It pretty much comes down to lenses, light and you....

Something which has erked me ever since I have started out in the world of photography is people who sprout of about the expensiveness of their camera. Let me make this completely clear. Just because you have an expensive camera  - doesn't mean you will take photos that will blow people away.

It does not matter what camera you use. AT ALL.  When submitting entries into my local club for critique I often put ones in from many years ago taken with a 5 megapixel point and shoot camera just to prove this point.

Many hobbiests to not understand that it takes the best part of 3 things, lenses, lighting and YOU to create photographs with the WOW factor, not the fact that you have the biggest bank account. 

Pretty much even the 'low end' entry level DSLR's these days produce fantastic results.....and unless you intend to head into the serious amateur or professional level there is no need to spend fantastic amounts on your camera body.

I would suggest however investing in some good quality glass. Lenses with the lowest f stop possible that you can afford....the lower the better...especially if you're intending on working with natural light or indoors often.

Knowing how to use available light is also very important. If you are going to head in the flash direction (which I have made the decision NOT to) know how to use it - simply firing one off isn't going to necessarily do your photo any favours. Know how to use ISO settings, f stops and USE them.

Lastly and most importantly YOU are the most important factor in getting a good shot. You need to think in terms of the finished picture and compose it accordingly. You need to plan ahead and see things before they happen. You need to SEE.  Pointing a very expensive camera at random subjects and hoping for the best isn't going to cut it.

Don't get me wrong. I do NOW own some very expensive tools, including a 5DII and 3 L series lenses that I wont prattle on about here.  But they are just tools. They do not take great photos for me. I have to do the work. They just make my job easier. They're job is to 'get out of my way of taking photos'. I read this somewhere and I really liked the quote. Can't remember where I found it now though.

When people talk about DaVinci's Mona Lisa they don't exactly talk about how expensive his paint brushes where do they? Point made.

My favourite model

I didn't have anything on this weekend, and Nathan was off shift thanks to the new job at BMA (Yay!) - so we  took the opportunity to get out and about with Connor and my camera. I can't believe he is 2 in a week! Where did that time go? Anyone?

Anyway I knew the bottom weir was lovely but I never realised how much so until yesterday morning. A really nice spot. Apparently the water was a little muddier than usual so I am thinking that when its clear it would look much like the Tumut river in NSW where I did a wedding a few months back.  Connor had lots of fun and had loads of little boy opportunities. I am hanging out for a family shoot that will be willing to 4wd it with me and head there for their pics. I just wish the idiotic people who left all of their bottles and rubbish there had the sense to clean it up when they left........anyway....here's some cuties of my little man.....

I also got a couple ones of some flowers I bought from Woolies....it's amazing what you can do with a softbox and the playroom walls.....very pretty!

Campbell Family Photos

Thought I would write my first blog reflecting on the lovely day had with the Campbell family who invited me to photograph little Mr A's christening and the after party at their place following. I had a fantastic time with these guys who made me feel more than welcome and even provided some awesome hay bails for shots to be taken. I got to take many beautiful little cherubs photos that day. Here are a few of my favourites.....