity without new gear. 
• Join Photo Challenges: These push your skills and help you rediscover your current tools.
• Educate Yourself: Learn new techniques or editing styles to expand your capabilities.

Truly, the best way to overcome GAS is by focusing more on getting out, shooting, and expanding your skills—rather than obsessing over the equipment in your bag. Mastering any skill doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all timeline. It depends on how complex the skill is and how you learn best. But the "10,000-hour rule"—thanks to Malcolm Gladwell—has become a familiar reference point. It’s the idea that consistent, focused practice over time is what really leads to mastery. No matter how shiny or expensive the gear is, adding a new camera or lens won’t magically elevate your work. Growth comes from time, practice, and learning how to truly see through the lens you’ve already got.