I’ve wanted a camera for years. I am a lousy shot, but I really enjoy taking pictures.
Specifically, I like taking pictures of pets, flowers, and bugs. Sometimes landscapes.
So I watched a class on artistic, painting-like photography, and I really liked it. The instructor was using something called Lensbaby, which is a type of lens that makes a blur and lets you zoom in on specific parts of the image. She also used a 180 mm lens, which seems hideously expensive.
The process seems to produce extreme flower closeups, similar to George O’Keeffe’s work. I would really like to try it. I’ve given up on trying to paint what I want, so instead maybe I could photograph it.
I would need a real camera for both. Amount I know about cameras: 0.
Gordon suggested a generous budget for this craziness. He’s actually been suggesting I buy a camera for years, but I keep talking myself out of the purchase, because money. Also, I don’t know if this is going to be something I really enjoy or if I play with it for a month and be like, “Nope, not for me.”
I don’t want to waste the money, since I am going to count this as my silver anniversary present. So if you are familiar with that type of photography, can you suggest a camera for me? Or should I upgrade my iPhone and buy an OlloClip instead?
Late to the party, I think handling the camera is good advice as you probably don’t want something super heavy. My husband chose a Canon DSLR the last time we got a new camera. It is a few years old our daughter actually shoots movies on it. One thing you might want to look into is a tripod, ours converts to a monopod too. Have fun choosing!
Welcome to the wonderful, fun, and incredibly expensive hobby of photography. After 12 years of this hobby, I’ve amassed a lot of equipment. I just switched from Canon DSLR to Sony mirrorless for some stability especially since it is lighter weight. However, Sony lenses are on the more expensive end. Mirrorless cameras are a really great option though because of how much easier it is to hold. Lenses are worth the cost as they really make a difference in quality.
I live in Bulverde and would totally be willing to show you around your new camera (we met at the library in Feb). Have fun and be patient!!
When I first got into photography, I was fortunate to run across Fredmiranda.com. Fred was a gorgeous male model but he loved being on the other side of the lens. He built a wonderful website, with different forums for every type of photography. You might find it interesting to go there and explore the different forums and see what people are using to get the shots that you are drawn to. The site has changed a lot (buy/sell forum would no longer be my first choice, I prefer Adorama now or buying refurbished directly from Canon), but there are probably still helpful people who will teach you how to use whatever you do get. DSLR for the win. You’ll be able to see things the marvelous human eye can’t see, and then be able to manipulate the images in powerful ways with various software. Rather than jump into expensive software (and subscription plans that just keep going up), look into GIMP. Free alternative to Photoshop. Lots of info on YouTube. Regarding the camera itself, the glass is far more important. So figure out what you want to shoot first, then what glass you will need, then camera body. I was shooting horse shows, so I needed a full frame camera with zero shutter delay, reliable autofocus, and a powerful zoom lens on a Winchester sidekick, mounted on a strong ball head and tripod. Weather sealed and in camo of course, so as not to spook the horses. 15 years later that camera is hopelessly out of date (still shoots great images, just can’t blow them up), but the glass is still excellent. And even more expensive today. I stay with Canon because I have a lot of L glass, and I like their color rendition, but I also have a Fujifilms camera for less conspicuous photography. If you want to do macro, that’s a whole world in and of itself, with specialized lenses and gear. I really should write a blog post instead of going on and on here. Have fun!
seconding GIMP! It has almost all of the functionality of Adobe Photoshop, and it’s open source, and I have had a good time using it, even if there is a bit of a learning curve. Like Elle says, there’s a lot of YouTube tutorials!
Got to agree with previous posts. Camera store, hold the camera and talk with someone who knows the features. Some cameras have so many bells and whistles you’ll never sort through them all. If you don’t have a lot of patience you want it to be easy. I shoot Nikon (big pro camera), but once you’ve invested in lenses you don’t often switch. A good wide angle to medium range lens 24-70 or a macro to 70 (fun) and perhaps a 70-200 is all you really need.
You can rent cameras to try them out. Check out the mirrorless cameras as they are so much lighter. That’s where Sony shines.
I am on similar quest. Before you get the lensbaby you will want to get comfortable with depth of field and focus and using manual settings on the camera. I have a canon rebel, it is lighter than the full frame cameras. The lenses are cheaper. I have a prime lense and a macro lens. The macro is great for portraits and close ups of flowers. See my insta #jpartainorcross. Also, you can rent all the fancy lenses to see if you want them. Professional photographers rent their stuff and get it shipped to the shoot location. You can book trips with pros who will help you storm chase or do night photography or bluebonnets. I went to Big Bend and did a photo workshop with Jason Weingart. You learn a lot and get chances to take some great photos. The larger frame cameras are necessary for the landscape and night sky stuff.
My friends who are professional photographers say that some of their best photos were taken with their iPhones. If you can the iPhone 11 Pro or any of the other major camera phones should be good enough and you have a phone too!
I have an old manual Cannon.Does that date me? I also have a digital Cannon Sure Shot. Finding a camera that feels right is good. Make sure that you go through a tutorial or at least read the owner’s manual. Don’t be surprised when your children borrow said camera and you have to go hunting for it so you can use your camera.
Today, July 7th Kohl’s.com where you can score this Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Camera Kit for just $299.99 shipped (regularly $749.99)!
Description: This camera kit lets you capture highly detailed, vibrant photos and videos, plus you can use the built-in Wi-Fi to upload, share and print your photos. You’ll find everything you need to bring your photography to a new level, including the camera body, a 18-55mm and a 75-300mm lens, a shoulder bag, battery pack, charger, and more!
Hi! I’m a professional photographer who shot Canon for years, but switched to Fujifilm about 4 years ago. I haven’t regretted it for a moment. More vibrant colors, and incredible glass, which is what will give you that bokeh look you are referencing. Overall, it’s a lighter system so it’s easier to just grab and go. They’ve just brought out the XT4, so there are very good deals on the XT2’s + XT3’s right now. If you are even vaguely considering shooting any video, check out the XH1 because it has built in camera stabilization which is essential for video. Pair any of those camera bodies with the 35mm 1.4 lens and you’ll be in love with the Fuji system in no time. Bonus? The XT series has a really cool retro look with ISO and shutter speed dials sitting on top of the camera like the old school SLR’s. Aperture (which is what gives you that soft focus look) is on the lens. Have fun and let us know what system you choose!
Almost forgot one of the coolest Fuji X series functions. In camera, you can choose different color profiles which emulate the Fuji film stocks (Provia, Astia, Eterna, etc). It will give you an incredibly polished look straight out of camera (aka SOOC), but still allow you to have a “style.”