I guess we have different personalities in mind when it comes to gear-heads. I think of them as people chasing tiny (sometimes imperceptible) improvements which

I guess we have different personalities in mind when it comes to gear-heads. I think of them as people chasing tiny (sometimes imperceptible) improvements which only require you to buy something as opposed to learning something. (much like the casual bikers who chase tiny weight reductions or obsess over which bike is more "aero"). >My point was that phones can and are making great pictures without requiring a bag full of gear, and that it's highlighting that gear is secondary to the skills you listed. I'd phrase it differently though, and I'm sure you'd agree. I'd say that gear isn't secondary, but gear is a tool that should be used when appropriate. You still need carry an external flash/light/etc if you want to light your subject in poor light. You still need to carry a long lens if you want to take a picture of an eagle perched in a tree. You still need a tripod if you want long exposures, etc, etc.