I often get questions from readers and workshop participants about our photography. Many simply want to know what camera we use, while others want specific tips on how we capture certain shots of our field or flowers. What I’ve found over time is that most people simply want to gain the confidence and basic skills to take photos with their camera in something other than automatic mode. They want to document their lives in a more artistic and technically proficient way. Or they simply want to take better photos of their kids, gardens or crafts to share or post online. Regardless of what the motivation is, I invariably encourage anyone wanting to up their game when it comes to photography is to take the Eyes Open Creative Photography E-course.
Chris and I took this class a few years ago and learned so much. It really was a turning point for this little blog and you can visibly see the difference in photos I posted before and after completing the course. Good photography has been invaluable in telling and sharing our story.
What is great about the e-course is that participants of all skill levels how to master their cameras, learn the basics of photography, take better portraits, think creatively, and infuse their daily lives with more artistry and intention. With the New Year upon us, this is the perfect time to spend some of the slower months mastering the art of photography. This course was designed for the type of person who does not learn well from reading a manual; it is interactive, visual, written in an easy to understand way that is not intimidating, and you choose how much time you put into it depending on your schedule.
Another question I’m often asked is what I would recommend as a good starter camera. I’m not an expert in camera gear, so I asked Erin Little, the creator of the Eyes Open Creative Photography E-Course to share a few quick tips about choosing cameras and lenses. So, if you’re looking to invest in a new camera or want to get a jump start on your New Years resolution to take better photos, read on:
Erin Little: A lot of my students ask me about cameras and lenses, especially during and after the holiday season. What is best and why? I always say that starting out, you want to invest in a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera body, but the lenses that come with the camera are often poor quality and you will not get the results you want. Lenses are the most important components of good quality images. DSLRs give you the ability to shoot manually, adjust your settings for working with really low light, and also to change your lenses based on what you are shooting. For most of my students, an entry-level DSLR such as the Nikon D3300 or the Canon EOS Rebel are the best options. Depending on Nikon versus Canon: it’s all a personal preference. Sometimes one will feel better in your hands than another, but if you don’t have the option of trying them out, just go with your gut. Either option will work well for you!
In addition to a camera body, having a good lens that can shoot well in low-light (to avoid needing a flash) and give you that depth of field everyone is after in their photos is essential. I always tell my students to start out with a 50mm 1.8f lens. It is relatively inexpensive, but produces amazing results. It’s a great portrait lens, it’s great for shooting still life and details, and it works in low light. The lens that comes with most starter cameras is better for use outside where a lot of light is available, and more for landscapes or scenic shots.
So between a camera body and a 50mm 1.8f lens, you will be all set up to start learning how to take some amazing photos!
Thanks for the tips! Erin has also offered a $30 off discount to all Floret readers who enroll in the next Eyes Open E-course which starts January 16th and runs for 6 weeks. To take advantage of this offer simply enter code “floretholidays” at checkout.
I’m also giving away a free registration in Erin’s online course to THREE lucky blog readers. Enter to win by January 5 below and I’ll announce winners here on January 6.
All photos in the post provided by Erin Little. Note: this is not a promoted post.
Katy on
Just registered! Super pumped. Thanks for the discount!