My wife calls my camera my "blankie". At first I carried it just because I was excited to have it and the habit stuck.

Before long I discovered just carrying it improved my work. This happens three ways.

First, opportunity and inspiration. When you happen upon a scene worthy of a capturing, your ready, no more "I wish I had my camera!" And when the artistic mood strikes the camera is there.

Second, an awareness of the photos around you. Something about having the camera on hand makes for a more watchful photographic eye.

Finally, the omnipresence of the camera helps dissolve the feeling of awkwardness carrying and using a camera evokes. Holding and using the camera becomes natural and unhindered by self concious hesitation. Not noticing other people noticing you using a camera is a valuable skill.

Carry it everywhere. Carry it all the time.

This shot was just a door in an art gallery I passed through last week in Mexico. Without a camera at the ready this would have passed without a capture. ISO 400, 1/50 sec, f/5, Sigma 18-200 at 42mm with stabilization on.