A great camera is an investment. It is the gift that keeps giving!  It helps capture those precious moments  throughout the years that we might otherwise forget. A picture is worth 1,000 words as it has been said. Looking back at old photos sparks so many memories and emotions for me. My dad endlessly chronicled our childhood photos and now it’s such a joy to look back and reminisce about the good ‘ole days. Thank goodness for cameras and photos. I’m so lucky to know that I look like my paternal great grandmother, and my sister has my maternal grandmother’s traits. We would never know these resemblances without photographs.

I’ve been getting lots of questions about what kind of camera I use to take my pictures. Here are some ideas to share about how I chose my equipment.

 

When I started blogging I had a certain aesthetic in mind. Then I realized, having a camera to capture beautiful images would help me to further my goals.

I have the Canon EOS 6D. Local friends: I purchased from Procam in Aurora and was able to trade in my old camera. Then I used that credit toward purchasing a new one. Steve worked with me so I could make the right, informed decision. He was very knowledgeable about camera equipment.

Lens: I have a 50mm f/1.4 prime lens that I use daily. Typically, people start with the 50mm 1.8 because of it’s great price point, around $150+. Then when they feel like they are improving their photography skills, they work up to a f/1.4 , then f/1.2. The price difference between f/1.4 and f/1.2 is substantial. I’ve been really happy with my $350 purchase. The 50mm lens is great for capturing an incredibly sharp image with a prefect blurry background.  I use it a lot with blogging for flat lays, detail shots, and taking close up pictures of the twins.

I also purchased a Wide Angle Lens 24-105mm. This is the big daddy lens that’s loved by both photographers and bloggers.  I love it for blogging (especially capturing home decor pictures) because I can get an entire room and then zoom in on details. It’s great for outdoors too and I decided to get a new camera/lens last fall when my Dad was taking family pictures. We couldn’t all fit into the shot with a beautiful red barn in the background.  Then and there I was ready to make the investment. I love this lens! The only issue is it’s pretty big so it’s not easy to carry for day-long adventures.

Camera Accessories: I definitely recommend purchasing  lens covers to protect against daily dirt from finger prints, and especially messes like sand and sunscreen if you like taking pictures at the beach. I also purchased a tripod. Using a tripod really makes a difference in the quality of the photo. If you are blogging and need to take a room shot, it helps make it sharper because you don’t have a shaky hand. Also a tripod comes in handy with the Canon EOS 6D. If you download the Canon Camera Connect App, you can use your cell phone to take pictures while your camera is on the tripod.  One last item that I’ve used a lot with blogging is a photo reflector disc. If only we could all have that coveted Barbara Walters filter all day. Now Instastories offers it, but this is how you get it the old fashioned way, and get more control. You can filter sunlight through the disc or reflect more light onto your subject to make it brighter.

My advice to you is, if you are on the fence, take the leap and buy a nice camera. As you hone your photography skills you can upgrade as you go. Also: local camera shops allow you to rent cameras and lenses before you purchase them, so grab one for the weekend and give that baby a test drive! If you want to get a family photo, purchase a tripod or do a trade with a friend. Meet them at your favorite local park, and you take their families pictures. Then they can take yours. Here are 5 Tips to help you capture that perfect photo.

It has taken me a year to learn how to use my camera. It’s all been trial and error. But purchasing a camera has been invaluable experience.

You already a photographer. The pictures you take are part of the beautiful legacy you leave behind.  What better gift is there?

I’ll be doing another post in the near future to share how I edit photos.

 

XO,

Dor

Thank you to ProCam for sponsoring this post

 

 

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