As you know, I am a beginner when it comes to photography. So naturally it came as a huge surprise to me that so many of you have left comments and sent emails asking what camera and lenses I have, what I use to edit my photos, and for advice when it comes to shooting photos. Afterall…I am definitely not a professional. Let me repeat that…I HAVE LITTLE TO NO KNOWLEDGE WHEN IT COMES TO PHOTOGRAPHY. I just know what I like and what I think looks pretty. And sometimes I get a little lucky.
So first let me tell you about my gear. I own a Rebel XSi. My darling boyfriend bought it for me as a first anniversary present. Little did he know that he bought me my ultimate accessory. Now I rarely leave the house without it strapped around my neck or tucked into my purse. I chose this camera because it was an easy to use beginners DSLR. A DSLR basically means that it is a digital camera that can handle different lenses and can give the photographer accurate framing at the time of picture taking. The Rebel XSi is a 12.2 megapixel camera…so basically it takes big quality photos perfect for printing. And being a beginners DSLR doesn’t mean that it is exactly cheap. They usually run around $500 so this is definitely an investment.
As far as lenses go, I own two lenses. The first is the lens that came with my camera – it is the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ISO (pictured above). It is great as far as cheap lenses go especially since I can get pretty wide angles on the thing and it goes down to f/3.5 (which in my opinion is okay for outdoor pictures and well-lit areas). Here are some examples of photos I have taken with it:
I also own the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 lens. Since the f-stop on this lens goes all the way to 1.8, it can produce those fuzzy backgrounds that I love and does some pretty amazing portraits. Also, it works much better than my other lens in low light situations. I think that it is the best piece of equipment for a Canon for a tight budget (it costs less than $100!).
The bad part is that it is a fixed lens (meaning you can’t zoom in or out…well…you can but you do it with your feet.) Also, it is loud when it focuses…so it’s not exactly appropriate for your kid’s school poetry reading but perfectly fine for a choral recital. Here are some pictures that have been taken with the nifty fifty:
My last little piece of photography equipment is not actually mine. It’s a wide angle lens adapter that screws onto the 18-55mm lens. I ordered one after borrowing my little sisters and it is a really FUN little ditty to play with even though it doesn’t produce the best quality of photos. It does do quite a bit of distortion and vignetting but can capture super wide angles without the hefty pricetag of a real lens. Speaking of pricetag, did I mention it is like $8 ?! Yeah. I’ve paid more for bacon. Here’s a link to one site that sells them.
And here is what some of the photos look like when you use it (keep in mind that these are all-the-way-zoomed-out so basically I am right up on top of the subject when shooting!):
Also, every photo (and I mean EVERY SINGLE photo) that makes it onto the blog is edited. I wish that I were that good to produce flawless pictures with the correct exposure and perfect focusing that I didn’t have to edit them but alas, I am not that talented. Therefore, I download all my photos and they go through the editing process in Photoshop.
There could be a million and a half editing questions out there so I will just give you the basics. A couple of Christmas’s ago, my darling boytoy bought me Photoshop Elements. I would have been perfectly happy with that. But my photo editing software story doesn’t end there…I was able to score a free copy of Photoshop CS4 (which is part of the Adobe Design package) from a friend. CS4 allows for actions. Actions are like shortcuts to editing quickly and efficiently. Many of the actions that I use are free curtesy of The Pioneer Woman and Coffee Shop.
Now onto education. Everything that I have learned about photography and editing has been from online reading of other blogs, googling and personal experience. I have read my camera’s manual about four times cover to cover but that is the only book I have ever read when it comes to picture taking. I have been able to subscribe to several natural light photog blogs and they teach me something new every time the author posts. Since I modeled a bit after college, I learned how to be in front of the camera and that experience has definitely helped me in the areas of lighting, texture and angles. The rest has been from shooting, shooting, shooting.
When it comes to actually shooting pictures, I only shoot in manual mode. As I was learning I started out with my Aperture Priority setting and then moved on to manual. Shooting in manual forces the photographer to learn how to adjust their ISO, f-stop and shutter speed to capture their image with the right amount of lighting. And speaking of lighting, recently I started shooting in RAW (versus previously shooting in JPEG). This option allows me to adjust the exposure after the fact in Lightroom. This is a program that came with my Adobe package and I love being able to quickly change the lighting and clarity and individual color saturations and hues.
Finally, there is my wish list. Like any self-taught photographer, I definitely feel like there is tons of room to grow. I also realize that I have learned how to use my camera to the maximum. And a hunter is only as good as the spear he carries. So therefore I would like to graduate to a more advanced spear. Namely the 50D. Or the Canon 5D Mark II if I was feeling especially generous toward myself. According to my research, I have found that the 50D is the next step for advanced amatuers. Also, I would very much like to get a Canon Speedlite 430EX II after reading about how effective they can be when shooting in lower light. Of course, I would be mistaken not to mention that it would be cool to have a Tamron 28-75/2.8. Lastly, I would like a Canon EF 75-300/4-5.6 lens…so that by the time Will is playing soccer I can capture his kickin’ skills.
So there you have it folks…everything that you need to know about my photography brain cells. Anyone else out there with a camera on their wishlist? Or maybe you are like me and just wanna upgrade? Perhaps you just need a little push to snag a DSLR and this is the post that pushed you over the ledge? Jump ya’ll. It’s really fun to fall for photography. heehee…the cheese continues 🙂
I’m just starting to get into using Photoshop and Actions to edit my pictures thanks to you. Could you perhaps list some of the blogs you subscribe to that assist you in learning more about shooting/editing? Thanks Katie!
Thanks for the tips! I’d also like to know which blogs you recommend for learning more about natural light photography?
I love this post. You so clearly and easily explain things which is why I love you. I’m with the other commenters, what blogs do you read for learning more about photography lighting, editing, shooting?
Also Pioneer Woman Ree just posted a little tutorial about editing in Photoshop:
http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2010/08/petunia-tutorial/
Very encouraging to read about another photographer starting out. I own the Nikon D40 and have started doing photos as well. I love it but want to upgrade soon. It’s great for beginning. I to would love to know what other websites you follow that you learn off of. Everything I have learned has come from reading and shooting and shooting and shooting! Still shooting in A mode but dabbling with M some.
Can you see the brim of the wide angle attachment when you’re zoomed out all the way? Such a neat piece!
Can you list some of the blogs you read about photography? I’d love to get to know my Canon EOS better!
Thanks,
Jennifer
Oh, I’ve had a DSLR on my wishlist for over a year. I kept putting off buying the Xsi last holiday season because I wasn’t working and didn’t feel I could spend the cash. Now I wish I’d bought it because the rebate at the time made it a great deal! But, I’m working and shopping again, and I’m enticed by the latest and greatest, the T1i but again don’t want to spend the money.
I’m trying to tell myself to buy a refurbished Xsi and if I love photography I can always upgrade in the future. Your blog post is awfully convincing. And my birthday is just a month away…
Thanks for for all of the photo tips! I’m in the market for a new camera and this post definitely helps! By the way, I think you do have a ‘photographer’s eye’…your pictures are fantastic!
Great post as always, Katie!
We just bought that same wide angle adapter off Amazon, it’s fun 🙂 Aaaand then because we settled on that we splurged on a 70-300mm zoom lens for our Nikon D-60, which is also super fun. Still getting used to our DSLR, I’m a little rusty since my last photo class was going on three years ago and it used a 35mm film camera, haha.
Oh KB – I love your photo posts. You and I have the same camera and lenses (though I’m ordering your wide angle thingy pronto). You just take way better pictures than me. I was talking to our wedding photographer last weekend about a workshop, and told him “I don’t want to be a photographer – I just want the pictures of me, B and tommy to be more interesting than a typical snapshot”. I’m working on it, thanks for your tips 🙂
I’m impressed that you only shoot in Manual – nice work! I only seem to shoot in Manual when I’m photographing stationary objects. Do you have any tips for photographing moving objects in Manual? I can’t seem to adjust my settings fast enough to not miss the shot!
Great post! You sound like me when it comes to photography. I Love it, however I am no professional. I’ve learned the most important settings on my camera, by myself with reading tutorials or trial and error and the ‘OOOOooh… so THAT’S what that button does’.
I currently have a Nikon D40 and like yours, mine is also a great beginners DSLR camera, however I am becoming a bit of a Camera snob and want all kinds of camera accessories and even the Nikon D5000. As far as lenses I have the standard 18-55m lens and I also have a 200m lens. My 200m lens takes more ‘crisper’ pictures than my ‘stock’ 55m. My next lens would be 300m and also a Nikon SB-600 speed light external flash.
I am jealous though as it seems your home is equipped with AWESOME lighting! 🙂
Do you sew? Have you ever made some custom camera straps? I have made myself a few. Their fun and so easy to make!
katie — great tips, thank you. the super wide angel lens you have … the one you linked is for a sony. does that fit your rebel lens?
Thanks for this post! I really didn’t need another thing to add to my wishlist! Oh well. Your other accessory is pretty sweet too, by the way. I bet he doesn’t fit in your purse. 🙂
hi katie,
great blog post! thanks for the tip about the wide angle attachment….will definitely be purchasing one of those!
i have a nikon d90 and also love my 50mm 1.8 and recently got a 35mm 1.8 and love it even a little better, if you can imagine.
keep shooting – your stuff looks great!
Ive used the 430 flash at weddings, and something you might want to consider. It takes a while for the flash to reload itself. The 580 can handle you clicking the shutter multiple times and still fire. I guess it would depend on what youre going to be shooting with the flash and if youll need a fast fire. 🙂 I also have the 50mm and love it!
A couple of my must-haves include lens filters (polarizing, UV, skylight), a camera sling (http://www.blackrapid.com/) instead of the normal pain-in-the-neck strap, a lens hood, the nifty-50 lens and the 430 flash.
Happy shooting! I love your style.
My brain was confused as I looked at that first photo of you. It was saying, “Was this when she was pregnant? But the bump’s too high. And, wow, her striped shirt doesn’t really fit right. Huh?” Then I saw the teeny shoes poking out the sides. Too cute.
I have a Canon Rebel XTi and the same two lenses! The Canon f1.8 is amazing! I get awesome photos of my 3 1/2 month old and have dabbled in taking portraits. My wishlist: I would LOVE the Canon 5D, but would even settle for the 7D. I also would love the Canon f1.4.
I would love to see more of your photos! Do you have a Flickr or another photo site?
Hi Katie,
Abosultely great post, which i have been wishing you would write for a while. As others before me I would like to know what blogs/sites you visit to learn more or rather to enjoy.
I just had to post to say I love the first photo with Will’s cute little feet peeking out from the bottom of your jacket. I wish I had the patience to learn to take beautiful pictures like all you bloggers. Some day 😉
It’s funny because as I was reading this post, I realized we have the exact same equipment and even purchased in the same order! I also started off with a Canon Rebel (although mine was an XTI) that came with the same kit lens. I then got the same nifty-fifty, sold the kit lens, and then purchased the same Tamron lens! I also added the 430 flash, then finally…FINALLY! upgraded to the Canon 50D – and I’m loving it! I’d have to say that I’m glad I got this over the Canon 5D Mark II, which I also considered, because I’ve found that as non-professional photographers, we don’t really need all the capabilities of the 5D (or really know how to fully use it to its full potential).
Anyways, love the blog/your home/your photos/your sense of humor – your posts never fail to make me LOL!
Yes please post your favorite natural light blogs! I’d like to read them too. Also not to nit-pick but I’m pretty sure Lightroom isn’t part of any Adobe package. It’s sold separately for Raw editing. Camera Raw is the one included in the Creative Suite package. Just don’t want any readers to be confused about that if they decide to buy the whole suite and then don’t get LR. Also be careful about “free” copies of Photoshop. It’s really expensive software that most people don’t just give away, so in the case that your friend downloaded it, you just don’t want to get in trouble for an illegal copy. I’ve seen people selling non-legal copies on craigslist too.
Thanks Lauren for the clarification about the Camera Raw vs. Lightroom. You are correct…it is not Lightroom (although I hear that peeps can download a free trial). As for the PS – no worries…it isn’t an illegal copy. Otherwise I’d do a citizens arrest on myself…in the name of Jesus.
XO – kb
Love the post! I too was a little confused about the first picture at first. Then I saw the little shoes and started cracking up.
My husband got us a Canon Rebel XT1i when we first found out we were pregnant. It’s like my second baby. I never go anywhere without it. I’m still learning the ropes and shooting mostly in Av or Tv, but I’m hoping to switch over to Manual soon. I’ve been reading my manual front to back and completing weekly photography tutorials and participating in challenges. Have you entered any challenges? I like IHeartFaces, PW, and Digital Photography School.
I’m lusting after your F1.8 fixed lens and adding it to my Christmas wish list.
Keep those beautiful photos coming!!
I just got my first DSLR, a Nikon D90, in June, and am loving all the wonderful things I can do with my camera now! I got the kit lens with it, as well as the Nikkor 70-300mm zoom. I haven’t busted that one out much – just a few times to take some pics of the setting sun. But, my kiddos are only 4 and 2, so I anticipate that it will get some use in the future. I just signed myself up for a 5-week photography class at our local community college, and am planning to use my new student status to pick up Photoshop CS5 for the student discount price!
On my wish list is the 430 Speedlight, a 50mm 1.4, a macro lens of some sort, and some seamless backdrop paper and a stand. I’d love to set up a little studio in my basement to take my kids’ birthday and holiday pics. No more Picture People for me!
Hey Katie,
Love the post I also have the Canon Xsi with the 18-55 mm lens and have been thinking about upgrading to the Tamron 18-200. I am still learning about lenses, what do you like about the 28-75 as well as the Canon EF 75-300/4-5.6 lens? I always like to hear what folks think about different lenses. It helps make a better decision.
Thanks for sharing! I need to work on not always shooting in auto an lessening more about my camera. Love your photos!
This is a great post. I am looking to step it up with my point and shoot camera. Really good info here, Thanks!
I have been following your blog since we moved into our first house 6 months ago.
My carpenter hubby and I can certainly relate to many of your posts. You can check out some of our before and afters on my blog
http://styleandcentsability.wordpress.com/category/before-and-afters/
Oh and one final tidbit- I liked you guys before and then found out you were Steeler fans and know I love you! (from the Burgh originally and I bleed gold:)
I’m so glad you mentioned the wide angle lens adapter! I need one ASAP. And I LOVE your blog. We have a similar sense of humor! 🙂 Keep it up Bower!
Thanks so much for the photography info!
I’m having trouble deciding between the Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP and the Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP.
Do you think there would be an extreme difference between these two cameras, other than their price?
I LOVE the photo of you with Will in your jacket….how adorable. I almost didn’t notice his little shoes sticking out at the bottom 🙂
Katie, I love your blog, you are such an entertaining writer! I just wanted to give you the heads up, since I also live in Atlanta, that next time you have a camera purchase in mind, a good place to check out for ridiculously good deals on lenses and such is MicroCenter. Because they don’t sell a ton of camera stuff, they tend to put things on major discount in order to keep their products moving. My husband and I just bought the new Canon t2i there for $50 less than anywhere else found online. And I got the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 lens (which is so awesome when you have a 2 year old running full speed everywhere) for $99 when it normally retails for over $250.
Anyway, keep the photography info coming, it is most helpful!!
Thanks Steph for the heads up! I’ll keep MicroCenter in mind…now off to google ‘microcenter’…never actually seen one 🙂
XO – k
No prob! I think there are two in Atl – we go to the Marietta one, but the other one in Duluth is probably closer to y’all – I think I remember you saying at some point that you guys live near Lilburn. Anyway, its a nerd’s dreamland. I’ve only been exposed to it because my husband likes to buy computer parts there when he tinkers with building stuff on his own. But just a forewarning, its kind of a mess and customer service isn’t the best – they’re nice but you have to chase down the people who work there to help you out. So go at off peak hours. Also, the ads are posted up on the wall behind the camera counter and don’t come up when they ring up your products, so make sure you’re watchful and tell them that something is on sale, etc.
i just noticed that the first picture is one of you and will. lol! at first i thought that it was from when you were still pregnant…’til i saw those little feet poking out…then i couldn’t figure out where his head was since his hat looked like it could be your shirt. i was like, wow katie used photoshop to take out will’s head. as you can tell, i’m a little slow today. 🙂
very cute and funny little picture.
Great post. I recently scored CS5 and want to learn more about editing photos. There is a lot of information out there!
“Dang, that’s a pretty small sweater.. Na-ah, get out! Look at that cutie patootie she has tucked in there.” My reaction to your first photo nearly word for word. There may have been an extra ‘get out’ in there. Thanks for surprising me, and for my belly-roll laugh. I love that photo. Thanks also for the camera 101. You rock.
Katie, this post is so good! Thanks for sharing all this information. Question, you were able to use the wide angle attachment on your Canon? I am interested in getting it but the website says if for a Sony (I have a Canon too). Is it compatible? If you get a chance let us know… It will be a cool toy to have.
Elena
http://planandplay1.blogspot.com/
Katie, quick question. The wide angle lens adapter that you linked to, does that fit over Canon 55mm lens’ too? As I’ve said in another post, I’m still new to the slr world and trying to gain my footing. I have a Canon XS and for $8 I definitely want the wide angle adapter. But the one you linked to said it’s for Sony’s. So sorry, I’m a little slow! 🙂
I’ve been a reader of your blog for a while so when I was researching what DSLR to buy, I came here to see what you use… and was SO happy to see this post!! I ended up getting a Canon Rebel XS. I was torn between a Nikon and the Rebel, but so many bloggers whose photos I LOVE have Rebels.. and I love it! Thanks for your great advice!
Not Katie but you just need to find out what filter size your lens takes (it is usually printed on the back of your lens cap, or you can measure it in millimeters), then you just need to find the wide angle adapter for that filter size.
Thanks MicheleLouise…
xo – kb
Hey Katie,
I’m loving reading through some of your older posts! You and your family are adorable. I got a camera about six months ago (Nikon D3000) and have been really enjoying it. I would love to know some of the photography blogs you visit if you have a moment to share.
Hope you guys had a wonderful Christmas with adorable little Will!!
Meg
Hi Meg,
Here you go!
xo – kb
Hey, nice to meet you. My sister sent me your link, and I’m an amateur/growing photographer as well. I nodded myself through this whole post thinking “hey me too…..yes…exactly.” Glad to know someone else is going through the same thing as me!
Hi Katie,
I totally thought you were pregnant in that picture too. I even saw his little feet and thought they were white-edged pockets on your black shirt! I didn’t realize until others mentioned it!