Camera Essentials

Today we're going to talk a little about photography.  As a budding photographer (well, as someone who really just LOVES to take photos of any and everything!) I am always going that little "extra" to learn about the best new (and old) cameras, lenses, camera bags, etc....must-haves for any photographer.

So let's start with the camera....

(photos courtesy of Canon)

I have always been partial to the Canon series.  That was my first camera and so I've become comfortable with it :)  I currently have the Canon EOS Rebel T3i....the hubby surprised me with it for Christmas last year and I absolutely LOVE it.  I love that's it's easy to use and that it has an expanded ISO range so I get great shots in ANY light.  I can shoot video in full HD which I couldn't do with my previous DSLR.  I love that it has a high resolution flip out Vari-Angle 3.0 inch clear view LCD monitor, it really comes in handy when photographing or filming myself.  This is just the perfect camera and one that will be with me for a long time.

Let's talk lens.  My favorite lens for portraits is the Canon EF 50mm 1.8 STM which gives a perfect balance of clarity and background blur.  I also love the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens.  This lens is ultra-lightweight and slim, nice and compact in size and delivers not only great photos but is AMAZING when used to shoot HD video.

(Images courtesy of Canon and Amazon)

Now you've gotta have something amazing to put your camera equipment in so let's talk camera bags.  I've had the pleasure of personally owning bags from each of these stores and loved each one.  First up is Epiphanie Camera Bags.  I own (and currently carry) the Stella bag in Hot Pink but it is now one of their famous discontinued bags...however they have plenty of amazingness in stock and ready for purchase!

(The Stella, photo courtesy of the amazing Jennifer Gamet Photography)

I also love Kelly Moore Camera Bags, her bags are top notch!  I own the Libby in gorgeous Orange and have traveled quite a few times with this one...it not only fit my camera equipment but also the contents of my purse, my laptop, my iPad as well as a change of clothes (I used it as my carry-on when flying).   This bag is really stunning!

(The Libby, photo courtesy of Kelly Moore Bags)

And let's not forget about Jototes Camera Bags!  My very first camera bag was a JoTote and I've had a few since then!  One of my favorites has been the Rose Bag in teal (again, this color is discontinued but you can still get it in a few other gorgeous colors).  So stylish, you don't even feel like you're carrying a camera bag!

 (The Rose, photo courtesy of JoTotes Camera Bags)

So there you have it, the most important essentials for a budding photographer or if you're just shooting as a hobby but want to do it in style!  Are you a photographer with tips or suggestions about what are the more important things to keep on hand?  Let us know about them in the comments below!

Every photo should tell a story....

....evoke an emotion.  I giggle with them, I watch them, I let them be, and the story unfolds.  Forever captured in that moment for you to cherish for a lifetime.  - Kim Kropke, owner of Laugh & Grow Press 

I love writing reviews about amazing products and so when Kim Kropke of Laugh & Grow Press contacted me I was delighted!  You see, Kim recently launched a rather large customizable template system called Simply Announcing which is geared toward the newborn photography community.  The design itself is clean, crisp and modern with the philosophy to focus on, and highlight, the photography and of course the clients' beautiful new little one.  And she's offering this amazing set plus anything and everything else on her site at 20% off for our readers!  Simply use code BPP20 on all of your favorites and enjoy the savings!

Simply Announcing was created on the idea that the star of any announcement is the lovely new addition to your client’s family, not the design itself.  What better way to do that than to feature and display your beautiful photography within a tasteful, meticulously thought out, crisp clean design?

Simply Announcing's 14 different template solutions allow for almost every photographer style and pose.  Within each template file you will find several layers of customizations for font treatment and design and border styles.  Mix and match by turning layers on and off creating endless design pairings.  This set includes 5 different brush sets, over 100 brushes in all, to customize the announcement for your client.  Adorable icon brushes to incorporate a possible theme, 3 different sets of alphabet brushes for a monogram look, and a set of banners and seals for decorative layering and so much more!  Carry the designing to the back of the card with a fully layered psd file of back patterns and colors.  Turn layers on and off to pair any of the patterns with one of the provided color layers, or create a color choice of you own.  All design elements are fully customizable from size to color and direction, making the possibilities endless!  Your clients have invested in you to preserve their memories of this beautiful time, there’s no doubt they’ll be Simply Announcing it to friends and family!

I had SO much fun designing some announcements using Simply Announcing (yep, a few of the ones above are mine), it was so incredibly easy to use!  Take a peek at the following video to see Kim explain just how simple this is...even someone just starting out in Photoshop (like me!) will be able to make beautiful announcements!

Kim also designs custom logos and branding, digital papers/backgrounds and brush sets.  You can find her work at the following locations:

Website:  Laugh & Grow Press
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/LaughandGrowPress

Simply Announcing templates, brushes and patterns are compatible with Photoshop CS2 through CS6 and Photoshop Elements 10/11.