Photography
On Christmas morning 2010, I opened what may be the most coveted gift of my adult life.
A Canon EOS Rebel XS.
I find that photographers of all kinds – amateurs, professionals and everything in between – treat the very art of photography like some people treat politics. Once an opinion is formed, it can be very difficult to sway. I’ve found this to be true most often in the case of Canon vs. Nikon, Photoshop vs. Lightroom and Tripod vs. No Tripod.
Truth be told, I rather enjoy picking a side and duking it out (for the record, I’m Canon, Lightroom and Tripod whenever I can afford it, respectively.) I’m very new to everything about this wonderful world so it’s going to be a learning process from here on out.
On Jan. 1, I decided to embark on a photo project – my own take on a 365 Project – which I call Project (F)rame (O)f (R)eference Life. Each day, I’ll be taking, posting and writing about a photo. There’s no theme and often no rhyme or reason to it, I’m doing it to document my process, learn and just, well, enjoy life.
The two lenses I use are an 18-55 mm – the standard lens that came with the camera – and a 50 mm f/1.8 that came from The Twenty-Fifth Year sponsor Cailyn and Brian. From time to time, you’ll also see shots taken with an 85 mm f/1.8 that I rent from borrowlenses.com – a fantastic sight that allows you to rent and try lenses of all kinds without investing big bucks to purchase.
I chose my Canon after some research and a lot of face time with Alex’s this summer. Truth be told, a Nikon felt better in my hands, but side by side, I liked the way the Canon took and produced photos better. I highly recommend shopping around, doing lots of research and getting a protection plan if it’s offered. I cannot even imagine dropping this baby, but if I do, I’m covered.
As for resources, I’m pretty much relying on the good old Internet and one fabulous book to guide me through this.
The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby is one of the best reference tools I’ve come across. Kelby is the author of dozens of books on the subject and known as one of the best in the business. He guides you through topics like you were on a shoot with him, skipping the long lecture and just telling you what lenses, aperture and settings to use. He’s witty and a little sarcastic, which may be what I love about him the most.
I’ve read and re-read the tips from Ashley at The Edible Perspective and found them to be very helpful. Before I got my camera, reading it felt a lot like my Spanish 101 class in college. Now that I’ve got the tools in my hands, it makes much more sense. Bueno!
I hop around a lot of photography sites and blogs. My absolute favorite is Kelle Hampton. Just a warning – there is music, but I promise you, it beautifully accompanies this woman’s amazing gift to write and take photos like nothing I have ever seen.
I love the shots Heather at Dooce takes – she’s one heck of a writer, too. I just stumbled upon Hula Seventy and love her color themed posts. If you’re into fashion photos, I suggest looking no further than Stylish White Female and Cupcakes and Cashmere – although hers is a little of everything else, too. I’ll be adding more as I find them – please feel free to share more!
My best advice is the rules I live by for my own photography: take more photos than you need, don’t delete in the field, don’t be afraid to get down on the ground or up in the air and look for an interesting twist on the ordinary. Sometimes it takes me 80 clicks before I get the “money shot.” What you see published is only a fraction of what I actually shoot and believe me, it takes patience and an appetite to never stop learning. Also, natural light will be your best friend. The first few hours of daylight and the last hour of the afternoon/evening make for beautiful shots.
I love your variety in theme and color. Do you prefer having a subject? Any nature shots?
I’m working on the nature shots! Perhaps when things aren’t so brown..
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You have a great eye for taking beautiful photos!!!
I have the same camera and the same book, good choices
Love seeing your new pics every day!
Nice shots! I’m Canon, Lightroom and Tripod too!!
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I love the links that you provided and the info about Canon vs. Nikon and why you chose what you chose.
I got my DSLR for Xmas 2010, got Lightroom a few mos later, a tripod a bit after that, and got a 24-70mm lens a few mos ago too. So in 6 mos, have went from point and shoot to in love with photography as well!
Still have not mastered Lightroom – I am going to buy a book.
Great pics! Keep it up miss.caitlin!