Photography 101

Hi Lovelies.  I have been getting a lot of comments and questions in regards to my photography.  So, I thought I would give a little photography 101.  This is a great way to jump start my pro series that will be happening next week.  So, be sure to check in Wednesday.  Over the course of that week, I have four lovely ladies stopping by to share, fitness, beauty and photography tips, while I’m on vacation in Cancun.

For now let’s jump in to my photography tips for beginners.

Camera

  The camera.  In my opinion, this is the fun part.  I have experience with only one brand, and it’s Canon.  I am on my third Canon camera and I love it.  For a blogger, I recommend a DSLR, but I don’t think you need full frame unless, photography is your focus.  In my opinion, the Rebel T6i from Canon is a great starting place.  Nikon also has some great options too.  I think Nikon vs. Canon is similar to your either an Apple person or a PC person.  So, you have to choose on your own.

Lens

 Once you have your camera body, invest in your lens.  The main distinction is zoom or fixed (prime).  A fixed lens does not zoom.  I started out with only the standard lens 18-55mm (zoom) and a 50mm f/1.8 (fixed).  I highly recommend a 50mm f/1.8 lens for any blogger.  Basically, a 50mm lens let’s you blur out the background more.  Because it’s fixed, you will need to put some distance between you and your object, but it’s worth every penny.  There are so many other terms and types of lens, but for a beginner, I think this is a good place to start.

Camera Settings

When it comes to photography, learning is doing.   So get out and take pictures.  Play with the settings.  Here is a good starting place, with my little camera settings for dummies.  AV mode is your friend.  Again, it gives you that nice blurred out background.  Once in AV mode there are a couple other places to start.

• Focus –  The number that looks like this “f3.5.”  The lower the number, the more it will blur out the background.  For example the 50mm lens will let you drop down to f1.8.  This is great for accessory shots and head shots.  Tip: You typically don’t want to drop to the lowest point.  So, for the 50mm lens, shoot in f2.2-f2.8.  Check what your focal point is.  Typically, you do this by holding down the button half way while looking through the window.  Make any necessary changes and be sure that the spot you want to focus on is highlighted correctly.
• Light – This is all about the -/+ you see on your screen.  If you want to let in more light move up from 0.  If you want to let in less light move down from 0.  Tip: If you change your focal settings go back and check your light settings.  Typically, if you lower the number (f5.0 to f2.2) you need to let in less light, meaning move towards 0. Also, the white balance.  The easy setting is AWB. Tip: If you don’t like the colors that you are achieving, this is a great place to start.  Try choosing the setting that applies to your shooting location.

Natural Light

 For great photos, natural light is key.  The best time of day is the last hour or so of daylight.  If you are shooting indoors, try to set up by a window.  You don’t want it to be direct sunlight coming in, or you may find that you will have shadows.  Tip: When I am indoors I like to shoot when the sun is overhead and with my blinds part way closed.  It let’s in just enough light without shadows.

  Once you have mastered these important tips, there is so much more you can do. But like I said earlier, practice is key. It’s amazing to look back on my blog and my photography to see the changes and how it has developed.  It’s still a work in progress and as I learn and grow I will be here to share.