For today's photography picks, we hark back to the basics. After all, it is the photographer and not the expensive camera that creates a memorable picture.

In a time where even amateur photographers with digital SLRs are a common sight, creative director David Bartholow of the Gorilla vs. Bear music blog gets strange looks when he whips out his camera of choice: a plastic Polaroid.

Yet these Polaroids pics are definitely more unique and eye-catching than the digital photos that get re-circulated over and over on the Internet.

Avoid more of the same by shooting a wider variety of subject matter and events. Photographer Martin Parr suggests some travel photography options that divert from the usual posed, smiling portraits. Opt for pictures of a more documentary nature, he says. The more candid and honest moments (even of "crying fits") should be captured too.

Martin Parr: How to Take Better Holiday Photographs [Guardian]

Polaroids on Gorilla vs Bear Blog [NYTimes]

Shepard Fairey, AP Trial Date Set for March [LA Times]

Lehman Brothers' Art Auction Offers Glimpse into the Secret World of Corporate Collecting [Telegraph]