I think we have all been asked what type of camera we have. I don’t mind this question at all. However, when someone says it takes nice pictures I struggle to find the right words to explain that I shoot on manual mode which is why my pictures look the way they do. Last summer, Erin wrote a post that spread like wild fire in the photography community. I love how she compares your oven to your camera. You wouldn’t tell someone their oven made yummy cookies :O)
She does an amazing job of showing how someone who does not know how to use a camera can not get the same results as someone who does. I love how she show cases how even after a shoot a photographer’s work is not done. This is a great post to read if you are wondering why you would want to pay the extra money for a custom photographer when you could just ask your neighbor to take pictures for you. There is definitely a difference! Erin makes a great point when she says photographers “live, eat, and breathe photography”! I know this is true for me.
While you are on her blog be sure to check out some more of her beautiful photography! If you are in the Delaware area consider hiring Erin for your next session!!
Your Camera Takes Really Nice Pictures
I get that a lot too. I have explained it pretty similar to Erin. Just like when you have an operation – you would NEVER go back to the OR and compliment the tools used. You thank the surgeon for doing a great job. I know photography and surgery are NOT on the same level – but it makes the point. I can take the same photos with a point and shoot – turn it to M and I see things the same way I do with my DSLR.
Thanks for sharing Erin’s link :-D
Hugs and blessings!
love this post! :)
hahaha , i’m so glad you posted this. I show people pics i like in my camera view finder all the time, and people always go “wow you have an amazing camera!” and I think the same thing! Its not like I’m shooting in auto, I’m actually doing something to make this pics come out this way! :)
I feel you! BUT, I guess I don’t care anymore since I don’t even try to explain them the same thing you’re writing about. I used to give my best to educate people, but no more. I am confident enough in my own skills and knowledge that I just smile and say “cameras are cheap these days, you should get one too”. They usually get it. :)
Manual makes a world of difference. Controlling the look of a photo and how much lighting and focus it has is huge to me. Photography is more than the camera. It’s how you work it and learn it way before you even try to upload and edit it!
what a great article and I’m loving Erin’s site!! thanks for introducing me to her!
I’ve been asked that question a lot too and I still consider myself a novice with a lot to learn! :) Here’s a question I have…I’d like to take better straight out of the camera photos. With 2 little ones running around (and another coming in 3 months), I just don’t have the time I’d like to edit. And lightroom is still on my wish list! :D What tips do you have to get nice skin tone in photo’s? Do you spot meter off the forehead or is it custom white balance or just the editing process or something else entirely? THANK YOU!!!!! :)
First off, Congrats on your new little one coming! How exciting!! Lightroom will definitely help you save time when you are able to get that program! I’ll try and keep everyone posted when it’s on sale :O) I think you are right to realize the best way to get great pictures is to rock them SOOC. Yes, I spot meter off the skin/forehead. Skin tones are hard and I just learned a whole lot more about them in LR 101 through Clickin’ Moms. Custom white balance will definitely help as well but honestly, I don’t always have time to do that with little ones doing something cute really fast. Sometimes I take care of white balance in camera if I’m shooting a lot indoors. However, I do fix the majority of my photos in LR and sync all my photos to save time. Good luck!!
Thank you!!!! I heard Lightroom was on sale at Amazon around Christmas or Thanskgiving. I’m hoping that’s the case again this year…if I can wait that long :)
I think any picture that has good bokeh will get the “you have a great camera” comment. Seems to be the first thing people notice.