"there are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs”

~ a n s e l a d a m s

I've been getting many comments and emails about photography and my camera and what equipment I use so I decided to do an entire post about it.

Before I delve into the nitty gritty, I just want to let you know that the past couple of weeks have been extremely busy for me which explains the near to nothing posts. Last week, FM and I decided on a whim to go to Cabo, Mexico. We leave this coming Monday which meant it only left me this week and the weekend to prepare and take care of what needed to be done. Which is why there isn't a PQ feature today and there also won't be one next week. But it'll resume again in 2 weeks.

Ok, let's talk camera now...

Images via Amazon & B&H

All the photographs you see on my site were shot with either my Nikon D60 dSLR or my Canon Powershot SD1100IS point & shoot. Obviously the photos that look a little "cooler" are shot with my Nikon. But, don't knock the little guy. I've gotten some amazing images from my little Canon.


Here's just a break down of what I use and how:

• I would say 97% of the time when I shoot with my Nikon D60, I use the 55-200mm lens (which is a zoom lens).
• Most of my outfits were shot using my Canon and my mini tripod.
• If I'm shooting an outfit w/my Nikon, I have FM take the photos or I use my full-sized tripod.
• I inherited my full-sized tripod from my dad so I have no idea where it's from. The most important thing to keep in mind when buying a full-sized tripod is its weight - make sure it's heavy and it can support the weight of your dSLR and then some. How heart breaking would it be if your tripod tipped over and cracked your lens or damaged your camera. I can't even bear to think about it.
  
• Also, when I shoot my outfits w/my Nikon + tripod, I use a wireless remote trigger. You can get one for less than $20 at a camera store.
• I edit with Photoshop.
  
• I usually carry my Nikon in my bag. I have a tendency to only lug around oversized bags so this works for me. Diaper bags are another good (and stylish) way to carry your equipment. They have many different sized compartments, are usually padded, and they're made to fit a woman's body and not be too cumbersome to carry. And prolly what I will end up getting soon for my lenses is a Shootsac by the extremely talented Jessica Claire.
  

If you're planning on buying a dSLR...Nikon or Canon?

• This debate is as tired as iPhone vs. Blackberry (*cough* Blackberry FTW *cough*). Here's the thing - when it comes to the consumer level (ie: newbie or amateur photographer), there isn't a significant difference. They all have the same functions and settings and if you took a photo of the same image w/both cameras using the same settings, the photo will look the same.
• Go and physically hold each body. I have small hands and I found the Nikon fit more nicely than the Canon. Also, the Nikon felt sturdier to me which I also liked.
• Play with them. I spent a good amount of time with each body, playing with the settings and seeing which was more user friendly. When I was looking into dSLRs, I didn't know a thing about apertures and ISO and shutter speeds so I knew the camera had to be really simple and user friendly and easy to navigate thru the different controls. This is all personal opinion. I've had many people tell me Canons are a lot easier to work with but when I looked at both, I found I was able to work the Nikon better.
• They're both equally amazing cameras. If you own a camera from either brand, you'll love it and you'll have the capability to take great photos. It's a matter of what you like. Just remember that.

Again...don't knock the little guy!

• My Canon Powershot is a powerful little toy. I've gotten some shots that looked like it was taken with a dSLR.
  
• Get to know the little guy. You can learn so much from your little digi-cam. Learn what the functions are, what each menu setting can do. The better you get to know a simple point and shoot, the easier it will be for you to pick up a dSLR.
  
• I've had instances where my photos from my digi-cam came out better than a fancy dSLR w/all the right equipment and lenses. Honest.
  

Final tips:

• Just shoot. My friend, who is an awesome photographer, gave me one piece of advice when I got my Nikon that was the best thing anyone could have ever told me: Just go out there and shoot anything and everything.
  
• Don't be scared of your camera. Play with the settings.
  
• Learn the fundamentals, then experiment - try different setting combinations.
  
• There's no right or wrong way to do things. It's the way you view your settings, the world. If you're happy with it, then it's a great photograph.
• Youtube and forums are the best places to learn. Also, check online for local classes and workshops. You'd be surprised to see how cheap a lot of them are (but very informative). I also read a lot of trade magazines and I read a slew of photography blogs.
  

Bottom line (and what you need to aware of before you splurge on expensive stuff), it's not the camera that produces great photos, it's the photographer. You can have all the top of the line equipment at your hands, but if you don't know how to use it or unsure of what you're doing, you might as well just throw it all out.

Good luck and happy shooting!

Disclaimer: I am by no means a professional. Nor am I suggesting you follow everything I've outlined in this post. These are strictly my own personal views and what I've learned and picked up along the way. If you find any of this helpful, then I'm happy. :)