I don't just know it, I agree wholeheartedly with everything you said. Just trying to dispel the myth that $15k in lenses is the only way to be serious about photography.

I'm glad you caught the "even." It's intentional. Sometimes, less is more; when the camera gear ceases to get "in the way" of the moment, truly great photography is born. All of WWII was recorded with portable handhelds and fixed lenses; a soldier can't carry ten pounds of glass.

I took these without a tripod, and most weren't even with a decent DSLR. But, it was decent enough, and afforded me the freedom I needed to travel light and not miss shots that still take my breath away (and imparted some of the beauty of bike touring to friends, family, and strangers).

I'm allowed to be serious about photography and mileage at the same time. Does it look like I'm compromising?