Well, to answer my own question…no, I do not. I am a lover of photography and I call myself an aspiring photographer but I am a long way from being a professional. But over the last month I’ve been thinking about how I say that I love photography (see picture above) but yet I rarely talk about in on this blog
Here are a few of the thing that have held me back:
We have 2 lenses for our Nikon D200…one came with the camera and one was purchased separately. My husband can’t wait until he can buy some new lenses! The one on the right is a Nikon 18-70mm AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens and the one on the left is a Nikon 70-300mm AF Nikkor Zoom Lens. I know that sounds really technical and complicated. I’ve been told what all of that information means but do I remember…no!
What these lenses mean to me in non technical terms:
1) The lens on the right is the one I use 99.9% of the time for my blog. It captures a wider angle but doesn’t zoom very much so I have to be able to get close enough to the object I am photographing.
2) The lens on the left I use when I need to be able to zoom in on the subject. I use it when we are outdoors and I am taking pictures of my kids being kids. I also use it when I want a close up shot of an object where the object is clear and the background is fuzzy..
This is the accessory I can’t live without use the most. It is a Nikon SB-600 Speedlight which is an external flash. It attaches to the top of the camera. In this picture it is laying on its side…the part on the right can tilt and turn so that the flash can be bounced off different things. By bouncing the flash off a wall or the ceiling, I get added light without the harsh look & shadows from the pop up flash.
I also use my Nokia C7 Astound cell phone a lot when I am taking snapshots. It has an 8 megapixel camera with a LED flash. It is one of the main reasons I chose this phone. We also have a Canon PowerShot SX130 IS. I haven’t used this camera a lot but it is nice to have around as a back up camera. It is also less bulky than the Nikon so it is easier to carry around. It does have manual controls on it which is really cool!
So, there you have it…my cameras. I would love to have a new Nikon & some lenses so if you happen to work for Nikon and want to sponsor The Gunny Sack that would be fantastic! Or if you just have some extra Nikon equipment laying around and want someone to take it off your hands that would work too! Until then I will keep loving our D200 and hope that it has many years left!
Are you interested in learning how I make my pictures? Is there anything specific you would like me to talk about regarding photography?
Melissa says
I started my side business doing weddings and portraits about 4 years ago. I have NO formal training and taught myself with about 15 books and countless youtube tutorials. Knowing the technical jargon or being formally trained does not make the photographer. It looks like you have a good eye and have fin with it – and that is what is important. I think we are all afraid of the critique – especially from other photogs. Just remember, it is an art that is subjective – if you like what you shoot, don’t let anyone tear that down. With that said – there is a great comradery within the field from what I have seen (having worked with a few other professionals) which is a great thing. Good luck and have fun 🙂
Amy @ As The Bunny Hops says
I’ve always loved your photos and it definitely inspires me to do better on my own photography. I’ve gotten lazy and use my camera on my phone for so many things. I’m wondering if it’s time to invest in a DSLR.
Anne @ Domesblissity says
Tonia, you are a freakin’ mind reader, I swear! For so long now, I’ve been meaning to email you and ask you a few questions about your fabulous photos. I just ADORE them. I love how you stage your photos and I love the black background you use. Very stylish. I’d love to know everything you know about photography. Even what you blogged about above is a lot more understandable than what I’ve read on the internet and camera manuals. It’s way too confusing and I’ve been wanting to do a course for absolute ages but find it may be too over the top for me. I’d love for you to explain what you know. I’m sure I’d have a better chance of understanding it.Anne xx (And no way do I think I’m a photographer because I own a DSLR! Far from it! LOL)
Grace Cakes says
Haha, love the title of this post! Thanks for the info, I’m buying my first DSLR camera very soon and would love more easy to understand info on them!I have a baking blog so would love a focus on taking photos of baking and maybe even styling for photo shoots?
Jennifer says
I love taking pictures and like you just don’t know all the technical stuff, although sounds like you know what works for you! I say go for it and I so wanna learn from you! I have the Canon Powershot and really want a fancier camera but like you said it has several manual modes and I just keep telling myself to learn how to use it good first. You have my support!!
Tonii says
Great post Tonia! I always think your pictures are gorgeous so I would LOVE to hear more! I have a pretty nice camera too and have not even remotely tapped into its possibilities so I would love to learn anything 🙂
sherri lynn says
I would love for you to do more posts about photography and what you do with your pictures! I have SO much to learn so I love hearing others’ tips 🙂
adventuresindinner says
What a fabulous post! I got my DSLR last summer. My best friend is a photographer and helps me out with tips (or goes into my blog and removes pictures she thinks are just too grim :-)) but I am barely getting the hang of setting even now. 🙂 Your photos are awesome.
Lindsay says
Awesome post! I laughed out loud when I read the title. 🙂 I would love to learn how you make your pictures, they always look so professional, really. 🙂
Baye says
I’m more of a crafty blogger. That means I NEED to know how to use a camera more effectively. I’m always interested in hearing hints on getting better pics. Even if we don’t have a dslr (which I don’t), any advice usually helps even small camera users. One of my favorite bloggers did the 365 day photo challenge last year. She’s doing a weekly one this year. I love seeing the interpretations of the various “themes”.