I’ve been so inspired in my Blogging Your Way class that I just bought my first fancy, non-point-and-shoot, camera! (Thank you Holly and Leslie.) After a lot of research and exploration, I decided on the Canon Rebel T2i. I went to Calumet in Cambridge last week armed with a list of all items a novice would need, thanks to my photographer brother who patiently guided me. The guys at Calumet said he should receive a commission check.
Here’s the list for any other novices out there thinking of starting with a DSLR:
- Camera w/ kit lens, lens to be upgraded after I become more of an expert (and have more money)
- lens (Canon 50mm f/1.8)
- UV Filters for both lenses. These are inexpensive and will protect the lenses.
- Microfiber cloth to clean the lenses
- 2 Cards. I went with one 8GB high speed card that would be able to store video. I’ll probably get a 16GB soon. My brother recommended 2 cards so that if one gets full, I won’t be stuck waiting for the photos to copy to the computer. If one fills up, I can just swap it out and keep shooting. That will be important especially for client shoots.
- Monopod with legs or Tripod. I’m still deciding on this one.
- Extra battery, preferably Calumet brand. Calumet doesn’t make one yet for my camera, so I’m waiting on this too.
- Camera Bag. I followed my brother’s advice and went with the super-portable bag with an additional case that I can attached to the main bag’s strap to hold the extra lens. My goal is to take pictures as often as possible, and I know that’s more realistic when everything is easy to carry and not as cumbersome as many large camera bags can be.
I was originally planning to order everything online, but I highly recommend going to a high-quality shop where they will guide you and make sure you get all the right items.
Here are some of my first photos with my new camera and photography styling skills, thanks to BYW.
20. March 2011 at 9:47 pm
hi Elle- I’m a fellow BYW student and wanted to say WOW! Great photos with your new camera! I also write about “green” living on my blog. I’m a nutritionist and new mom with a passion for living a balanced, healthy, green life. Your blog is great…I’m adding you to my blog roll
Best of luck to you for continued success.
Heather
23. March 2011 at 7:15 pm
Hi Heather – Thanks for visiting! It’s great to find other blogs with a green focus. I just added you to my blogroll too and look forward to reading your posts!
26. March 2011 at 4:10 pm
Bonjour ELLE,
I love your photos. They are beautiful, the colors, the design, the sharpness. Enjoy everything you take on.
Simone
4. April 2011 at 10:15 am
Hi Elle: We met over at BYW! These are fabulous shots!!! You have inspired me..I’ve always used a simple point and shoot and KNOW I need to upgrade to really make progress here. My husband, would you believe, is a photographer, but works only with film (so he’s no help at all!!). It just seems so confusing and overwhelming. We have a great camera/photo shop in Chapel Hill, so maybe I will stop in there. I’ll let you know! But keep going, these are terrific.
Libby
5. April 2011 at 4:46 pm
Thank you, Libby! I’ve been having so much fun with my new photography hobby. It’s a great example of how BYW was so much more than just a blogging class. Good luck, and I look forward to hearing how it goes.