Can you tell this was taken with an $8 lens?

Every month, I do a photoshoot for an upscale bar — a recurring client that expects polished, professional images every time.

But this time, I decided to take on a challenge.
I shot the entire session with a vintage Vivitar lens I found in a second-hand store in Mexico for $8.

Here’s the kicker: This lens has scratches on the glass and looks like something you’d walk past without a second thought.

The result?
High-end, professional photos, straight out of the camera. No editing.

But let me be real for a second:
This wasn’t just about creativity or luck.
This was the result of years of learning — mastering lighting, composition, and understanding how to make ANY gear work to its fullest potential.

I wanted to prove a point:
You don’t need the perfect equipment to create amazing work. What you need is knowledge, practice, and a willingness to take risks.

So here’s my challenge to you:
What’s one creative risk you’ve been putting off because you don’t feel ready? Or maybe because your tools aren’t “perfect”?

Take the leap. Start learning. Start experimenting. You might surprise yourself.

Let me know in the comments — what’s the boldest thing you’ve done with limited resources? Let’s inspire each other!