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What kind of camera or lenses should I buy?

What kind of camera should I buy? What kind of lenses should I buy?

I get asked these questions a lot so here’s what I suggest. Let me be upfront and say I am by no means an expert on cameras. There are a bajillion cameras out there these days and most of them are probably pretty good and will do what you need them to do. This is all MY opinion and what I would do if I were looking for an entry level digital camera (dSLR–camera that can change lenses).

I also need to add the disclaimer that I shoot with a Canon camera so I’m mostly familiar with the Canon brand. I’m not looking for a debate on which brand is better. Canon, Nikon. They’re both good. My dad bought me a film Canon camera in high school and when I switched to digital, I stuck with Canon so I could still use my lenses (since Canon lenses fit on any Canon dSLR camera). And I do not get paid by Canon to promote their products (although that would be nice).

When I first started out, I bought a Canon Rebel and started my business with that camera. They have changed that camera around a bit since I bought one. But here are some things I would look for.

1. Don’t get fooled by megapixels. People think that a camera with more megapixels is a better camera. Not necessarily true. All megapixels means is that you can make larger prints. So higher megapixels means you can make bigger prints. You don’t need a 20 megapixel camera unless you’re planning to print pictures the size of billboards. Seriously.

2. The lenses for a camera are almost more important than the camera itself. I talk a bit about this in my “tell my story” class, but the lenses that come with a camera aren’t that great. In the class, I talk about different lenses you can get after you get the camera and the lens that comes with it. So when looking at different lenses, you’ll see a number like 18-55mm or 18-200mm. That tells you how far the camera can zoom. So the larger the second number, the farther you can zoom, and the smaller the first number, the wider the angle (you can fit more in the frame).

3. If you see an “IS” that means Image Stabilization which helps keeps shots in focus if you don’t have a very steady hand. I definitely recommend those type of lenses.

4. I looked on Costco’s website and some of the camera’s come with 2 lenses. If it were me, I would just get a camera body and one lens that comes with it (looks like 18-55mm on most of them) and save my money to invest in a better second lens instead of another “kit” lens. Or you could even just buy a camera body and then buy better lenses than what come in the “kit” (“kit” meaning lenses that come in a kit with the camera body). Kit lenses aren’t great.

5. A GREAT lens to get for every day photos in your home and “story telling” is a 50mm 1.8 which you can buy for around $100. I would 100% invest my money in that before I got a camera with 2 lenses. The 50mm doesn’t zoom so you have to physically move closer and farther away from a subject, BUT, the 1.8 is the aperture number. That number determines your depth of field. That is the kind of lens that allows you to take pictures where someones eyes can be in focus and by the time you get to their ear, it’s out of focus. This is the kind of lens that makes pictures look much more professional. It also helps in low light situations. So it’s great for taking every day pictures inside your home. Most of our houses don’t have tons of natural light in all the rooms or areas of the home so this lens helps to be able to take pictures without your flash on (cause flash is almost always ugly).

Here’s a link to the 50mm on Amazon:

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Standard AutoFocus Lens – Gray Market

Or, if you have the money, buy a 50mm 1.4 which is anywhere from $300-$350. This is the lens I use about 90% of the time during photoshoots and 99% of the time in my home taking pictures of my kids. It looks similar to the other lens, but it’s much higher quality and “faster” meaning it does even better in low light situations.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Please note that for a Nikon camera, you need to MAKE SURE it has autofocus capabilities. This is something I read on one of the reviews you may want to take into consideration:

{If your camera has an AF motor (d90, d300, d600, d700, d800, d7000) you need an AF lens. If it has no internal AF motor (d40, d60, d3000, d5000) you need an AF-S type lens}

These lenses are called prime lenses. Meaning you can’t zoom in or out. So if you want to get closer or farther away from your subject, you have to physically walk closer or farther away. Takes a little getting used to, but it’s SO worth it.

Here are some examples of what the 50mm lens can do. Keeps the subject you want in focus, and the rest blurry.

These lenses are key to “telling a story” with your photographs.

The only down side to the 50mm is it doesn’t zoom so it’s not the best lens for action photography or sports. The kit lens that comes with your camera will be a zoom lens.

Another tip. When you buy any lenses, make sure to get a UV Protection filter to go with it. I have one on all my lenses so if I ever drop my camera (which of course I would never do, but juuuust in case), the UV filter breaks instead of the actual lens. Anytime you buy a lens, you should automatically buy one of these as well to protect your lens. They’re usually only around $5-$10 dollars.

Another thing to look for in a dSLR is HD video. I use the video capability on my camera all the time. The cool thing about video on a dSLR, is that you can switch the lenses around and “mix up” the look of your videos. You can also get shallow depth of field (only part of the frame is in focus and the rest is blurry) so it draws attention to the subject.

I would only buy cameras from a trusted source and I would never buy used. You never know what people do to those cameras. How many times they’ve been dropped, spilled on, slobbered on. You get the picture.

I would stick with Amazon, Costco, BandHphoto, or a trusted local camera store.

If I were to go out and buy an entry level camera (meaning you’re not looking to go Pro with that camera), I would buy the Canon T3i. It has HD video as well as the capacity to shoot in low light situations without using a flash (because flash just looks baaaaad). The ISO in a camera is one factor that can help you shoot in low light. The higher the ISO goes on the camera, the darker it could be.

The T3i can go up to 6400. For comparison, the camera I started with (Rebel) only went to 1600. And at 1600 it looked really bad.

If you don’t have that money in your budget, you could still get a Canon T3 and have a great camera. The differences seem to be megapixels, the swiveling screen, and better video quality.

Here’s a link to the T3i on Amazon. Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera and DIGIC 4 Imaging with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

You’ll also probably want a camera bag. Get a good one that will protect your camera AND hold all the gear you’ll have. They can be pricey but if you shop around, you can find a good deal.

Another thing you can consider is getting a camera coat. These things are awesome. Lots of times I just want to take my camera and one lens (almost always my 50mm) and I don’t want to haul around my big bag but I don’t want my camera to get “hurt”. Camera coats take care of that. Check them out at www.cameracoats.com (These make good gifts too).

photo credit: Camera Coats

If you’re looking for a more high-adventure camera, I LOVE our GoPro. We have the GoPro HERO3+: Silver Edition and it works great for what we use it for (photos on the boat, in the water, mountain biking, skiing, and selfies of the family). If you get a GoPro I also recommend getting a GoPole REACH – Telescoping Extension Pole for GoPro HERO Cameras 17-40″. There are a lot of versions of extension poles. Just depends on what you’ll use it for. I like the clear ones so you can’t see the pole as much when you take selfie type videos and photos. You can also get the Go Pro accessory kit to mount it to your chest or head. And I would definitely buy a GoPro Floaty Backdoor as the GoPro itself does not float. If you plan to use it in water (like a lake or the ocean), you’re going to want to make sure it floats if (more like when) you drop it.

After all that, MAKE SURE you learn how to use it the way it was meant to be used!! You can tell the story of your family through pictures if you have a great picture and you take photographs the right way!!

If your camera or imaging technology requirements are somewhat more niche, Edmund Optics are likely to have something for you. They have everything from USB cameras to microscopes!

If you have more specific questions, please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] or comment below and I will do my best to answer them.

Good luck and Happy shopping!

PS. If you liked this article, enter your name and e-mail to join the Lindsay Ross Blog community. And get access to TEN Phone photography tips that will immediately improve your phone photography for free!!

Great gifts for the photographer in your life

Need some ideas on gifts for the photographer in your life?

Here are a few that would probably make them love you even more than they already do.

1. If they just have a point and shoot or are using their smart phone for pictures, consider getting them a dSLR camera. It will be the BEST investment your family ever makes. I promise that. Well, unless you buy a speed boat. Then that would be the best investment. But a camera would be second. Read here on what kind of camera I recommend.

2. 50mm 1.8 lens or if you really want to go all out, a 50mm 1.4 lens. Click HERE for an explanation on why these lenses are a MUST have for every photographer. These are anywhere from $100 to $350.

3. A camera coat. To keep that camera safe when you don’t want to lug around a huge camera bag because you’re already carrying a million other things (diaper bag, purse, kid, blankie, etc., etc.). Put one of these babies on your camera and you can put it in your diaper bag, stroller, purse and not have to worry about it getting hurt.

photo credit: Camera Coats

4. More SD cards for their camera. I fill my cards up all the time. It’s nice to have extra ones on hand. I recommend not buying anything bigger than 4.0 GB just in case the card fails. Then you don’t lose AS many pictures.

5. Speaking of losing pictures. If you aren’t already backing up your photos, you should be. Buy an external hard drive and maybe consider backing up online as well. Funny how when you ask people if there were a fire in their house, what they would grab. 99% of people would say their photographs. I have no idea what the other 1% would say. (And I completely made up that statistic. But I think most statistics are probably made up so it’s ok.)
Which to me indicates photographs are one of the very most important things in our home. And yet, some of us aren’t backing them up.

6. Buy or make them a custom photo strap. Just google camera strap and tons of options come up. There are also some options to get a camera coat with a matching strap. Or you can find them on Etsy.

7. Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. This is the book I read to teach myself how to shoot in manual. It’s great for understanding all those terms that seem so confusing.

8. A portable tripod. These just screw into the bottom of your camera so you can take pictures anywhere. AND, so the mom can stay in the picture!!!

For the iphone camera users, you can get an iStabilizer.

9. Project Life for displaying all the photos they take. This is my newest obsession and an amazing solution to getting all of those photos off of our computers and sharing them with others. You can use 40% off coupons on Michaels or Hobby Lobby to get all the supplies. Seriously, these are AWESOME!!! I’ll be posting more about Project Life and my mission to help people get their photos off their dang computers and out where people can see them!!

You can also get the Project Life APP. Just buy an iTunes card and they can download the app and buy extra kits and do all their photo documenting straight from their phone!

10. A gift card to Persnickety Prints to print all the photos they’re taking!

11. Jewelry or clothing related to photography. If you go to ETSY and search for “photography necklace” or “photography t-shirt” you’ll find all sorts of choices.

12. Photo Editing Software. I recommend Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 or Adobe Photoshop Elements 13

And for some fun, quirky photo ideas, check out Photo Jojo.

Tell My Story Photography Classes

This is NOT your average photography class. It’s not just about the camera and what all those words mean: aperture, exposure, ISO, composition, shutter speed.

Though we’ll learn a lot about how the camera works and how to take better “technical” photos, the heart of this class is focused on the WHY behind the picture taking. Because as long as you have a why, you’ll figure out the how. That’s what makes this class different than any other photography class out there.

It’s about the people and relationships we’re taking pictures of. How we can grow closer to and more in tune with our children (and spouse) through the gift of photography.

How we can be more intentional mothers using photography.

How we can use photography and displaying photographs to tell a better family “story”.

And how we can help our children learn who they’ve always been and give them a sense of love and belonging in a world where we all desperately need to feel that.

And we’ll have fun! And laugh. A lot. I promise.

The first portion of the class will be completed online where you can work at your own pace and learn the elements of taking “technically” better photographs. Then we’ll use that foundation of knowledge in an interactive, hands on class where you will learn how to be in control of your camera and get consistently better photos. You will be able to practice what you learned in the online portion of the class with direct access to me for help.

Then we’ll tie it all together and discuss how to get emotionally better photographs. And how the gift of photography can help us be better parents and create an intentional family story.

Don’t just take my word for it. Hear it from people who have already attended the class:

“I’ve had my camera for almost 3 years now and still have never learned how to use any manual setting. I either had “no time” and/or it was too overwhelming to try and find a class that would help me without talking over my head. Lindsay takes beautiful pictures so I was so excited to hear what she has to say–about picture-taking in general. She told us not only about tips for taking better pictures, but WHY we should be taking pictures in the first place. She also taught us the basics of the manual settings–SO HELPFUL. The setting was relaxed and it was all in one day. I loved it. I truly believe that picture taking is THE BEST INVESTMENT…I really needed to learn more so that I can practice and end up taking better and better pictures so that my kids can remember their childhoods with better clarity. THANK YOU LINDSAY! I recommend this class to everyone!” Jacqui

“I learned so much from taking the “tell my story” class. Lindsay was very thorough in the way she explained parts of the camera and different concepts. It was also great to have her teach as we completed the “practical” portion of the class. The class changed the way that I take pictures and even the way that I view photography. I have such a greater appreciation now. I would highly recommend taking this class!” April

“This photography class taught me so much more than how to take my camera out of auto (so excited that I now know how to use manual mode.) Lindsay was awesome, she taught the importance of catching those everyday moments that tell the STORY of my life! I am awful at journaling. I am now committing myself to break out my camera and capturing the happy, the sad, and the everyday things that make up my STORY and my families STORY!!” Natalie

“This class gave me time to think about why I take the pictures I take and am I taking enough of the pictures that matter to me and my family. I learned some great tools to help me do that and I now feel more inspired than ever to take more and better photos of our lives–photos that tell a story about who we are and not what we want others to think we are. Thank you for letting me be a part of this.” Shara

“I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to participate and be a part of the class yesterday. It was such a day well spent. You are passionate about what you do and why you do it and I left inspired in ways I did not anticipate. “ Kim

“I’ve had my camera for a while now. It’s a nice camera and sometimes I get really awesome pictures. But sometimes I don’t. Now I understand how to control my camera so I consistently get the pictures I want. I loved the “live” shoot we did so I could practice what we had learned and have you there to answer all my questions. I also really liked the section of the class where we talked about why the pictures are so important and how we can use photographs to really tell the stories of our children’s lives. Finally I understand what all those photography terms mean and what all the dials on my camera do, and I am excited to practice so I can consistently tell the story I want to tell with my pictures.” Brittany

“I look at the way I take pictures and the day to day things in my life in a whole new way! I’m so excited for this new approach to my photography and life! Thank you” Sarah

“I wanted to tell you thank you for the photography class! I have been playing/practicing (ALL IN MANUAL) and I think I at least know which numbers mean what, and how to adjust! I think it will take me a lot more practice and maybe a new AUTO FOCUS lens for christmas:). I actually really loved the first half of the class about WHY to take pictures and how to tell my kids stories better. I am determined to start looking for the mundane things that I know I’ll miss. Thanks again…

you’re a good teacher!” Kamie

**Class sizes are small so each person gets individual attention and help with their camera settings as well as plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions.**

CLICK HERE FOR FUTURE CLASS DATES OR TO SIGN UP FOR THE NEXT CLASS

*Sign up with a friend and you each get $20 off. E-mail me directly to sign up with a friend.*

Any questions–Email me: [email protected]

{Design for the Tell My Story banner done by the ridiculously talented Meredith Carty. You can find her here.}

The “every day”

When I started doing photography it was 100% for the money. Not because I was passionate about photography or shutter speeds or f-stops. Not because I was artistic or creative and I needed an outlet. Not because I had a “good eye” or was naturally talented at taking pictures. I saw an opportunity to make money (which I like) photography sports (which I LOVE) so I went for it.

My perspective when I first started as a photographer and my perspective now are radically different.

The truth is, I still don’t take pictures because I’m passionate about photography. I take pictures because I’m passionate about the people IN the pictures. And the stories of their lives.

When I learned how to take pictures of people (not just sports), I knew my style wouldn’t be typical. I quickly started to learn how powerful a photograph can be. Sounds dramatic, but it’s true. A photograph can be more than just a photograph. A photograph can show a persons soul. It has the ability to tell the world who someone IS. And that’s not a small thing.

As my style developed as a photographer, my mission became to focus on personality and relationships. To have emotion in my photographs. To tell, without words, who someone is.

“Sometimes a perfect memory can be ruined if put to words“ Nova Ren Suma

I attended a seminar where another photographer said “The power we possess to bring out someone’s inner most soul is an art form. We allow people to see pas their insecurities and see who they really are.” I believe that.

This has completely changed the way I take pictures of my own children. And the importance I give to the photographs I take (and display) of them.

As a parent, one of my main goals is to allow my children to be who they already are. Images are one way I can help them discover who that is. Photography has become a tool in my life to help me be a more intentional, present, and aware mom. To appreciate my children more. To be aware of who they are and who they are becoming. To document their lives. The good AND the bad. And to document our families story.

Photography has given me more patience. More love. More compassion. More awareness. And most importantly, more intention to live a purposeful life. That’s why it’s SO important to me and why I want to share that gift with other people.

It’s the every day stuff. What they do from day to day that show who they are. So in my opinion, the pictures I take of my kids in my own home are by far the most important kind.

“Photography is a gift because it allows us to see the beauty in what can feel routine and mundane.” Ashley Campbell.

The EVERY DAY

“The mom stays in the picture”

To all moms.

If you read nothing else in your lifetime (besides God’s scriptures), please, please, puhlease, read this:

“The mom stays in the picture“

I can’t expound too much, because she says it so perfectly. But. I always have something to say.

We send messages to our kids all the time. Intentionally and not intentionally. They’re always watching. Always listening. And always paying attention whether we think they are or not. They say moms have eyes on the back of their heads. Well kids have ears on every inch of their body. And eyes that see and then mimic what they see.

What is the message we send to our kids, girls and boys, when we won’t get in pictures? How do they interpret that?

We tell them to love themselves. To be happy with who they are. To know they are a literal child of God and their soul is worth something. We say, say say. Tell, tell, tell. But what do we DO? What do our actions say to our kids? Because that’s where they’re getting the real message. From what I do. Not usually what I say.

I get it. It’s not always fun to be in a picture. Especially when we’re tired, bloated, feeling gross, and on and on and on. For me, I don’t love asking other people to take a picture of me. I just don’t. It feels weird and kind of embarrassing (even if it’s my own husband). “Hey, I’m awesome, take a picture of me.” But I’m getting SO much better at it. Because I think it is so so so important for our kids to see pictures of us. WITH them. Being a part of their lives. No matter how we look or feel. Because they don’t care. They just want us. Just the way we are.