Foto Friday–Q&A time!

Beth from Manic Mother emailed me this question, and since I’ve been asked similar questions by others, I thought I’d base my Foto Friday post today on my answer to her.

Hi Lolli,

I am trying to teach myself how to use our Nikon D80 , and I saw your post today and you gave me hope. I feel so overwhelmed by all the info you have to remember in order to break out of “Auto” mode. I was wondering what lens you use most, especially to take pictures of your children?

I was also wondering if you had any good book recommendations, that could help me try to understand it all better. I am hoping a community photography class pops up so I can can learn hands on, I do so much better that way. What has helped you to learn photography the most?

Beth

There have been many, many times along the way when I have felt overwhelmed by all of the information that I needed to learn and really understand (you know–more than just on-the-surface knowledge). I also suffer from inferiority syndrome, always feeling like everyone else had better pictures than me. ;)

There are a few things that helped me really progress.

First, I started practicing like crazy. Instead of taking pictures only when I “needed” to take pictures, I started taking pictures all the time–of things I normally wouldn’t have photographed. This year, to kick it up a notch (hopefully!) I began my own Project 365, where I have committed to take a picture everyday for the entire year. Practice and experimentation have been my #1 help. Try taking your camera out of auto when you don’t “need” a perfect shot–in other words, don’t try to learn a new technique at your daughter’s first concert, but try new things when you’re relaxed and can stand to throw away a shot or two (or 50).

Second, I read. Basically, I went to my library and checked out everything they had, one at a time. :) At the bottom of this post are links to the books I found the most helpful. At least, they were the best of what my library had to offer. I read the PC Magazine Guide to Digital Photography cover to cover like a novel. (PS–I’m not trying to sell you guys these books, but I thought it would be helpful to have the links to the book info)

Third, I studied the photos of better photographers and tried to “recreate” the things that I liked of theirs. My sister, Andrea, has been an inspiration and a help to me all along my “journey.” Right now, I’m loving the things I learn each week at I Heart Faces.

As for my favorite lenses (and camera), I have tried a bunch of lenses and really believe my true “favorite” is still out there to be found. But right now, I have a Canon 40D with a 50mm f/1.8, a Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8, and a Canon 70-200mm f/4L. I like each of them for different reasons. The 50mm is a classic. Small and light, large aperture, great for portraits. I use my 18-50mm the most because it is relatively versatile and still has a nice large aperture. The 70-200mm takes the most stunning pictures because it is a pro lens, BUT it is MUCH harder to use. It’s big and heavy, which means that it’s tough to keep it steady enough to get a crisp shot without a tripod. It’s also hard to use indoors without a flash and fast shutter speed. But outside, it’s a beauty. I also love my Speedlight 430 EX flash.

I would love to answer more of your questions in future Foto Fridays! Please email me at lollislife at gmail .com. And now for those books!

About Lolli

Lolli has written 3740 post in this blog.

I became a mom in 1996, and in 2005 I had my fifth. Yes, 5 kids. In 2007, this blog was born (my 6th baby that will never grow up) and I've been sharing recipes, photography tricks, parenting tips, and everything in between. (Formerly Better in Bulk)

About Lolli

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