Wednesday, November 12, 2008

A few of YOUR questions answered...

Here are a few questions that I have been asked lately....



What camera do you use?

I have the Canon Digital Rebel XTi. It is the first digital SLR camera I have ever had. I think it is a great starting camera. I also get asked, Canon or Nikon? I chose the Canon because it is really good in "low light" situations. I have heard the Nikon is better with color. I guess it just depends on who you talk to. I wouldn't say I am more partial to either brand. From what I can see there are a lot of similarities with all the Nikon camera models that compete with the Canon XTi. One thing I have focused on is buying really good glass. (lenses). I guess I am a Canon girl now because I have bought some really nice Canon glass that will work with the camera I plan to upgrade to. I wouldn't say that I have out grown my XTi. There are a few features that I would like to have, (full frame, for one) but for now I find it is great for me as I learn more about photography.



What is a good lens for portraits?

My favorite lens is the Canon 50mm 1.4. I use it All. The. Time. I have mentioned it before in a previous post about bokeh. There is a 50mm 1.8 that has a fantastic price tag attached to it. Both of these take a bit of getting used to. I would recommend a lot of practice before deciding to get rid of it. Check out all the comments on these two lenses. I really feel like you cannot go wrong with either of these. I plan to purchase the 85mm 1.8 next. It will allow me to get the same results I get with the 50mm at a distance. My kids are used to me in their face with the camera, but I have found that a lot of kids don't like me in their space and I don't get the results I want... real candid smiles. Another great thing about all of these is the LOW LOW aperture. Great for lower light situations. Especially if you are opposed to using flash like I am.



How can I learn to shoot in Manual?

I think this is a very important thing to learn. Why? Because Auto isn't perfect. It is far from perfect. I know just how scary it is to turn that dial to "M"! I will admit that I had a really hard time trying to figure out all the technical stuff. I still don't know how to explain it very well to other people. The Pioneer Woman Photography is a great resource. I am still learning Manual. I think it is a constant learning process. There are so many different lighting situations. The way I am learning? Trial and Error. I am not afraid to shoot over and over until it looks right. I try, and fail. Try and fail. Eventually I started to get it right more often. But, I still mess up. A lot! One way to start is to shoot in AV/A mode. (Aperture priority) Here is a great online explanation that will really help you to understand the difference between Aperture and Shutter priority. Try moving that dial away from Auto! That even means the little pictures. They are Auto as well.



http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/aperture-and-shutter-priority-modes/



Have a question you would like answered?

Email me at littlebitoflove76@gmail.com

2 comments:

The Wright's said...

You are awesome. I think you should start teaching a time management class, a how-to-get-everything-done class. Where do I sign up?

jenn said...

Thank you, thank you, thanky you for all of your help today. You are literally my life-saver. Thanks for being such a great friend and wonderful woman. You amaze me.