[Ollie]

Hi Zan.
I don't think there is any one thing that makes a photograph special. It's down to many things. I think technique plays as big a part if not a bigger part than the kit you are using.

Luck can also play a big part, being in the right place at the right time. Of course the more time you spend out in the field the more chance you will have of capturing that perfect moment.

I do agree with RogerTheCat that researching and knowing your subject well will increase your chance of success.

The one piece of kit that I do find very good is my Lambency diffuser that I use with my flash unit for macro work. There are other diffusers available but I think and this is my opinion only and I will probably get shot down in flames for saying so they are inferior to the Lambency. The Lambency gives as near to natural lighting conditions as is possible by spreading the flash over a wider area therefore giving a softer more natural looking light.

Roger