I’m insanely passionate about the topic of photography and can go on for hours…
I still have so much to learn – and realize I still make errors – but I think I’ve racked up a sufficient amount of knowledge to speak on the subject. Plus, it’s one topic several bloggers have asked me about pretty frequently. I realize how big the demand is these days for high-quality and professionally edited photographs so I’m happy to share the photography tips and lessons I’ve accrued over the years. I remember being clueless as hell and having no one to talk to when it came to this ever-intimidating subject so let me make this as basic as possible. Note that most of this information is purely based on my experience and research, which I’ve confirmed with much higher caliber photographers.
If you have extra questions, feel free to leave them in the comments and I’ll follow up!
What camera and lens do you shoot with?
In December 2012, I purchased a Nikon D5100 with a 50mm 1.4, which I later upgraded to a full-frame in 2014 – a Nikon D610. At that time, my photography arsenal was just budding and in my kit was a 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, and 35mm 1.4. I didn’t think I’d upgrade anymore but came December 2016, I leveled up to a D750 with a 24-120mm. As of August 2017, I’ve switched over to Canon – now shooting with a 5D Mark III with a 24-70mm 2.8.
I may have told this story several times now and I’m telling it again for the people who don’t know or forgot. The reason why this matters is because it’s NEVER about your gear to a certain extent. The most common misconception, which blows my mind til this day is thinking that buying a better camera will allow you to take better pictures. It won’t. Every single time I upgraded, changed my camera, or bought a new lens, it was because I wanted something that my current set up wasn’t allowing me to achieve.
I decided to go full-frame from a D5100 because I failed to realize I was buying purely full-frame lenses and really wanted to maximize their capability and benefits on a full-frame camera. By the time I upgraded, I was pretty confident in my understanding of the exposure triangle and FOCUSING methods my camera had to offer. If you don’t already understand the basics, upgrading is almost pointless. I swapped my D610 for the D750 because I realized how poorly the D610 performed in low light during a wedding I shot. And finally went from the D750 to the Canon 5D3 for the sake of my work! My point is, every time I upgraded, there was a purpose I was looking to fulfill. Cameras don’t make your photos. You do.
What lenses are best for street style and blog photography?
I hate to disappoint you, but there is almost no black and white answer when it comes to photography. It’s all about preference and style. I’ve done tons of research on photographers and bloggers I follow and respect – and now know why they like the lenses they use. You really have to experiment! Personally, the 35mm is my favorite for the environmental aspect and also for that bit of distortion when I need it. I think the 50mm is probably the most popular among bloggers. So that you get an idea of what I mean, consider this… Phil Oh loves using a 35mm, Adam Katz Sinding loves his 85mm, and I know that Sandra Semburg’s all-around favorite is a 50mm. That should give you an idea of which focal lengths are commonly used in the industry. When traveling or shooting blog work, I love using the 24-70mm (or 24-105mm would be perfect too) because it gives me the range I need to cover. I can get that 35mm focal length, 50mm, or compression at 70mm.
Canon or Nikon or Sony?
As someone whose shot all three systems, you can’t go wrong with any. In my opinion, colors come out much more vibrant on a Canon versus a Nikon – this won’t matter too much if you plan on post processing your photos. However, it does change the post processing game. Also, I much prefer the focusing system on the Nikon over the Canon, but I think Canon outperforms Nikon in low light. Another system to consider is mirrorless for their compact size. Sony’s really upped their mirrorless game outputting stellar cameras like the A6000 and a7R II. These cameras far exceed their DSLR counterparts in video and technology, but I assure you, there will always be a place for DSLRs.
In all honesty, each system has its perks and you really can’t go wrong. Pick one, stick with it, and master it – that’s the best advice I can give here.
How long did it take you to learn photography?
FOREVER. I was super slow at learning photography because I took my time in learning how to do it right. Too many people jump into the craft without the patience and tenacity to notice the nuances that truly make or break a photo. While there are natural artists who pick up the craft quick, I was NOT one of them. Til this day, I sometimes make errors when shooting. For instance, the third photo of Neyla in this post overexposed the buildings. I probably could have underexposed a little more to preserve the details in the background. It’s things like this that I’m constantly paying attention to and striving to prevent the next time I shoot. Also, when I shoot with higher-caliber photographers, I pay attention to EVERYTHING – what settings they’re using (and why), how they stand, how they hold the camera, how they frame, and how they direct. Everything matters! Never think you know enough. Photography is truly a journey – and one I’m constantly embarking on… If I can learn it, know that you can too!
Photoshop or Lightroom?
I can’t live without either – and if you’re really a photographer or pursuing that path, you need both. You can essentially achieve what you want in Lightroom in Photoshop, but the reverse doesn’t hold true. I love Lightroom because it allows me to organize and manage my photos. I’ll also use it to make basic exposure adjustments and color corrections, then move into Photoshop for more detailed edits like skin retouching, removing unwanted objects, or tweaking colors some more. Both are extremely powerful programs and I’d highly recommend them to everyone.
Hope this helps – and again, feel free to ask more questions below!
The photos in this post were shot with a Canon 5D Mark III on a 24-70 f/2.8. Thanks to Neyla for making such a beautiful and charming model.
