Tip Tuesday

 You may have picked up on the fact I love photography.   

I love everything about it. I love the way you can freeze time.  I love the way you can go back years from now and see them little again.  I love the fact when someone is gone – you can go back and catch the joy again.  I love the fact a single photo can take you back in time in an instant – whether that instant was good or bad. . . you’re back.  I love how the angles all work together and shazam you can have an amazing shot.  I love the fact that photography is like going down a rabbit hole – there are so many twists and turns and the learning never ends.

I love the fact that 10 different photographers can shot the same scene and the outcome will be 10 different shots.    

and that to me . . .  is amazing. 

I love the art.

I have grown to realize photos are important.  Portraits of loved ones can become the most important thing you have left of that person.  If printed beautifully, portraits can live forever.

As a Photographer, for the most part,  I’m self taught. 

I don’t know if that’s good or bad but, that’s what I’ve got.   I’ve picked up things along the way from a much loved cousin.  I read everything I can find. I watch videos late into the night.   I have asked people here and there about this or that and have often gotten very discouraging answers. . . like just stay in auto.  But, I didn’t.  I kept trying. 

Today,  I am asked about photography by new photographers and it thrills me. 

The statement I hear most is: “What kind of camera do you have?”   or  “What kind of camera should I buy?”

and then I hear:  “Why don’t my photos look like yours?” 

and that brings me here:

I would like to introduce “Tip Tuesday”. . . today Tip Tuesday will be on a Thursday but, we are going to look the other way and roll with it.   

I do hope in time other photographers will want to join me here and the tips will be  amazing . . .  but, for right now . . . I’m starting where I am. 

With me. 

Starting at the beginning

“What kind of camera do you have?”

Nikon D 7000 

What camera should I buy? 

When I was ready to buy a camera I did a lot of research, I shopped and waited and researched more.  In the end, I went with a Nikon simply because the Nikon was a match for my goals and my budget.

At the end of the day here is the biggest things I can tell you:  start right where you are.  Seems dumb to say I know, but it’s true.  Think about what your goals are for your photography.  Do you want a point and shot to capture your little guys running around, to take on trips to photograph amazing sights?  Are you planning on taking your photography to another level – maybe start a photography business?

Decide what you want: Own it and start where you are. 

If you answered just a little point and shot is great for me: take a good look at your phone.  People can take amazing photographs with their phones.

You want to take your images to a new level and then maybe start a business? Amazing! Now you’re talking my language.  My first “real” camera was a used Nikon D5000.  I had the kit lens and I still love it.

I learned so much with this little camera.   I learned how to shoot the beautiful bokeh background, shoot without a flash, capture a moving target and started to train my eye to shoot tack sharp images.

Even though I would have loved to have the fancy new camera looking back here is what I’ve learned: You don’t need all the bells and whistles to create a dream come true.   If you can afford all the bells and whistles then GO for it!   But,  here’s the thing: If you don’t work on technique the bells and whistles are just bells and whistles.  I know more people with a bell and whistle camera who have no idea what any of it’s for. It’s like buying an amazing new oven, not know how to bake and expecting French pastry.  You can pop the thing on Auto but, you won’t have any control over your shot.

and the control is what makes the shot. The control is what gives you the dreamy catch light and bokeh.    It’s all in the control baby. 

So with that said, start where you are and be okay with it.  Do your research. Be honest with what your goals are and just start where you are.

and that’s our first tip Tuesday on a Thursday.

See you in two weeks

xx

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a fun game of spoons

getting my hair done by my favorite hair lady

a cute new do

surprises in my camera

good work to be done

surprise visit

warmer days

kids feeling better

a new table I love