I have been blogging for about 2 1/2 years now. In that time I have taken quite a lot of photos to use in my posts and have used a point and shoot camera up until about a month ago.
But as I have learned more about photography, I knew I wanted to upgrade and get a DSLR someday. If you look closely at the black camera you can tell I am a DIY blogger – telltale paint smudges.
My Nikon point and shoot took awesome shots and I was very happy with it, but it was pretty beat up. The battery door was duct taped on and I eventually made an angle iron and an old tripod screw into a way to keep it closed. It also got very hot and overheated. The real reason for getting a new one was that the LCD screen was only 1-inch square. I could not see if I got the shot or not until I put the photos into my computer.
I started to do a lot of research into cameras and asked many, many questions. I decided not to buy a DSLR as I wanted to wait to get the best I could afford, so I bought a Canon point and shoot and happily used it over the last year. It had a big 3” LCD screen so I could see instantly if the photo came out.
Over the last year whenever I saw a photo on a blog that I thought was great – vivid and clear, I asked the blogger what kind of camera they used and what lens. I kept a list – Canon vs. Nikon. After awhile I saw that the Canon side was winning – by a lot.
I know a good camera helps capture a great photo, but either brand was going to be good as it is truly the person behind the lens that makes the shot what it is. I also learned that good photography is also about the lens. I never quite understood why you would need so many different lenses, but now I do. I like photos that have the subject in focus and the background is blurry. You need a lens that has a range that goes down to a low number like 1.8 or 2.0. Most entry level DSLR cameras sold come with a kit lens that only goes down to 3.5 – 5.6. To get the blurry background you need the aperture to have a large opening – low number.
After researching and studying for the past year along with some financial assistance from my Dad, I finally made my choice last month and off I went to my local camera store. I picked out a Canon 60D. The guy at the camera store explained every camera to me and all the features. For the money I had the 60 D was going to be it. I bought it with the 18-135 mm kit lens, but also bought the very affordable 1.8 50mm lens for $150. This is the lens I am loving, but I am enjoying using both lenses.
Hopefully with practice and continued learning, I will be able to take a photo as well as Amanda Green Bottoms over at Kevin & Amanda.com does. I love this photo. It is so clear – as if you could reach your hand right into the photo to take a bite out of the cake.
All of Amanda’s photography is wonderful. Her camera is a Canon 7D. I have learned so much from her tutorial posts and was so excited when I got to meet her at the Blissdom Conference. I wanted to chat with her all day, but only got about 10 minutes.
If you are interested in learning more about photography and DSLR’s her post entitled: Photography Tutorial: A Quick Guide to Understanding Your DSLR Camera is a good place to start.
Another great resource where I have learned a lot about photography is from Heather Bullard. Her blog was the first blog I ever landed on and is what made me want to start blogging in the first place.
Her images are just beautiful. Her subjects, lighting, composition – everything. She doesn’t have tutorials on her site, but I have learned quite a bit just by studying her photos. They are so inspiring. She uses a Nikon D700.
Photo: Heather Bullard
I understood the “photography trio” to taking a great photo: Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO separately, but putting them together is where things got a little fuzzy for me. I practiced and practiced, but was still having trouble – some shots would come out, others not so much. It was pure luck if I got a good shot.
FYI – using a DSLR does not guarantee good photos. If you think that as soon as you take it out of the box you are going to create beautiful shots –not going to happen unless you are a good photographer to begin with. The difference I did notice immediately though, was I could take a photo in a dim room and it looked like a bright sunny day, if I opened up the aperture. I could never have done that with my point and shoot without the photo looking grainy and fuzzy.
What made the “photography trio” – Aperture, ISO, Shutter Speed equation click for me was after I took the Photography 101 course offered at the new Photography site Shoot Fly Shoot by Kevin Palmer and Josh Moates. They have a series of videos that visually explain everything you need to know on how to use your camera on the manual setting.
Since I am a visual learner, I figured this course would help me. I signed up the first day the site went live last week and went through all the videos. The video on metering was where I reached my Ahhh…ha moment. WOW! I get it now. No other blog or tutorial explained this part using so much visual detail – I was so excited – click click click – OMG! I got it. Josh and Kevin are so easy going and you feel like they are speaking to you alone. I cannot tell you how much this course helped me. They use Canon cameras, but in the course they show both Canon and Nikon cameras.
Now I have to put all my knowledge into play and practice, practice, and practice some more.
I like the way the shot of the top of my desk came out – with the blurry background. That is a first for me with a 50mm lens. Still need lots of practice, but hopefully if I keep taking photos and learning I will be able to take photos like – Amanda, Heather, Kevin, and Josh and all the other bloggers who take beautiful photos.
I was in Vermont over the weekend and did try out my newly learned skills and was pretty happy at how they turned out. Even while I was in a moving car I got a few decent shots of a frozen section of Lake Champlain.
See those black dots on the iced-over lake?
I zoomed in and those dots are ice fisherman! ARE THEY CRAZY? It was a nice sunny day in Vermont and the ice was melted on other parts of the lake. It must be very deep here, which is even more scary.
Passed this place – love the name, but didn’t have time to stop. Looks like it would be a fun place to browse and perhaps find an inexpensive treasure.
After toting my camera around all weekend, I realized I needed a better way to keep the camera close, but hands free. The strap that came with the camera was too short over my bulky coat. I went searching and found this one recommended by Amanda at KevinandAmanda.com. It is a Black Rapid Camera Sling. It has an extra long strap that has a screw on the end that gets screwed into the bottom of the camera where the tripod connects. I think I may be sporting one soon.
Cindy says
03/20/2012 at 9:37 pmThank you for sharing! I want to improve my photography and am at the “lucky shot” point you were once at. I have also been studying photos that draw me in to try to identify what is attractive.
Lisa @ A Room with a View says
03/19/2012 at 10:30 amThank you for sharing this info, Diane. I am close to purchasing a DSLR and have registered on Shoot Fly Shoot where they teach a course and sell cameras. Fingers crossed. Love all your pics and particularly the gorgeous one in your study with those amazing flowers. I think you are making so much progress already with the new instruction.
christine says
03/17/2012 at 11:02 amYou are my “go to” blog! And the first one I pull up!
Now that you have this great camera, I’m sure your blog will be addicting.
Great information… even if I plan on keeping my point and shoot.
Diane says
03/18/2012 at 10:59 amHi Christine – Thanks so much. That is so nice to hear. I love blogging and it makes me so happy to know that what I write about is inspiring to you. Thanks for taking the time to tell me – it means a lot.
Tammy @ P K Glitz says
03/16/2012 at 11:28 amI actually have a Nikon and I really like it and I am sure I could get a lot better photos if I would just learn how to use it properly ;) Your photo of your desk is just gorgeous. When I first saw it – I thought – “those professional photographers always have the best props. That is what makes their photos look so good” Anyway – I love those flowers and the clock is perfect. Your photos look fabulous!
Bernadette @ B3HD says
03/16/2012 at 1:43 amI need to take some time to apply what I’ve learned in really great classes to my photography too. Some day. Congrats on the new camera!
Bernadette
Ronnie Gunn Tucker says
03/15/2012 at 8:37 pmTHANK YOU!
Denise says
03/15/2012 at 8:19 pmThanks so much for all of this. I plan to take that class.
Diane says
03/15/2012 at 10:51 pmHi Denise – The course made all the difference for me. They break it all down step by step visually holding the camera up so you can see exactly what they are doing in each step. It was just what I needed to understand the confusing stuff.
Sandy says
03/15/2012 at 4:06 pmA camera sling!!!!!! That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking about! I thought I would have to make something for myself. I dislike standard camera straps. They are uncomfortable and annoying. Thanks for that wonderful revelation! I love my 50mm lens too. It seems to be my “go to” lens these days. Also going to have to go check out Shoot Fly Shoot. Always looking for ways to improve my photography. Thanks!
Sophie says
03/15/2012 at 10:40 pmHey Sandy, the black rapid camera strap is the WAY TO GO! I literally stood in the Rapid Strap booth at WPPI (big huge wedding and photography convention) in Vegas just a few weeks ago and sang the praises of this strap. I have awful neck and back issues, and this strap has SAVED me. I own a photography studio in Montana and can’t believe I ever lived without this strap. Get one! You won’t be sorry!!
Diane says
03/15/2012 at 10:45 pmHi Sophie – It looks like exactly what I need too. It is good to know that you sing its praises. Thanks
Diane says
03/15/2012 at 10:59 pmHi Sandy-
We have Amanda @Kevin and Amanda to thank for posting about the strap on her blog. That is where I found the info on it.
Shoot Fly Shoot says
03/15/2012 at 12:33 pmHi Diane!
Thank you so much for the wonderful shout-out! We had a blast making the videos and I’m so happy you enjoyed the class! :)
Diane says
03/15/2012 at 3:05 pmHi Josh and Kevin – I am so excited to understand my camera now – you guys made it so clear and the videos were so easy to follow. I am thrilled and so happy I signed up for the course. It made all the difference for me. If you were standing right in front of me I would give you each a big hug! Thanks! Looking forward to Photography 102.
Kim says
03/15/2012 at 10:21 amHey there Diane. I too love Shoot Fly Shoot and bought the Canon 3Ti earlier this week with the 18-55 kit lens as well as the 55-250 IS lens (I think that is it). They didn’t have the 50MM 1.8 in stock so I just ordered mine last night. Can’t wait to get it. :o)
Diane says
03/15/2012 at 11:07 amHi Kim – It is an exciting purchase, isn’t it? When you get the 50mm – you are going to love how your photos come out. I can understand now why it got it’s name of Nifty Fifty. I am saving my pennies as it is going to take lots of them for a 24-70mm lens. In the meantime I may buy a few used or inexpensive lenses to play with.
[email protected] says
03/15/2012 at 10:06 amWe just got an Olympus PEN Mini–and we love it. I’m such a newbie to photography that I don’t even really know how to write/talk about it, but I know this: I can take better pics with the Mini than I did with our DSLR. (My partner Cane is the one with photography know-how.) And, with two lenses, I can get the blurred background shots I want and the usual shots. (All the shots taken in our most-recent post were done with the new camera, and I took most of them.) The best part about the Mini is that is is (yes!) mini! It’s so easy to carry around when we’re out and about.
Thanks for the info on the class. That’s something I’d like to look into…
Suzy @ Worthing Court says
03/15/2012 at 7:49 amI’m so glad you posted this, Ann. I’ve been considering signing up for Shoot Fly Shoot. I’m glad to hear a “review” from someone who has already taken it. My camera is a Nikon, but surely the class would still be beneficial. Thanks for letting us know about that strap too – I going to have to get one of those. My front side is big enough on it’s own without a having a big ol’ honkin’ camera hanging around my neck – if you know what I mean! ;o) I can’t leave without telling you that that I think you have great photo skilz!
Diane says
03/15/2012 at 9:07 amHi Suzy –
The course at Shoot Fly Shoot talks about both Canon and Nikon cameras, so it doesn’t matter what brand of camera you use. They go over both and when they are holding up a Canon to show a certain way to change a setting they will then explain how to do it on a Nikon. They have it all covered.
Kathleen says
03/15/2012 at 3:34 amHi Diane,
I’m right there with Cynthia. Your’s was the first blog I started following a little over a year ago (I think), and your’s continues to be one of my favorites – largely because of your wonderful images (and your elegant accompanying narratives). I too have been inspired to start my own blog and while still in ‘practice’ mode, I quickly realized I was going to need to up my photography skills. Because I’m both a visual and _hands-on_ learner, I joined a beginner digital photography class at the local community college and, after three classes, I have to admit, my head’s about to explode. I’m still waiting for my ‘aha’ moment. But to your point – clearly it’s a matter of practice, Practice, PRACTICE. And so I shall.
The other skill I’ve yet to tackle – and one you display so masterfully – is _story-telling_ – which seems to entail knowing what shots need to be taken to tell the story effectively – and then composing a compelling narrative to accompany the shots. Nearly sixty years old and I feel like such a plebe! I’m in awe, and grateful and jealous all at once – (but mostly grateful). -k
Diane says
03/15/2012 at 9:46 amHi Kathleen –
Thanks for the nice note XO. I, too struggle with writing and the narrative.I belong to a bloggers group and we talk about this all the time and how to best do it. What seems to be the general consensus is to just be yourself as if you were talking to your best friend. Don’t try to copy another writers style – just do it the way it flows out of you. It does get easier over time. My friends tell me that I write the way I talk and they like that. It is truly me, my personality, and authentic voice coming through. When I write the steps for the tutorials – I have to think of the progression and before I write any of it, I plan it out in my mind so I know what types of photos I will need to accompany the written words. This becomes easier over time, too. The more you do it the better you get- so practice is the best thing you can do, even if you make a few mistakes along the way – just keep at it.
[email protected]nie Nikiforoff Designs says
03/15/2012 at 2:08 amWell, I got “spoiled” on my first time use of a digital. When I was in Civil Air Patrol we took aerial photos with a Nikon D200. So when I decided to get my own digital I couldn’t afford that much…and had to get a $250 point and shoot. However, I practiced with all the settings until I found ones that worked in varying lights. Still not as nice as the more pricey ones, but you can vary several necessary factors if you work at it ;-)
One thing I was told is that many Nikon lens that were used on film cameras can be used on Nikon digitals, but the Canons not so. Maybe those people that told me that were wrong. Unfortunately we have a very nice Canon film camera, several lens, filters, different flashes, etc. that now are like a dinosaur. But we got pretty good at taking pics…I won a photography award with a still life I took with that film camera….Ah yes, those were the days ;-)
Enjoy your new camera!
Diane says
03/15/2012 at 9:55 amHi Connie –
Digital is so much easier than film, but film cameras will always have that classic appeal, especially for camera enthusiasts. Knowing how to rock a film camera gives you all the more experience when shooting with a digital. I loved both my point and shoots and learned everything about them – they are truly remarkable – perhaps someday with the ever changing and improvement of technology – point and shoots will be able to do everything a DSLR can. Congrats on your award!
Laura @ Ms Smartie Pants says
03/14/2012 at 11:24 pmI am so glad to hear this class was great. I seriously gave thought to taking it, I think I will go sign up. And just so you know when I saw that pic of your desk the other day I thought what a beautiful photo!
Diane says
03/14/2012 at 11:37 pmHi Laura – It is nice to hear about the desk photo – I was so excited when I saw how they came out – not perfect, but getting there. It does take practice, but I am enjoying it. The class was so worth the $69 dollars. I have read many tutes and the metering is never written about as much as ISO, shutter speed, etc. It all made sense to me after viewing that video. One nice thing about the class you can go back to the videos again and again so it all sinks in.
Cynthia says
03/14/2012 at 11:22 pmDiane,
This post couldn’t have had more perfect timing! I’ve been following your blog for a while and have been inspired by you and others to start one of my own. What I enjoy most of the blogs I follow are the images. So I understand how you feel about having good photos on your blog. I want the same thing. By the way, I thought the pictures on your site always looked great.
I to am starting off with a point and shoot too, but, have been looking at DSLRs. I can totally relate to the process you went through in choosing a camera. I’m there right now!
I also came across the same sites you did for help. As soon as I get my camera, I’ll be taking Josh and Kevin’s class. Glad to hear it helped you.
Good luck with your new camera!
Diane says
03/14/2012 at 11:32 pmHi Cynthia –
Thanks. I, like you love the images on blogs – I guess that is one reason Pinterest is so popular. Best of luck with your blog, too. I love the name – so clever. Since you are the first one to leave a comment on this post – not sure if you read it through a feed or email, but I hit publish by accident before I finished editing and spell checking. All my typos are fixed now :)