FAQ from Photographers
"What type of lighting do you use?"
"If you could only have one lens, which would you keep?"
"How do you do it? aka, What's the secret to [insert topic]?"
"What camera(s) do you use?"
Oh that question. It's my least favorite, as it can imply that the reason photography has any worth is due to the camera used. I don't agree with that one bit, but if I don't answer this question I'll continue to receive at least one email a day asking just that.
As of January 2010, I shoot with two cameras a Nikon D3s and Nikon D3. In general I work using prime lenses and I LOVE having quick access to two focal lengths.
Prior to January of 2007, I worked with Canon cameras and lenses.
"What lenses do you use?"
50mm f1.4 + 85mm f1.4 - By far my most favorite and most frequently used lenses. In general, I use the 50mm for indoor portraits and the 85mm for outdoors portraits. You can't beat the ability of a f1.4 lens to capture light. Both lenses have beautiful bokeh, but the 85mm is especially exceptional in this area.
135mm f2 - Great for outdoor portrait sessions where the subject is especially independent. I don't use this one very often. Every now and then I have a toddler who needs more space and I switch to this lens until they are ready for me to be closer or until they are worn down from all the running around! More often than not I have the opposite problem ... a toddler who won't stop crawling on me or better hugging me.
24-70mm f2.8 - IMHO, this is one of the best lenses available. It produces image quality that one would expect from a prime lens. It's that good.
70-200mm f2.8 - Big + bulky and rarely with me. I only still own it, because my husband asked me not to sell it. He likes to play with it in the backyard. Great for bird and chipmunk closeups.
105mm f2.8 Micro - Perfect for closeups of tiny baby hands, feet and belly buttons. Also decent for portraits, but a little slow to focus for fast toddlers.
60mm f2.8 Micro - Ok for closeups, but you have to get really close to the subject. I prefer to give a little distance using the 105mm micro. I find this lens excellent for detail portraits. I like it for infant portraits to really bring out eyes and eyelashes.
14-24mm f2.8 - Same great quality as the 24-70mm with an extra wide focal range and hardly any distortion. Perfect for travel photography and environmental portraits.
"What type of lighting do you use?"
I shoot 98% of my sessions with only natural light. No flash, no light switches flipped on. On stormy or extremely dark days, I'll pull out one of my speedlites . Sometimes I use the flash attached to my camera and other times I'll attach it to a light stand and operate it remotely using a commander.
"Can you recommend a camera?"
Not so much, I'm no expert. I use what's best for me. For a thorough recommendation I highly recommend:
Digital Photography ReviewCNET Digital Camera Buying Guide
"If you could only have one lens, which would you keep?"
That's plain cruel. If someone decided to torture me like that, I would take the 50mm. It is small and compact and can go anywhere yet takes sharp, vibrant photos.
"How do you do it? aka, What's the secret to [insert topic]?"
There is no secret. I promise.
If you are using your time looking for the secret to great photos think about what would happen if you used that time to take more photos.
That's the secret. Take photos every day. Then, take some more. It's the only way to get better no matter what anyone else tells you. Learning photography, like anything else, takes time and lots and lots of practice.
Know how exposure works and learn how to shoot manual without your eye leaving the viewfinder. Then, once you've got it down don't be embarrassed to use the creative modes. There's a lot of unnecessary hype regarding manual these days. It's not the end all. Shooting manual doesn't give you better tones and clarity ... knowing light and understanding how your camera sees the light does.
Ok, I'll stop rambling.
Aside from ridiculous amounts practice, most of my photography knowledge was gleamed from books. Here's a list of my favorites ranked in order of importance:
Understanding Exposure
How to Photograph Your Baby
Professional Secrets of Natural Light Portrait Photography
Learning to See Creatively
The Annabel Williams Book of Wedding & Portrait Photography
Photo Idea Index
Take Better Family Photos
Nat'l Geographic Photography Field Guide: People & Portraits
The other side of the question usually relates to Adobe Photoshop. I am a strong believer that you need to get as close to the desired final output as possible inside the camera, but sometimes it's fun or necessary to go beyond that just like a film photographer would do in the darkroom. Tools like Photoshop, Lightroom and Aperture are your digital darkroom. Step inside.
The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers
Real World Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS2
The Photoshop Channels Book
Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers
"What lab do you recommend?"
"Who designed your websites?"
Me. Pardon the blood, sweat and tear stains.
"Who hosts your websites?"
I started using Dreamhost in February of 2005 and haven't looked back. Their service and support is superb and their pricing can't be beat. Dreamhost comes with my whole hearted recommendation.
Dreamhost was kind enough to give me promo codes for 15% off a 1-year signup or $100 off a 2-year signup, if you have interest in one, let me know.
"Are you hiring?"
Not at this time, thank you.
