A handful of you have asked for the scoop on my camera.
Let me begin by reminding you that I have NO idea what I’m doing when it comes to photography–if you read this post, then you already know what I’m talking about.
I take every picture on auto–every.single.one.
I have lofty goals of one day being a girly who knows the meaning of words like aperture, exposure and ISO {yep, had to google those}.
But until then, my current methods will suffice.
Allow me to introduce you to Camera #1:
{Canon Power Shot SX20 IS, 12.1 mega pixels}
The Canon was my first camera. It’s not intimidating at all. I currently use it to take all my self portrait and most product review pictures. I LOVE this camera for anything close up and objects that are very still. I have never had any luck taking a picture of anything moving with this camera {like, say a very energetic toddler}.
Here are some of the pictures I have used this camera for:
And now, meet Camera #2–the Nikon, my baby.
Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR + 55-200mm VR Lens with 16GB Card + Filters + Case + Accessory Kit
I got this bad boy for Christmas and I love it. I have only taken a handful of my self-portraits and product reviews with this camera, because I haven’t yet taken enough time to figure out how to get it to stay focused for close up pictures. Here are two somewhat clear pictures out of about 50 that I took.
{necklace from Starfish Designs}
So until I learn all the ins and out,
I use it on “auto” and take fun/fail proof pictures like these:
I use it on “auto” and take fun/fail proof pictures like these:
{All taken on auto}
I got a great deal on my Nikon through Amazon.
It came with a whole bunch of extra goodies, including another lens and a deluxe carrying case. Here is a link to the package I ordered:
And then I ordered this book,
because I’m a dummy.
And that’s the scoop!
What kind of camera do you use?
Or dream of using?
Kellie
I'm a photographer & am curreny using my Canon Rebel. It's been good to me. But I dream of owning a Canon 5D Mark II. Someday! My tip to entering into the "manual" world is to shoot in Av mode & put it on the smallest number. This will help create creamy, blurred backgrounds. Of course a good lens makes a big difference. But when trying to capture action shots of the boy, try bumping up the ISO. Just a few tips! Your shots are already great. And let me know if you need some family photos! 😉
Natalie Allen
I enjoy reading your blog. You will never be disappointed going manual. momtographers.com has great tips, Krista and Adrienne are amazing women that have built the momtographers. Dive in! I love your self portraits.
Kelsee
THANK YOU!!!!! That's exactly what I wanted to know! Thank you for taking the time to explain your camera choices! -Kelsee
Joseph's Grainery Recipes
I love my Nikon D60! It goes everywhere with me. I haven't used my point and shoot in the year and a half since I got it…and the few times I've tried to use my p&s the battery's been dead…go figure!
The Lucky Mama
I have the same camera as you & Natalie is right shoot in manual you will never go back.
Here are some advice a good friend gave me:
Always make sure your light meter is at O.
The lower aperture the smaller the area will be in focus……this is how you get the blurred background effect…the bigger your group you will want to move your aperture higher as more needs to be in focus.
Shutterspeed higher for movement
Lower for still objects..like newborns….and higher for toddlers as they are always moving.
Your ISO should be set higher for in doors and lower for outside.
The higher your ISO the more grain you will get in your image.
Read Understanding Exposre by Brian Peterson.
You cannot compare the images when you shoot in Manual to Automatic.
The correct exposure in your image ……the less editing you need.
I hope that helps!
Leah Ferguson
Yay Nikon! I shoot D700 with every thing you could imagine. Lenses, flash, studio… Everything. I shoot professionally!
Sounds crazy but read your manual to your camera inside and out. The best pictures I've ever taken came out right in the camera that I barely touched in Photoshop.
I'm glad you did this post! I enjoy your pictures even though you aren't a pro!
Leah Ferguson Photography
gin
All of my pics come from a Nikon and as someone who doesn't edit pictures very often, I find I don't need to very often.
Lee Ann
I have a Canon Rebel and love it!! I have had it for awhile so I usually shoot on manual. A little tip for the self portraits- a wireless remote. 🙂 I found mine on ebay for about $15 and love it!
http://cgi.ebay.com/Wireless-Remote-Shutter-Release-R6F-Nikon-D700-D200-D3X-/230595140019?pt=Camera_Camcorder_Remotes&hash=item35b08a99b3#ht_4235wt_1139
Jessica
Hey Ashley!! I dream of a Nikon D something or another…see how much I know?? LOL But I do borrow my Dad's Nikon (similar to yours) to take close ups of my jewelry & I put it on the close up setting…it is the pic of the flower on his nikon. I found auto does not work as well. Maybe that will help you??
xoxo. Jessica
Wani
I'm glad I'm not the only one addicted to "auto"! I am dying to take a photography class to learn what my Canon is capable of but it just hasn't been able to fit on the calendar or in the budget… yet. 😉
Erin
Go here. http://www.photokaboom.com/ Click on Beecher's Handouts. This guy is a photography teacher and wrote his own FREE online book. It helps explain everything very well. Also, reading the manual helps that comes with your camera. It will cover the ins and outs of your specific camera and the Beecher's Handouts can explain everything else. I actually printed off the entire Beecher's Handouts and put it in a binder for reference.
Lindsay
ASH, your so pretty! 🙂
milesandmems
it's freaky how pertinent this is. my husband and i were just discussing this potential mother's day present last night. thanks for sharing!
BRANDY
I have been reading your blog for quite some time now and you are just super adorable. I am a self portrait taker too. I just got the gorillaz tripod from my bestie and love it! It fits on my Canon Rebel Ti, perfect for selfies. I take some manual but most auto…in fear the manual won't turn out, but do for the most part. Toodles yo!
chinamommy
Ok, do you wear your wedding rings on your right hand or are your photo's flipped? I HAD to ask, because I question it every time i see your portraits pics… Call me nosey or curious, but it's killin' me!!
~cm
Karri
Goooooo Nikon!!! 🙂
I have a Nikon D40x that I've had for a handful of years now and I have a lens collection to go along with it. I'd like a new one, but for now, I am cool.
Anyway – you did good by buying that Nikon for Dummies book. I have one and its very helpful. After that, I recommend one that someone else posted – Understanding Exposure. Its quite helpful. And finally, Scott Kelby has a 3 volume set of digital photog books (Costco sometimes carries them for a tad less than Amazon) that are great.
One other thing that really helped me understand aperture and whatnot was taking a class. Mine was just an el-cheapo class through my city's rec dept taught by a photojournalist, but it was enough.
PeaceLoveApplesauce
I currently have the same Cannon you have. A Nikon is in the works.. I want a D90.
Gina
I have been a Cannon person for years. Started with a Cannon Rebel then moved to a Cannon Powershot before purchasing my Nikon d3100…which I love. I refuse to put it on Auto and I recently shot a wedding on manual and only a few shots came out weird but usable. Needless to say I am still figuring it out. I love mine and have only had it a few weeks.
Have fun.
nicole.
oooohhhhhh I have that SAME camera (got it for my bday in December). Still learning how to use it… BUT am already in love. Seriously.
Do you like the book?
aliimberi
I'm a Nikon girl! Nikon D90, I usually use my 50 mm lens but right now I have an 18-200 on it.
I have bought the dummie books for all my cameras I have owned! Good books!
Blooming Mommy
I have a Nikon D80! Love it but I really want to update it! Maybe in a year or so! I usually use my 50mm lense or my big and bad zoom! I HEART photography! It's fun!
Renee
I have a Cannon.
Truthfully my old film Pentax was the best camera ever. But it needs repairs and I just don't know if it is worth it. Its so much easier to have a digital camera.
I do want to upgrade.
There is a HP website that has free on-line classes. Really cool and they offer digital camera clases with lessons that are easily understood.
Katie
The Nikon 3100 is the camera I've been looking at. And your photos are gorgeous! Even on the auto setting. 🙂 I'm glad to know that it's not too complicated for a novice like me. Thanks for sharing!
Lindsi
Thanks for the info!! I just ordered my Canon Rebel T2i kit from Amazon, and I CAN'T WAIT to get it!! I will be coming with all the goodies yours did!!
Haute Mom
This is so helpful! I'm looking for an easy to use, foolproof camera to take pics of my 10 month old. Love your pictures.
Stop on by Welcome Wednesday Blog Hop and share your tips.
http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com
Kim
I got the same Nikon for Christmas and I am trying to learn how to use it as well:)
Jessica & Tracie
I shoot Nikon D80, multiple lenses, filters, studio lighting, backdrops, as well as natural light outdoor shots. I generally shoot families and children but have been working more and more with sellers on etsy to do product photography.
I agree once you go manual you will NEVER go back! I used to think the pics came out good, but then I started shooting manual and they really dont even compare! I agree with others when they say READ YOUR MANUAL!! Then go read Ms. Ashley's series on taking your camera off manual. Gayle from Gayle Vehar Photography explained just about everything you need to know about ISO, Apperture, and exposure in LAIMANS TERMS!! Although once you get the basics you wont even have to think anymore. It will become almost intuitive!
Here is a link to one of my favorite posts in the series…
http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/2010/10/getting-out-of-auto-with-gayle-vehar.html
Then go read your manual!!
Love and Hugs, Jess
Jessica & Tracie
I shoot Nikon D80, multiple lenses, filters, studio lighting, backdrops, as well as natural light outdoor shots. I generally shoot families and children but have been working more and more with sellers on etsy to do product photography.
I agree once you go manual you will NEVER go back! I used to think the pics came out good, but then I started shooting manual and they really dont even compare! I agree with others when they say READ YOUR MANUAL!! Then go read Ms. Ashley's series on taking your camera off manual. Gayle from Gayle Vehar Photography explained just about everything you need to know about ISO, Apperture, and exposure in LAIMANS TERMS!! Although once you get the basics you wont even have to think anymore. It will become almost intuitive!
Here is a link to one of my favorite posts in the series…
http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/2010/10/getting-out-of-auto-with-gayle-vehar.html
Then go read your manual!!
Love and Hugs, Jess
Lexie Loo & Dylan Too
I absolutely love my Nikon D90. I got my first Nikon DSLR about 3 years ago, and then upgraded to the D90 last year.
Lexie Loo & Dylan Too
I absolutely love my Nikon D90. I got my first Nikon DSLR about 3 years ago, and then upgraded to the D90 last year.
Ashley
Canon Rebel. My school's Journalism department has used all Nikons for a very long time, but the Nikons we have are in very terrible condition, and we're slowly making the switch to Canon. I've never had any complaints about my Rebel. (I used to have one of those ittybitty Powershots, the point and shoots, you know? a couple problems, but not many… better than Nikon cybershot BY FAR.)
I've taken a couple photography classes and am the photography editor for my school's yearbook (in addition to newspaper editor), and in my opinion, you can NEVER go wrong with a Canon.
Elle The Heiress
I'm currently saving up for a Nikon D3100 – hopefully I'll be getting it either before my family vacation in May or my birthday in June. I've never used a DSLR before so I'm super scared of it, but I'm also really excited. I plan on getting the body only and purchasing separate lenses (50mm and 55-200mm).
I love your blog, and I think your pictures look great!
The GlamaMama
I love your blog!
It's also my dream of having an SLR that I can manually operate.
In the meantime, I'm content with using my Canon point and shoot to take whatever decent photos I can from it. (Although it really doesn't work well for an active toddler like mine. I know you can relate.)
Hopefully, I can even get to the level where I can take photos like you! (Your self portraits look great!).
Have a great one!
Best,
Cher
wholesale nike shox
All our Mulberry handbags are shipped to you directly.
Replica Louis Vuitton Handbags
great seller, good socks, fast delivery
10 Steps to Taking Your Camera OFF Auto {Photographer Guest Post} - learn - Little Miss Momma
[…] thinking, Wow, I want to take photos like this chic.If only I could get up the nerve to take my camera off […]
Delbert
Good way of describing, andd good paragraph to take
facts concerning my presentation focus, whyich i am going to deliver in university.
HERVE LEGER
So we love to add movement Beer Costume with these bands that emulate fringe,
Codyebr
By making plans for the longer term collectively, you both present you are within the relationship for the long run. We have now planned things for six months in the future. But not all romantic tales have a contented ending. What would we have to apologize for? We now have deliberate things a month sooner or later. We’ve discussed plans a minimum of ten years into the long run? We’ve mentioned occasions up to two years away. A few of these characters find love many years later, while others get their hearts damaged right away. I by no means get jealous of that. I’d get there immediately to make sure they’re okay and help them with phone calls and family. Three strategies for sustaining communication in a distance relationship are outlined beneath. New communication applied sciences similar to cellular cellphone plans make communication amongst individuals at a distance simpler than prior to now. I’d be on the cellphone for support and ask them what I may do to assist. I are likely to avoid talking about emotions until they reach out for assist. We exit as soon as a month. We exit a number of instances a month. Former Pc Gavin Donaldson, 45, from Midlothian, was given a 14 month sentence for making an attempt to pervert the course of justice.
The Oireachtas has power to do justice to single mother and father and to cohabitants by peculiar statute law. Indian Vashikaran Guru Ji’s guidance on the ability of Puja and mantras presents a transformative approach to navigate and overcome these obstacles. Vashikaran uses powerful mantras and rituals to help individuals overcome love problems and discover happiness of their relationships. These people even have greater chance to be your clients. Once correct clients are identified, the firm retains 97% of its worthwhile prospects. Effective relationship advertising can even work very well when clients or clients object to features of your service or product. In addition, enterprises within the implementation of relationship advertising are sometimes in a position to make use of networks to promote all points of relationship coordination and progress. If you need so far Christians, youave absolutely acquired to go where the Christians are. They may not want to hear what you might be saying, however ultimately they’ll remember it. Since the client relationship administration system relies on know-how, it’s good to decide on correctly as the flawed alternative will end in big losses to your group.
We are must reside in this world with support, and that can be aided by establishing a very good relationship with somebody.When love is within the relationship, you will be amazed with how love changed the relationship for the higher and in addition change you as a person: higher and wiser partner.If you actually are desiring for a good and lasting relationship, you’ll be able to have it only whenever you value and practice commitment, belief, respect, understanding and the need for change. When you answer that you will feel dangerous or that you are not sure you then might want to begin paying attention to what actually makes you happy and begin getting probably the most bang for your buck in your minutes left. Are this stuff coming between you and your twin soul relationship? To make it right, you need to step up and make things clear about what you felt out there. Get on-line and create a digital character and have your date meet you online and get pleasure from living out your fantasies together. Usually, we just get the opposite particular person a deal with to apologize. I’ll do it if I actually just like the individual. Relationships may be like a roller coaster for some folks, and important characters in novels aren’t any exception to this, both.
I’d inform them they are being clingy. They are fairly indifferent about my objectives. The truth is, romance novels portray many types of characters that are practical and relatable for all of us. If something, a romance novel can teach us all about life experiences which will occur sooner or later. Because a romance novel isn’t just about love, it is about life itself. Everyone has a time in life when they really feel low. 7. Never decide one another, discuss issues coolly for a better solution in direction of any problem happening in your day to day life. I examine in every single day. Which means if they decide at some point to vary their thoughts about their relationship then your information is going to be brought to the asiame.com scam forefront of their thoughts. I love going for a walk with them. I really like washing dishes with them. I really like grocery purchasing with them. Common properties will be edited within the Properties pane and Apply modifications will process the changes in one transaction. In addition, a closure will probably be offered as the second argument to the ofMany method. I thought of marrying them after they nursed me back to well being throughout flu season.
Darrendhk
Healy, Melissa. “Guns and alcohol: Gun house owners drink extra and take extra dangers, research says.” LA Instances. Paid Visitor Posting and Blog Posting is not only to get the backlinks to your blog or website but also to get the audience and more exposure to your web site, business, and blogs. I actually watched his YouTube sequence and, don’t get me flawed, he is got some huge cash behind him to do it, however it was pretty cool. “Guys put loads less effort into it,†Olivia M. said. You need to fulfill someone who’s drawn to the true you, so don’t be afraid to place that on the market. The reality is, a woman does not want the 411 on you, she can get that by Googling your title. You want clear air between him & you, or how else are you able to begin healing? Do we even have to say it? The ‘free offer’ you make to encourage sign-ups really does have to be a very good high quality offer. When you choose not to use a relationship coach, make certain you’ve gotten a good buddy or other individual to seek advice from. We determined to carry the query to licensed marriage and household therapist and relationship professional Lisa Marie Bobby, Ph.D., of Rising Self Counseling and Coaching.
So as to ascertain a relationship with the patron an organization must seek a method to identify with how people interact with the neighborhood. So even when you already know your tolerance below regular circumstances, consider abstaining from alcohol or holding it to a minimal when you are out of your component, not only at firm parties, however at conferences, networking events and notably job interviews where alcohol could also be served, comparable to a dinner assembly. In keeping with Mothers Towards Drunk Driving (MADD), one-third of all drunk driving arrests, crashes, deaths and injuries may be attributed to repeat offenders, lots of whom continue to drive even with a suspended license. Practically as many alcohol-related deaths outcome from firearm injuries (one-fifth of all alcohol-related accidents) as from drunk driving accidents (one-fourth of all alcohol-associated accidents). Everyone knows that drunk individuals are pretty lazy. Harding, Eleanor. “Why office drinks are more likely to make us get together fools than drinks with colleagues in a bar.” Each day Mail.
Horan, Sean M. “Why Do People Drunk Dial?” Psychology At the moment. Yes, we’re speaking about drunk shopping. Yes, maybe embellishing and over-exaggerating may go initially as you might get a few extra messages. Drunken shoppers might remember their purchases solely when they find the affirmation emails the next morning, or when mysterious packages arrive on the is chnlove.com legit doorstep a few days later. Under regular circumstances, most of us begin to really feel sluggish or sleepy after a few alcoholic drinks. If you’re feeling uncomfortable on a primary assembly, make up an excuse and go away (‘Sorry I can’t keep lengthy … I’ve a gathering within the morning’). There’s always another option: Have a delegated driver, name a cab, name a buddy, call a mum or dad or stay overnight. Researchers at the University of Birmingham, England found that drinking in an unfamiliar context such because the workplace may have a stronger impact on inhibitions than drinking in a well-recognized environment, like a bar. A examine by researchers at Maastricht University in the Netherlands discovered that both low doses of alcohol and low doses of THC (the lively ingredient in marijuana) moderately impaired driving performance when administered alone.
When the identical low doses of alcohol and THC have been mixed, the impact on driving performance was severe. Gapstur, Susan. “Does drinking alcohol improve the chance of most cancers?” American Cancer Society. Alcohol is the leading risk issue for harm within the United States. And at the risk of sounding like I’m 200-years-outdated, I would prefer to go on the document as being extremely grateful that cell telephones, texting and social media were not round when I was in school. Social capital, on the other hand, is the measure of our connections with others — our networks. Simply make sure that you do not body the suggestion in a method that makes them feel pressured or rushed. But whenever you add vitality drinks to the mix, the stimulant effects of caffeine, plant-based mostly substances, or sugars within the drink can mask the effect of the alcohol, making us really feel extra sober and alert than we actually are. Krisberg, Kim. “Alcohol, acetaminophen mix puts kidney health at risk, research finds.” The Nation’s Health.