What Kind of Camera Should You Buy?

I get asked this question ALL the time. Deciding on camera gear can be tricky. I cover this more in depth, based on individual needs, in my photography class. Your gear depends a lot on what you are planning to shoot.

Here are my suggestions for Canon gear with different budgets in mind. Don't pay extra for kit lenses.  They are okay to start with, but you will want to spend that money on better lenses. 

A great beginner camera is the Rebel T7i 

   Canon EOS Rebel T7i DSLR Camera (Body Only) $749.00 $649.00    

Intermediate FULL FRAME Camera 6D Mark ii

Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera (Body Only)

Advance FULL Frame 5D Mark iv

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 

My favorite lenses 

50mm A great lens for a great price. 

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM $125.00

One of the best selling lenses a bit of an upgrade compared to the one above, but still affordable. 

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM $329.00

This one is a zoom lens and it is my favorite especially for sports. 

Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

You can buy other brands that fit your canon camera.  Just make sure it is made for your camera. Tamron is a bit cheaper than the canon lens 70-200. 

Hope this helps give you some ideas for your next camera purchase. https://www.bhphotovideo.com is a great resource and it lets you compare different cameras side by side. 

💕 Catina 

www.facebook.com/catinamichellephotography

Painting With Light

Want to capture some fun designs or words with SPARKLERS? 

Try out these camera settings.  

Use a tripod or flat surface to keep camera steady. You can't do this hand held because you want to wait until it's dark!

DSLR Camera 

Beginners: Set to Shutter Priority    

Set your SS at 3" ("= seconds) 

Have your subject start drawing as soon as you click the button and continue until you hear the shutter click.  Stick with something easy at first like a heart. You may want to draw with a sparkler in each hand. 

How does it look? 

Too bright?  Click shutter speed to 2"

Too dark?  Try changing your shutter speed to 4"

Experiment and have fun. 

Writing words should be written right to left unless you plan to flip the photo in edit. Cursive is easier.  For longer words you may want to try out a longer shutter speed like 6 or 8"

Intermediate: Let's go MANUAL Mode (not to be confused with manual focus)

Now YOU are in control of it ALL!! 

NO FLASH....YAY

Try out these settings and click away and play!

Apeture 16

ISO 1000

Shutter Speed 3"

Play around with settings and be creative.  That is why the delete button was created!

The SLOWER you DRAW the THICKER your lines will be
The FASTER you DRAW the THINNER your lines will be

BUY the LONG sparklers or safety sparklers.  You can also find great options by searching wedding sparklers.

Post yout images on insta and use #cmpphotogclass

💕 Catina 
          from Catina Michelle Photography 

Back to blogging!  It has been a while....I now have a high school graduate and one starting high school. I think this is a great place to document our "everyday" even if I don't post consistently. Life is busy.  Plus, I am now the owner of my own photog business and that takes up a lot of time. SO this blog will be undercontruction....it does need some decorating updates. I hope to continue to capture our life as well as add some business aspects to the blog. I hope you are having a great summer. ENJOY!