When I was getting in to wedding photography – I knew a lot about photography.  I had been practicing for years … really – just snapping pictures and playing in Photoshop.  I had taken all of the classes on how to do this or that – but nothing really prepared me for having my own business.  Thankfully, and I mean THANKFULLY, there were a few key people who really helped give me the tools I needed to get started and take things to the next level.  One in particular (*wink, you know who you are), listened to a cry fest a few times, and pushed me farther than I knew I could push myself.  Unfortunately, outside of this, there were not a lot of people who chatted openly, shared ideas, and helped make the industry a collaboration of sort.  This has since changed … but 4 years ago, things were a little different.

I get questions all the time through emails or Facebook.  The question I get asked the most is, “How did you start your business.  I just bought a nice camera”.  This is a loaded question.  There’s not one thing I did or didn’t do, but there was a LOT of blood, sweat, and tears that went in to this business.  Lots of education.  Lots of research.  Huge investments and lots of not fun stuff – which in turn has paid off and given me more than I ever expected it to.  Because I often don’t get to answer all of these questions in detail, I thought it would be fun to answer a few.

Alicia asked, “What is your favorite setting on your camera and how are you able to shoot so quickly?”

I rarely use the automated settings on my camera – in fact, I can’t remember the last time I used one.  I ALWAYS shoot in Manual mode.  If you aren’t shooting in Manual mode – you should make yourself learn aperture, ISO, shutter speed and their components.  The results of shooting in Manual are much more consistent than shooting in a semi-automatic mode where your camera chooses the settings for you!  To answer the rest of this question, I know my camera inside and out!  As a wedding photographer, I have to work in ever changing light situations and catch moments very quickly – or they are gone.  So, I have learned my equipment and can adjust pretty quickly to just about any situation.

Tanya asked, “What is your favorite lens?”

I am currently a Canon shooter.  I love shooting wide and have developed my style by shooting wide.  My favorite lens is probably my 24-70 mm 2.8 L.  It’s also very versatile – which is another thing I love about it.  I also love the 50 mm 1.2 and the 35 mm 1.4.

Alicia asked, “What is the lens that you used in your video, the white one?  I always see it in Sports Center stuff on ESPN.”

I love this one … mostly because I would love to shoot a big game for ESPN  Pardon me for the dreaming moment.  The lens you are referencing is the 70-200 mm 2.8 IS.  I love it.  Canon does offer some longer telephoto lenses that are also white.  The 70-200 is a beautiful lens, but it’s very heavy.  I mostly use it during a ceremony, or if I am outside and want to tell an intimate story without intruding.

Jennifer asked, “What camera bodies do you use? I have a Digital Rebel and like it so far.”

I use the Canon 5d series and like them.  I also own an arsenal of Canon professional lenses. I think that a Digital Rebel is a great camera for learning the ropes.  I had several of them through the years – really all the way up until just before I started my business.  They are great for a serious hobbyist or amateur photographer.

Craig asked, “Do you use a reflector in your outdoor shots or have someone who helps you light the situation?”

I usually have my fab assistant with me for weddings (Thanks Nat), but I rarely use a reflector.  While I sometimes use off camera lighting, I usually use available light.  I have learned to use the sun to help me create a studio situation outside.  I love using available light – and while I also know my flash inside and out, I prefer available light for my particular style.

Sara asked, “What type of computers do you use and what programs do you run?”

I use Mac computers.  I love them.  Really, it is getting out of control  I am kidding, but they are fantastic and reliable.  I run the Adobe Creative Suite and use it the most when editing my images.

Brad asked, “What type of point and shoot would you recommend?”

This is a good question.  I have had several point and shoots in the past few years.  I really don’t have a great suggestion for these.  I often get asked questions about different point and shoots at weddings.  Believe it or not, while I know my own gear inside and out – those little things are so different from camera to camera  I know that the Canon G series is a great point and shot.  I personally have a Canon Elph and like it {It’s very small and fits great in my purse}

That’s all for today – but I will try to do one of these posts once in a while to answer questions  I am also thinking of offering private one on one sessions {that focus on what you want to learn for your business} soon – so stay tuned.