I’m dedicating a few posts to answering some frequently asked questions from readers and one thing I’m asked often is what camera/lens I use. Obviously I am by no means an expert but I do love taking pictures. Here is what is working for me:
CAMERA: I have the Nikon D-5000 with the stock 18-55mm lens (the newer version of this is the Nikon D-5100.) I wanted something that would take crisp, clear photos quickly in auto mode because I knew that it would take me some to really study and learn how to use it in manual mode. I also wanted to be able to shoot video. I’m still learning how to shoot in manual so I mostly shoot in aperture-priority mode and am very happy with the quality of my photos.
LENS: I also have this 50mm lens. This is a fixed lens, which means that I can’t zoom using it- I have to physically move closer to/away from my subject. I wanted this lens because it goes to an f/1.8 so it lets a lot of light in and gives a nice, blurry background. It’s definitely got a learning curve and I haven’t mastered it but it is the lens I go to for most of my portraits of Scarlette.
CAMERA REMOTE: I got this handy little remote so that I could sometimes get photos of all three of us together. It was under ten dollars and it is much easier to use than the self timer since I don’t have to set up the shot and then run to jump in the picture before the camera goes off.
TRIPOD: This tripod doesn’t actually fit in my camera bag but I do use it often to steady the camera. And always when I’m using the remote to get a group photo. It was pretty inexpensive and has held up really well, even taking a beating from my two year old who apparently mistook it for a jungle gym. It extends up to 60 inches. Allegedly. I wouldn’t actually know because that is pretty much taller than I am.
CAMERA STRAP COVER: The very talented Leah of Bluebird Chic made my camera strap cover. I love that it is double sided and it really is so much more comfortable than the scratchy strap that comes on the camera.
KELLY MOORE CAMERA BAG: This was my much-anticipated Christmas gift this year, it is the B-Hobo bag in mustard. I adore this bag. I get a ton of compliments on it and it holds all of my camera gear + diapers, wipes, my wallet, etc. I did a video review of this bag so that you can see how much it holds, what the inside looks like, and such.
TIN FOIL: Ha! So I don’t actually keep this in my camera bag. Probably I should invest in one of those collapsible reflectors. But I have a big piece of cardboard that I cut from a box and wrapped in tinfoil and that is what I use as a reflector when I’m taking photos of Scarlette. Also, when I was looking for a tutorial to link for y’all I stumbled across a bajillion articles about how to grow plants of the illegal nature. THAT IS NOT WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR, GOOGLE.
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