A Question for All You Professional Photographers...Where Do I Start??

Hi S.,

Let me start by saying that I am in no way a professional! I too am looking into a class at the comm college in town. Last year I wanted a nice camera for Christmas. My husband looked into the Nikon and Cannon brands at a camera store. He spoke with a person who knows cameras in and out and he stated the Cannon Rebel and Nikon D40 were basically the same. He purchased the Nikon D40x. I LOVE IT! Plus, my family all say the pics look like a pro did them. I'm not sure about software. I just use what came with our MAC, but am looking into upgrading programs. I can't wait to start class to learn more about lighting, angles, etc to really get that 'right' pic.

I was once told by a friend (who is a pro) that it's best to just let the kids be kids(no posing)...that's when you get the best pic.

Have a blessed Christmas.

N.

Hi S.,

I just went through doing all this research too and am also a photo nut. I decided on the Canon Rebel XSi and am happy with the purchase. It was a close race between the Nikon and the Canon but in the end I chose the Canon because of the faster speed for action photos.

However, the sales person told me that Nikon does have an advantage because their lenses are interchangable on all of their cameras regardless of when they were made so if you think you will upgrade again soon that is something to consider.

FYI, I checked out the Nikon and Canon's online and although Costco sells them there were complaints about some being defective. I went to Ritz/Wolf camera because they have deals with additonal lenses right now (about the same online vs in store pricing), very important to me too though is that they give you 18 free classes that they have year round. That was the seller for me since I also am just upgrading and want to learn more since I love taking pictures so much.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Contact the teacher of the class you're planning on taking. OR even the photography teacher at your local high school. They can recommend a camera that won't be "too much" for a beginner or one that can grow with your education.

Good luck!

Years ago I was the back-up photographer for all my friends' weddings. (For those shots the regular photographer missed). I really missed my SLR and was thrilled when the DSLR cameras came out last year. My husband offered to buy one as our 10th anniversary gift, so I went shopping. I ended up with the Nikon D40X. LOVE IT! Guess who took the photo for our CHristmas card this year?

The truth is, the Nikon and the Canon Rebel were very similar and equally recommended. I went to a camera store event with all the major brand reps there and tried all the cameras out side-by side. It came down to those two cameras and the Nikon felt better in my hands. In your price range, you might even step up to the Nikon D60.

Since you're looking at portraits, negotiate a package with a longer (telephoto) lens. You'll do less cropping that way.

I am not professional by any means. I started with a cannon rebel 35mm film. Now also have a cannon rebel digital camera. I love them. I would buy one where you can return it if you don't like it. Costco often has a good package on the Cannon Digital Rebels. There is a photo lens that goes really close and far but I hear it is not as good quality as if you had two different lens. Good luck and have fun!

Hi S.,

I just bought an SLR camera and am hoping to take some photography classes soon. I got the Canon Rebel. I borrowed my friend's camera for a day and was so impressed with how easy it was to use and the quality of the pictures. The Canon EOS Rebel XSi was one of the 2 recommended cameras in Consumer Reports and sells for around $700. CR also liked the Canon EOS-40D for an "advanced" camera for around $1,100. Check on-line--my husband purchased mine and got a great price.

Costco recently had Photoshop Elements 7 for $80. I'm not sure what level of Photoshop this is, and I haven't had a chance to use it yet (it's supposed to be a xmas gift), but I have a very basic version of Photoshop on my computer and it is very easy to use.

Jennifer

You want a digital SLR (single lense reflex). That's what allows you to switch lenses and get that depth of field that we all like so much. Nikon and Canon are the leaders in that field. I believe Sony is out with one now too, but don't know much about it. If you're looking for getting that fabulous shot of your family, the Canon Rebel XTI or XSI are great. Usually around $500-700 for the body and lense kit. If you think you might parlay it into something more professional and can afford it now, the Canon 40D (or even 50D) is wonderful. Most wedding photographers I know use the 40D for at least one of their cameras. It is pricey though--it cost me $1500 for the kit, but that had the body, a 18-55 wide angle zoom lense, and a mounted flash. I love them! I switched from the 35mm Canon to digital and am so glad I did! Have fun shopping :-)

I agree with the responses you have gotten so far. Your two contenders are the Canon and Nikon. We have the Nikon D40 and we really love it. I am not really saavy on all of the ways to make incredible pics, and I can still take great ones (so your husband can pic up the camera and take some pics too). Then my husband who is more experimental and very artistic has a lot of fun with lenses and lighting and such. Great pics! Like another mom said, with your price range you may want to step it up to the D60. You will have just a few more options with lenses and such. Both are great for the starting photographer. You will want to add more lenses to your collection as you grow. And different flashes as well. We have two lenses, and a special flash. I think my husband has commented on one more lense he would like to buy. Enjoy! Digital photography is the greatest. You take 100 to find the perfect 3, and erase the rest!

Why don't you contact S. S. in this very newsletter. She is looking for an inexpensive child friendly photographer for a photo shoot for her daughters's birthday. Explain where you're at in your profession and show her some samples of your work. I see a possiblity here.

Hi S.,

I am actually a professional photographer and use a Nikon D40. I hope to eventually upgrade, but for now I love this camera. My husband bought it at Walmart of all places and it came with an extra lens. I think he spent around $500 on it. I also use Photoshop CS3 on my MAC. That runs around $600, but you can also do a lot of the same things in Photoshop Elements and for a beginner that may be a good place to start. You can check out my website at www.essenceofthesoulphotography.com Good Luck!