FAQ: Photography Questions Pt. 1

So, I regularly get e-mails and comment questions from other professional photographers and aspiring photographers. Now, I don’t think I am the bomb shizzle (yeah I just said that, so?) but I am always happy to share the knowledge I do have and I try very hard to respond to all the e-mails that come in from other photographers. But! Just in case you’re wondering. Here are some Frequently Asked Photo Questions.

Q: I noticed you shoot Canon. Why did you choose a Canon system over a Nikon one?

A: Great question! Honestly, I have been shooting with Canon systems since early high school when I got my first SLR,  a Canon F-1. I loved it (and still have it to this day!) and from then on I was a Canon girl. Nowadays I love my Canon Prime lenses. You will find there is always a reason to go to another system. Both Canon and Nikon are always improving and trying to get ahead in the pro photo game and they will go back and forth. Both systems are awesome and generally reliable. I just say try shooting with each and see what feels best for you.  See what kind of a shooter you are , pick one, and run with it baby!

Q: What lens did you use on _________ session?

A: I get this question a lot! It’s hard to answer because I am constantly switching lenses during every shoot based on what look I am going for and the situation. It’s all about knowing your gear and how to best utilize it. You can take amazing photos with a kit lens or a canon 50mm 1.8 if you know how to use it.

Which leads to….

Q: What is your favorite lens?

A: Another tough one! I absolutely love my 70-200 2.8IS Love it! But! If you have seen me with it (or seen it at all) it is kind of a monster, a giant white lens that can be intimidating. Pretty heavy but makes for insane gorgeous photos. If I could shoot with this all the time I just might. Right now though I am expecting a new baby in the mail any day, a Canon 35 1.4L , I have used this lens at engagements sessions and weddings regularly and finally decided I had to have it. So this is probably going to be my new fave. I would say the 35-70 mm range is my most used (which is pretty common). If I could only have 2 lenses those would be the two.

Q: I am just starting out, what gear set up would you recommend for portraits?

A: If you are looking to start shooting portraits casually there are so many options based on your skill level and budget. If you are wanting to start building your gear to shoot (portraits or possibly 2nd shooting) I would recommend picking up a used Canon 5d for about $1,000.00 and a Canon 50MM 1.4 for about $300. It’s a great starter set up if you’re thinking of being a prime lens shooter. The 28mm 1.8 , 50mm 1.4, and 851.8 are a triple threat and all very reasonably priced. All great lenses to start with. If you don’t have the 1k to drop for a full frame 5d you can always pick up a 20d, 30d, or 40d for pretty cheap nowadays, they are great learning bodies. But if you’re gonna get serious the 5d will rock your world.

Q: What did you think of your experience learning photography at a Fine Art School? Should I go to school to get my Bachelor’s in Photography too?

A: Going to school for photography was a dream of mine. I was coming right out of high school and was in love with the Arts in general and knew I needed to be creating constantly. I am so happy that I got to learn things like the history of Photography, the technical side, experiment with different mediums and find my niche in an amazing setting such at CalARTS. It was an experience that I will always cherish and was right for me at the time. I wouldn’t change it for the world. That being said as far as shooting portraits and weddings goes I have learned so much by actually getting out there and doing it. It is so much more than the artistic side, the business side is 80% of the work! I would say if you know Weddings and Portraits is what you want to do take some local classes, talk to local photographers, attend workshops and get out there and shoot your little bum off! If you are in love with photography and aren’t quite sure where you fit in, or where it fits into your life, then maybe attending school for it would be good for you like it was for me. It has certainly made me a better photographer in the long run.  It is very much a personal decision (and an expensive one!).

Whew. Ok! So that’s all the questions for now. Hope this is helpful, keep an eye out for more FAQ posts in the near future. As always I welcome e-mails and comments with questions and I wil try to e-mail back or create a post around it.