You’ve got your DSLR – what next?

Below are DSLR tips that I would give, and have given to a DSLR beginner, so these should get you started:

1. Don’t get out of auto mode – only if you want to

Everyone says ‘get out of auto mode’, and they’re right! To use the full potential of a DSLR then you do need to use Manual (M), Aperture Priority (AV) and Shutter Priority (TV) modes.

But…

When you’re ready, you don’t have to do it straight away.

If you’re moving from a Point and Shoot, and you want to use the auto modes because they’re familiar, or you just don’t want to feel useless, then go ahead and shoot in auto, program, landscape, portrait, sport or macro modes etc… You can always try out the manual modes alongside the auto ones if you like?

The image at the top of this post was taken by me on a Point and Shoot in auto mode?

Not bad? I like it!

Instead, look at and use the rules of composition when shooting, change your perspective of the shot and look at what’s the focal point of your image – first, then moving out of auto mode will come more naturally.

2. Shoot, Shoot, Shoot and then Shoot some more….

This is my New Years resolution this year. The more you shoot the more comfortable you get with your camera and all its buttons.

You learn what you like to shoot and find more ways of shooting it, which means you’re learning composition.

You learn what inspires you, and what type of photography you want to shoot more of.

And with digital film the sky’s the limit because it’s so cheap to shoot, so there’s plenty of room to explore and try new things.

If it goes wrong it really doesn’t matter…

3. Have fun!

Enjoy your camera, enjoy your photography.

Photography is an expensive hobby. And you’ve spent a lot of money on buying a DSLR – so enjoy it!

Get use out of it, shoot when you want to and take images of what inspires you or catches your eye. Look at what you’ve taken, and take more of what you like.

Or challenge yourself and try something new. Or you could practice what you don’t like to take and see what happens?

Then you’ll know more about what you want to learn and get better at next…

4. You’re not going to be Ansel Adams over night?

Sorry to burst the bubble but a DSLR is not a magic wand that can spit out absolutely amazing photographs every time.

The camera is just your tool (whichever camera it may be) to take and record images, you’re the one in control, you create the image, you’re the photographer.

And it’s ok if not every shot is a masterpiece because photography is a journey.

You wont get there straight away and there are no shortcuts or teleporters to photography brilliance.

You’ll take a lot of shots you don’t like (I know I have).

It’s a journey that you should enjoy, it’s not a race. And you’ll learn a lot along the way (about more things than photography). It’s an amazing medium and you’ll get a lot out of it if you’re anything like me.

You see things in a unique way and that makes you and your photography special.

5. Learn how your camera works

learn how your camera works

Don’t panic, a little knowledge goes a long way…

I know my eyes glaze over when people start talking physics and prisms etc… and reading a camera manual can be tedious.

But if you have a little understanding of how your camera works, and what functions are available to you, like how it deals with light e.g. shutter, aperture and ISO. Then a lot more shooting opportunities become available to you, and you are able to shoot in low light, night and sport photography situations with confidence.

Not to mention easing the tension when your camera doesn’t understand exactly what it is you want it to do! Then you can take a photo of a window that you’re happy with, instead of putting your camera through the window!!!

Knowing how the camera sees light and how it records light will make you a better photographer.

6. Shoot in RAW

Do what now?

RAW is a type of camera file format like a jpeg. But it’s not compressed and holds a lot more information about the light that your camera has captured. This does make the file size a lot larger than a jpeg so watch the image count on your memory card.

You can change your settings to shoot in RAW in the quality menu in your camera.

You can then adjust the way that light is handled yourself (the camera does this automatically with jpegs) using your RAW processing software. You generally get some free with your camera which is a good place to start, or you can use a software package like Photoshop, Aperture or Lightroom to do it.

You have a lot more editing options when you shoot in RAW like being able to adjust white balance, contrast, exposure etc… which gives you more creativity as a photographer. And if you save the original RAW file then you can go back in the future and still play around with it.

You’re limited with what you can do with a jpeg in post processing. And I wish I had started shooting in RAW earlier, so I could try out some new techniques with some of my older images. So learn from my mistakes!

Hang tight we’ll be looking at this in more depth soon.

7. Post Processing is not the work of the Devil!

Some photographers hate it and some love it.

For me personally, I think post processing is an extension of and compliments what we do with a camera, and is part of the creative process of a photographer.

Remember a human eye is a lot more complex than a camera no matter how good they are, they haven’t caught up yet… so you never get exactly what you see in real life.

And at the end of the day the digital darkroom (post processing software) is a modern extension of the original darkroom, and even has some of the darkroom techniques (or digital versions of) like dodge and burn and unsharp mask included.

It’s just photography tools evolving – just like cameras do.

So getting a good grasp of what you can do with your images, and how you can do it with post processing software will put another string on your photography bow!

8. Share your photos

Don’t let your images sit on your hard drive and gather digital dust.

Get your photographs out there and share them with your family, friends or the world!

Flickr is a great place to start, and it’s free for the first 200 images. Ther’re great communities and groups that you can join on Flickr, and tons of other photographers to talk to and images to look at.

Here’s my flickr page to check out.

There are loads of great photo sharing sites out there besides Flickr. You can try these suggestions if you like, or Pinterest is a new social image sharing site that’s worth a look?

9. Check your gear before you go out…

I tell the kids this all the time on the way out to school: have you got your lunch, have you got your PE kit or where’s your bookbag.

If only I listened to my own advice!

You don’t want to be like me, and realise once you’ve got where you’re going that you have forgotten to charge your battery or the spare memory cards are still on the top in the kitchen. It only happened once – ok maybe twice, but it’s a real pain when it happens!

Always check your gear before you go out. Have you got the spare lens that you want to use and the memory cards, battery, filters, oh and don’t forget the tripod?

It may be handy to write a checklist – I love lists!

10. Look for inspiration…

Look for inspiration all around you. You’ll notice that this becomes easier the more you shoot. Or look on Flickr, Digital Photography School forum, Pinterest or a favourite magazine perhaps?

Follow the pros and see what they do, try to emulate what they’ve taken to see how the image works. I’ve done this myself and it’s a great way to learn new things. How do the camera settings affect how the image looks?

Hold on a minute (just for the sake of clarity): now I didn’t say go out there and copy and tell people it was your idea, I said emulate -

Try re-taking an image or idea that you’ve seen and learn from it. But then use what you’ve just learnt in your own images and ideas. Put your stamp, twist, personality and passion into an image, and then say hey look what I did!

11. Buy more gear?

example of depth of field/bokeh

It’s half the fun of being a gadget geek…… I mean photographer.

One of the first bits of gear I bought when I started shooting with a DSLR was a 50mm f/1.8 Lens. Absolutely fantastic, it’s the best thing I’ve ever bought, a great little lens and cheap to boot!

Great for trying out a prime lens (aka zooming with your feet) and depth of field/bokeh as it goes down to f1.8.

I’m on a budget so my gear list expands with time and birthdays!

So when it does I like to make the right choice, think about what I need/want and do a spot of window shopping first.

12. Read the Photographer blog!

You know I had to…

If any of the above has caught your attention, then I’ll be going into it in more depth here soon.

The best thing to do is to sign up for free email updates below and click join now, then you won’t miss anything…

Mandy

If you enjoyed this post then you may like to read more at my blog

the Photographer blog

Remember when I said there was going to be some new stuff coming up on the Photographer blog, well here’s the first one:

the Photographer blog Newsletter is here (Yhay!):

What will you get?

• Useful tips to help you take better photos
• learn how your camera works and how to use it better
• get inspiration for your photography

All you have to do is  fill in the form below and click ‘join now’…

…and if you like the newsletter then please tell your friends!

Look forward to seeing you on the other side…

Mandy

If you enjoyed this post then you may like to read more at my blog

the Photographer blog

You’ve decided you want to buy a DSLR.

But where do you start – not sure?

Don’t worry, this guide will take you through the questions you need to answer to help you choose the DSLR that’s right for you.

Buying your first DSLR is a big decision, lets face it photography is not a cheap hobby, and DSLR’s are expensive, so you want to make sure you make the right decision.

I know I did when I bought my first DSLR.

The thing is it’s different for everyone. Why? Because photography is individual. Whether it’s what you like to shoot, how you like to shoot it or what you like to shoot it with!

So what I’m going to do is lead you through the information that you need to know to help you make that decision. And tell you how I made my decision when I bought my first DSLR. Oh and I’ll leave the high tech details out, and go for the plain english keep it simple route, because if you’re overwhelmed with info overload you’ll never know which one to choose!

Why do you want a DSLR?

When I decided to upgrade to a DSLR from my point and shoot it was for these reasons, but these reasons also turned out to be the features that I needed to look for in my new DSLR:

1. I had a point and shoot but felt limited and wanted to be more creative = want full range of camera modes
2. I was already familiar with a point and shoot’s settings = want a DSLR to reflect this
3. I don’t want a camera that fits in my purse I’m more bothered about image quality = want best camera for my budget
4. I want more flexibility and to be able to change the lens = want great choice of available lenses
5. I want more control over the photos I take = want to try different types of photography: depth of field, macro, night, travel, sports, portrait or landscape

These are all great reasons, and make a great wish list, but with all the different choices out there to buy it can become a little overwhelming, don’t you think?

Jargon busting?

One of the first things you’ll notice when buying a camera is the amount of tech info and photography jargon that comes with it. What does it all mean? Here’s the main ones that I think you need to know, to understand the sales assistant or what the camera review is going on about:

• DSLR – digital single lens reflex eg. what you see is what you get
• megapixel – digital images are captured on image sensors made up of pixel elements (light absorbing), a million of these elements is a megapixel (determines how large you can print your image)
• image sensor – digital ‘film’ sensor made up of megapixels (DSLR’s use CMOS sensors)
• image processor – the brain of the camera converts the light caught on the sensor into an actual image on the lcd screen
• image stabilisation – either by the sensor or in the lens, it compensates for any movement while the image is being taken (hand shaking)
• memory card – you’ll need a memory card that will fit your camera to save your images on – beware they don’t come with the camera!

Still with me?

Which Camera do I go for?

Let’s start to narrow this down.

First of all you need to decide which make of camera you want to buy. I’ll explain later why it’s so important to decide on a ‘make’

You’ve got these main choices of cameras: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, or Panasonic.

All these ‘makes’ make good cameras. And so it’s easier to choose a camera (and to also stop this post turning into a book) I would recommend that you narrow it down to 2 companies. Why?  Because there’s no way you can realistically choose from all the entry level models from all 5 companies – your head will end up as mush!

When I did this I chose the 2 companies below. Because I’d used Canon products before and thought the image quality was very good. And also both have huge experience in making imaging products, literally decades of it. Which means they also make alot of accessories for the cameras, which can only be a good thing. And let’s face it they are giants in the camera world:

• Canon
• Nikon

So why is the ‘make’ of the camera so important?

To realise why this question is so important you have to look at the bigger picture.

Ok, so you’ve decided you want to improve your photography and buy a DSLR, but you’re quite rightly a little worried about figuring out all the buttons and new features that your new DSLR will give you. You want to see if you like it before you go too mad on gear?

Now when you learn to ride a bicycle you don’t start off with a full suspension mountain bike do you? You start off with a normal bike and if you’re a kid you’ve got training wheels on it, when you gain your confidence and experience you get the full suspension mountain bike.

Same with a DSLR. If you start out with an entry level DSLR and really enjoy it you’ll probably buy a few lenses for it and a flashgun etc… but then you want the full suspension mountain bike, like a semi-pro or full frame camera?

But you’ve spent a fair bit of money on accessories and you don’t want to have to start all over again and buy new ones, you want to be able to still use your beloved (and possibly expensive) lens on your new bells and whistle camera.

So it makes sense to start off with the camera ‘make’ that you’re going to stick with, because then you can just upgrade your body and all your old accessories will still fit it! Make sense yeah?

Canon or Nikon?

The age old question. I’m not getting into that one!

To be honest they’re both great cameras, and there’s not much between them so this is where it comes down to personal preference.

Lets compare their entry level models so you can see what I mean:

Canon 1100D/T3

• 12.2-megapixel image quality
• Feature Guide Mode: Yes
• HD video: Yes
• new 18-55mm IS II kit lens
• 9-point Auto Focus system
• 2.7-inch Live View LCD screen
• Use with all EF and EF-S lenses (60+)
• 14-bit DIGIC 4 image processor 3.2fps continuous shooting

Nikon D3100

• 14.2 megapixel DX-format image sensor
• Feature Guide Mode: Yes
• HD (full) Video: Yes
• 18-55mm VR kit lens
• 11 point Auto Focus system
• Large 3-inch, high-resolution LCD monitor
• Extensive in-camera editing functions
• EXPEED 2 image processing engine with up to 3 fps

Stalemate?

The best advice I can give you (and what I did) is to go to a shop (yep they still have them) and pick them up. Try each model out, hold them and see how they feel in your hands, look through the viewfinder and see how it feels, press a few buttons, how do the menus work?

Once you’ve done that you’ll know which one you want!

Its all about the glass

The camera is only one part of the equation when it comes to taking great images. If you’ve got a fantastic camera, but a really cheap low quality lens, then you’ll never get the same great quality shots than if you use a really good quality lens with a cheaper camera. The lens makes a big difference. Lens quality ranges from very cheap to very expensive. While cheaper cameras are getting a lot better. That’s the advantage of spending money on getting decent lenses and not a very expensive camera body.

And being able to use different lenses is what you want a DSLR for in the first place, right? It’s where things start to get really interesting…

What do I use?

I decided on a Canon camera. At the time Canon didn’t make the 1100D/T3 series, so the best entry level camera I could afford was the Canon 450D/XSi, and I still use that camera today.

I love it!

Conclusion

I’m not telling you to go out and buy a Canon or Nikon entry level camera (although they are very good cameras for the price).

I’m showing you the process I went through to decide on a Entry Level DSLR, so it can help you decide.

It doesn’t matter which camera you choose as long as you are happy with your choice.

So get out there and start shooting and having fun!

And don’t forget to pop back to The Photographer Blog to pick up some more tips to help you with your photography…

See you soon!

Mandy

If you enjoyed this post then you may like to read more at my blog

the Photographer blog

Have you made any New Years resolutions, or goals for your photography in 2012?

If you have…

…don’t let these goals slip away – take action!

This is my photography goal for 2012

If I can do this then everything else will fall into place

Keep it simple:

I’m going to take more photographs this year

I think this is the best advice I can give to a beginner photographer, or any photographer – including myself!

Why?

The more you shoot the more experience you get

The more you shoot the better you know your gear

The more you shoot the more mistakes you make, the more you learn

The more you shoot the better your photographs will become

The more you shoot the more you’ll know what you like to shoot

Get the idea?

Shoot, keep shooting, then shoot some more!

Start Shooting Now!

Remember, you’re not on your own

We’re in this together

If you get stuck

Ask

If you want help

Visit The Photographer Blog regularly, or sign up for tpb’s RSS Feed, or watch out for the all new newsletter that’s coming soon…

But most of all (you know what I’m going to say)

Keep shooting…

Have Fun!

And lets make 2012 a great year for our photography!

Mandy
P.S. If you enjoyed this article then feel free to share it on Twitter or Like it on Facebook Thanks!

If you enjoyed this post then you may like to read more at my blog

the Photographer blog

The Insider Series to Travel Documentary Photography

The Rabari – Encounters with the Nomadic Tribe by Mitchell Kanashkevich is the new ebook from Lightstalking.

First off, you don’t have to be a travel photographer to make use of this book.

The composition, lighting and post processing tips will help any photographer improve their portrait photography.

Who’s Mitchell

Mitchell knows what he is talking about. He is an award winning travel and documentary photographer, with his work appearing in top photography and travel magazines as well as Getty and Corbis to name but a few!

This ebook is a fantastic chance to take a look behind the scenes at one of his actual photo shoots.

The Gear

The thing that most impressed me about this ebook was the gear that Mitchell used. A 400D, and one of the lenses he used was a 50mm f1.8.

Rabari Tribal Leader

Why is this so special? I have a 450D and a 50mm f1.8!

Which means… That the gear is on our level, it’s not a 5D or 1D.

It shows what an entry level DSLR can do! And it shows if he can do it so can we – with the help of his tips!

What’s inside

It’s laid out like a story and Mitchell takes you through the steps he uses to create the images, including:

• background information
• objectives
• light
• moment/pose
• composition
• biggest challenge – how I managed it
• ‘what’ and ‘why’ of post processing

3 main points that stand out to me when I read this book:

1.  Any photographer can learn from these tips – composition, lighting and post processing.
2.  The equipment Mitchell used is easily accessible. He used a 400D and one of his lenses was a 50mm f1.8 (I have a 450D and a 50mm f1.8!)
3.  The story that the book takes you on, he breaks down 10 photographs into how, why, what and when.

Click here to view more details on the ebook

Mandy
P.S. I think it’s that good it’s got my affiliate link!

If you enjoyed this post then you may like to read more at my blog

the Photographer blog

The Photographer Blog is on Facebook

Finally I’ve done it The Photographer Blog is up and running on Facebook here – www.facebook.com/ThePhotographerBlog. Where you’ll find more easy tips and tricks to help improve your photography.

So if you’re on Facebook (who isn’t these days) then you may want to check the page out and if you think it’s any good give it a Like!

And don’t stop there, spread the word…

Have you noticed something different?

You may have noticed I’ve added some new stuff to the site to make it easier to use. There’s a Portfolio page so my images are easier to find.

And social media buttons on the left hand side of posts for Twitter, Facebook and Google+, so if you feel that way inclined then you can add them to social media easily.

Stay Tuned more to come…

There’s lots more planned.

Keep checking back in with the site as you’ll see some more additions over the next couple of weeks…

…like  a new email newsletter so it’s easier to keep up with what’s going on and get exclusive content as a subscriber.

and watch out for info on my new ebook – the best way to do that will be to sign up for the newsletter!

Over to you

Thank you for reading the Photographer blog. I want to give more value to you my reader, so I’m interested to know, what would you like to see on the site.

Add your thoughts to the comments below.

Thanks

Mandy
P.S. If you liked this article then share it on Twitter or Facebook (using my new shiny buttons!) so others can read it too.

If you enjoyed this post then you may like to read more at my blog

the Photographer blog

I know I’ve just looked at 14 photography gift ideas for the photog in your life, but I couldn’t help myself when I came across these while Christmas shopping (ok I got sidetracked).

I just had to share them.

If you’re wanting to buy something completely different for the photog in your life, or you want a fun alternative to the real thing then these really hit the mark.

They’re going on my list that’s for sure…

1. Lens Coffee Cups

Yes, you heard right you can pour coffee into a lens and get away with it!

They really look like the real thing, check out the image above. But they are Camera Lens Cups and you get a lens cap for a lid. And if that’s not enough you can buy a Canon or Nikon lens, depending on which one’s your cup of tea! (sorry couldn’t resist).

These are my favourite. Well if I can’t afford a real 70 – 200mm lens then hey… I’ll buy one of these and pour coffee in it!

Guaranteed to put a smile on any photogs face.

2. The F-Stop Watch

This F-Stop Watch is definitely unusual. The hours are marked with Aperture numbers, with a bright red second hand and the middle of the watch looks like a shutter.

I love how Photojojo put it: ‘You’re a little fuzzy around 2, start feeling better around 8, but at 11 you’re sharp, focused and ready to party’ (photographer joke!).

3. Camera Lens Bracelets

Well there seems to be bracelets for just about everything these days so why not a lens? You can get a 50mm or 24-70mm Camera Lens Bracelet.

Another great stocking filler idea.

4. Keep Calm and Snap On Print

I love Keep Calm and Carry On (I have the mug), it was actually created in World War II as an information poster to be used if Britain was invaded by the Germans – So it was never used.

Well it seems the theme is expanding… Having one of those days? lost your lens cap, can’t find that memory card - Keep Calm and Snap on!

5. Instant Camera iPhone Decal

Do you take photos with your iPhone?

This is a nice bit of fun for those photographers that do, or iPhonographers. Go retro with this Instant Camera iPhone decal. Goes on and comes off easily.

6. Photo Fabric Dye Kit

This Photo fabric dye kit is really easy to use. Just paint it onto the fabric – t-shirt or whatever, then put a negative or anything else you feel like on top, and put it in the sun (maybe not a good idea for Britain!).

I’m actually going to let my kids paint on clothes… that can’t be right?

7. DSLR Bank

Are you saving up for some new gear?

This DSLR coin bank is a great way to help you save for it. It’s a realistic Canon DSLR replica with a 24-105mm lens – the lens I’m saving up for right now (it could be a sign!).

I think these gift ideas are all absolutely fabulous. And would make a great fun gift for any photographer.

Happy Shopping…

Mandy

P.S. There are some Amazon affiliate links in this post so you can easily add to a wish list.

If you enjoyed this post then you may like to read more at my blog

the Photographer blog

What do I buy them?

Are you stuck on what to buy the photographer in you life for Christmas?

I know we’re not always the easiest people to buy for…

You need to either know what your photographer wants (safe option) or else you need to know what camera gear they already have (or it’ll be 3 tripods for Christmas?) and make an educated guess (not so safe option) as to what they might like. Well I’m here to help…

Note: You may also find 10 Must Have Accessories for your DSLR gives you some more ideas.

But whether you’re buying for Christmas, birthdays or anniversaries here are some great ideas to help with that Christmas shopping (oh and if my husbands reading this that includes me!):

1. Remote Shutter Release

If you are wanting to shoot remotely then there are two solutions. 1. Either a Remote Shutter Release Cable for shooting long exposures from behind the camera eg. night photography, eliminating even the slightest bit of camera shake that could affect your image. 2. Or an infared Wireless Remote Controller for shooting in front of the camera eg. self portraits, for when you don’t want to set the timer and run around the camera.

2. Filters – UV, ND, or Polarizing

There’s a huge range of filters available but how about these for starters:

• UV (Ultra Violet) Filter: great for lens protection and reducing haze.
• ND (Neutral Density) Filter: full – reduce the amount of light passing through the lens so that a longer exposure can be used eg blurring waterfalls. Graduated Neutral Density Filter - allows proper exposure for landscape photography for both background and foreground.
• Polarizing Filter: removes unwanted reflections from surfaces such as water, it rotates on the lens for adjustment.

* Remember check the size of the end of the lens (it can be different with each lens) where the filter will screw onto, it will be printed on the end of the lens, eg Canon 18-55mm IS kit lens has 58mm written separately to the focal length on the end of the lens, so would need 58mm filter.

3. Digital Photography book

There are a huge range of digital photography books out there, but for me I’d recommend the Digital Photography Book 1,2, and 3 by Scott Kelby. I think they’re a great place to start, and I’ve got and use some really great tips from these books. I only have the last one to get…

4. 50mm 1.8 II lens

A cheap lens but wow can it deliver! One of the cheapest lens you can buy (Canons cheapest) but the best for having lots of fun with it. I have the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens and I think it’s great for still life and portraits. The image of the purple flower at the top of this post was taken with my 50mm 1.8 lens.

5. Camera bag

If it’s climbing over fences, fields or beaches time then I use a Lowepro Slingshot, I have the 100AW and that fits my Canon 450D with kit lens and one other lens, memory card, battery, etc. Although a Lowepro SlingShot 202 AW would be better as it can fit 3-4 lens and a flash unit and that would give me more space. For around town on a day out when I need a handbag as well but don’t want to take one, then I use my Hama Cutline that can take all my camera gear plus my purse and phone.

6. Tripod

A sturdy well made Tripod is an essential part of a photographers kit. I use a Manfrotto 785B (this tripod is similar), that is up the cheap end but is well made and works fine for me. If I had longer lens (which would make the camera lens heavy) I would probably upgrade for more stability.

7. Memory cards

You can never have enough memory cards. A 4gb, 8gb or 16gb SD or a CF (compact flash) memory card (check what the camera uses) would always be well received by any photographer and a great stocking filler.

8. Spare battery

Another must, if your battery dies you’ve officially had it, a spare can save your life! And Santa will be made up with another easy to fit in a stocking filler. This car charger  is another great idea!

9. Lens cleaning kit

It’s like buying your Dad a car cleaning kit or your Mum the obligatory smellies. A lens cleaning kit or a fancy lens cloth like this Spudz one,
is the photographers equivalent, and lets face it, I like getting smellies for Christmas! Or maybe a nice fancy lens cloth or lens pen etc…

10. Print or Canvas

Why not take one of their favourite shots of this year, and have it made into a canvas or framed as a print. And there are lots of sites that can help you with that eg Adorama. Get those photographic triumphs off the hard drive and on the wall and enjoy them.

11. External hard drive

Storage, storage, storage, the thought of losing your images when a hard drive fails is a photographers worst nightmare. Keeping your images safe and sound is top priority. I know I’ve been there and lost them! So something like a Clickfree Automatic Backup 500GB External Hard Drive would back images up nicely or you could stick an Epson P-3000 40GB Multimedia Storage Drive in your camera bag and backup your images while on location. Either way they would help a photographer sleep a lot sounder.

12. Camera strap

After a day of lugging a camera around it can start to get a bit heavy, so a decent camera strap can be the difference between a visit to the chiropractor or a neck that you can actually still move! (ok slight exaggeration!). But there are some good ergonomically designed ones out there like the Black Rapid RS-7 Camera Strap

13. Magazine subscription

How about something a little different like a years magazine subscription to their favourite magazine. Here’s a few for some ideas:

• Photography Monthly
• Amateur Photographer
• Digital SLR Photography

14. Off Camera Flash

Starting out with using off camera flash can make a whole new range of camera accessories available to the budding Strobist. A good place to start is a camera flash unit, for my camera a Canon 450D/XSi then a Canon Speedlite 430EX IIwould be a good place to start for instance.

Happy shopping…

Mandy

P.S. Yep you’ve guessed it those are affiliate links (some not all). Click a link to find out more, or if you’re a photog then maybe add a few to your Amazon wish list to drop some bigger hints?

If you enjoyed this post then you may like to read more at my blog

the Photographer blog

Have Your Say…

I want to hear from DSLR Beginners.

I want to know the number 1 thing that is stopping you from making the most out of your camera and your photography at the moment.

I’m committed to helping you to learn the skills and information that you need to improve your photography. And have fun with it!

So I’m writing an ebook at the moment aimed at doing just that. But I want you to have your say and tell me what you would want to see in it.

Can you help me?

Would you let me know in the comments or via email (media3a[at]gmail[dot]com) what it is that you need, to move onto the next step?

I look forward to hearing from you…

Mandy

If you enjoyed this post then you may like to read more at my blog

the Photographer blog

If there is one sure fire way to help inspire me in my photography, then it’s reading photography quotes from esteemed photographers and getting their view on the matter.

Don’t you think?

Whether they strike a cord with you, stir an emotion or just make you think, it is stimulating to hear how another person can explain or describe what photography is, or what it means to them.

I couldn’t pick a favourite, in fact these are probably my 20 favourite photography quotes (to date)!

Enjoy…

1. ‘I didn’t choose photography. Photography chose me.’ - Gerardo Suter

2. ‘Every other artist begins with a blank canvas, a piece of paper… the photographer begins with the finished product.’ — Edward Steichen

3. ‘Sometimes I do get to places just when God’s ready to have somebody click the shutter.’ — Ansel Adams

4. ‘If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.’ -Robert Capa

5. ‘You don’t take a photograph you make it’ – Ansel Adams

6. ‘Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst’ – Henri Cartier -Bresson

7. ‘Which of my photographs is my favourite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow’ – Imogen Cunningham

8. ‘I find the single most valuable tool in my darkroom is my trash can’ – John Sexton

9. ‘If I could tell you the story in words, I wouldn’t need to lug around a camera’ – Lewis Hine

10. ‘If you are out there shooting, things will happen for you. If you’re not out there. you’ll only hear about it’ – Jay Maisel

11. ‘Photography helps people to see’ – Berenice Abbott

12. ‘A good snapshot stops a moment from running away’ – Eudora Welty

13. ‘Contrast is what makes photography interesting’ – Conrad Hall

14. ‘There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are’ - Ernst Haas

15. ‘If I have any ‘message’ worth giving to a beginner it is that there are no short cuts in photography.’ – Edward Weston

16. ‘I have discovered photography. Now I can kill myself. I have nothing else to learn’ – Pablo Picasso

17. ‘There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs’ - Ansel Adams

18. ‘Seeing is not enough; you have to feel what you photograph’ – Andre Kertesz

19. ‘To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.’ – Elliott Erwitt

20. ‘If I knew how to take a good photograph, I’d do it every time.’ – Robert Doisneau

Do you have any more?

What are your favourite photography quotes…. feel free to add them in the comments below!

Mandy

If you enjoyed this post then you may like to read more at my blog

the Photographer blog