I've been shooting portraits for five years, and the sharpest lens I own cost less than my cheapest prime. Gear reviews keep pushing megapixels and bokeh, but most of my favorite shots came from a 50mm f/1.8 that I bought used for $150. The real difference between good and average photos isn't the camera—it's the photographer's eye and timing. So is expensive photography equipment actually worth the investment, or are we just feeding a consumerist hobby?