Per request, a post on photography!
Many readers have asked about the camera(s) and gear I use for blogging as well as the process of how I use them. I take most of my photos with a DSLR on a tripod using AV setting in as much natural light as I can find. I edit them in Adobe Lightroom and blog using Windows Live Writer. More information on each of those details below!
Camera
I bought my first DLSR in September 2009, 2 years after I started blogging. Boy was it life changing! There is just something so magical about an upgrade from a point and shoot to a DSLR camera. Check out some of my first comparison shots in this post.
This is the model I used until late 2012 – the very basic Canon Rebel XSI – but if I were you, I’d buy the T3 so you have video too (and it’s a better model)!
I recently upgraded to a full-frame Canon EOS 5D Mark II, which I bought used on Craigslist. It’s an AMAZING camera and I couldn’t be happier!!
Lens
The Canon 35 mm f/2.0 lens never leaves my camera!! Its 35 mm is wide enough to shoot a restaurant meal without standing on a chair, and it’s a crisp, sharp, prime lens that I love. At $350, it’s not cheap, but it’s affordable and completely replaced my less-practical Canon 50 mm f/1.8. I rarely use the stock lens that came with my Rebel, but I pull it out if I need a wide angle shot like these I took of our porch. I do recommend getting the stock lens with the base model just because it’s nice to have a backup, but I’d get a prime (non-zoomable) lens for your everyday lens because they are so small and crisp.
Lights
All winter I use these these amazing umbrella photography lights with my dinner posts.
I’ve been using them for over a year. I could not winter-blog without them!!! They are big and bulky, but worth every second of assembly time each night. I store them in our hall closet and bring them out as I set the table. I just love the shade of natural light hue they provide.
A nice + bright dinner shot under them:
Tripod
I highly recommend shooting on a tripod. The difference in the clarity of the photos is amazing, especially if you’re limited on light. This one that I bought a few years ago is cheap and works well, but is intermittently available. Neither of these is the most ergonomic purchase out there and if I bought a new one I’d get a roller head that booms. But if you don’t have $250+ to spend on a tripod (as I didn’t) then it will do just fine. Mine is also very lightweight and easy to take on road trips if need be.
Eye-Fi
I love the Eye-Fi card because I hate cords. The premise of the memory card is that it wirelessly transfers photos from your powered on camera to your computer in minutes.
But here are a few drawbacks:
- It’s never very quick at my house and uploading all of the photos requires leaving my camera on for a long time, draining the battery.
- Sometimes it can be finicky and takes a while to get going
- I get errors on occasion that the card isn’t formatted right (it is) and I have to take the card in and out.
- It’s not good if you shoot in raw because those files are so large they take forever to upload
- You have to set up the network, so this doesn’t work anywhere and everywhere (like when you travel)
- It’s hard to swap between computers because when you get back to your home computer, you have 50 photos waiting to upload that you have already processed on your laptop
I’ve tried troubleshooting these problems and actually got a new card from the company to replace my last one which I deemed defective, but the problems persist. I just accept them.
HOWEVER, I still highly recommend it because I just plug it into my SD drive and things seem to go really well when I do that. [Perhaps the problem is more with the wireless set up than the card? I have tried all kinds of ways though]. So I still think inserting a card and having the images wirelessly upload is WAY faster than using a cord and having to designate an import folder each time. So this works well for me. Still a recommendation!
**Edited to add: since upgrading to the Mark II, I’ve had to switch to Compact Flash cards, but I still use the Eye-Fi when shooting with my older cameras***
Point n Shoot
I have the Canon S95 that I bought after a few recommendations. However, this camera was a little disappointing, and I don’t think it’s worth the price. It still has that blown-out point and shoot image and despite having manual settings, doesn’t even compare to my DSLRs. Next time I’d probably get one of the $100 models. I’m finding my phone’s camera is about as good for on-the-go photos.
On a positive note, it does take great video and I’ve used it for lots of videos.
Remote
At $20, this was one great purchase!! I use this remote anytime I need to take a photo of something with me in it. Like all of my pregnancy photos, or a group picture at holidays. Or headshots of Matt and me. Everyone should have one!
Shooting Style
*This is not a lesson on photography. This is how I shoot!*
My favorite mode is AV mode, which means aperture priority. For more information on aperture, visit Ashley’s post! It essentially controls how focused you want your photos to be. A very low aperture, like 2.8, will put one thing in focus and the rest blurry, like the remote control shot above. A very high aperture, like 11, will make everything clear, however it’s harder to take high aperture photos without a tripod due to a longer shutter open time.
To be a good photographer, all you need to know is how to work AV mode. And never use your flash! I shoot mostly from f/3.5-7.5, and I’ll use f/2.0-2.8 when I’m in a really dark restaurant. To get that blur to food photos, you want to shoot around f/2.8-3.5-ish, but don’t let too much of your photo be blurred or it’s hard to see!
The main reason why I don’t shoot in manual is because I usually snap photos very quickly and on-the-go…or I’m just hungry! I don’t have the patience to adjust the ISO, the shutter speed, the exposure, the aperture, the focal point, all for just one shot. It’s too much for my eye to focus on. It’s easy to mess manual photos up. I can totally see why a professional photographer who has the time, patience, experience and desire for a perfect shot would always shoot in manual, but for me, it just doesn’t make sense. I switch to manual again if I’m in a really dark restaurant, but otherwise, it’s AV mode all the time. I’ve had professional photographers tell me that they shoot in AV mode when they are pressed for time (such as during a bride’s walk down the aisle!). You don’t lose quality with AV mode – you just let the camera do some of the thinking for you.
I came to the same conclusion with RAW photos. I tried shooting in RAW for a few days, expecting to see magic come out of my camera. But after editing them layer by layer, my naked eye couldn’t tell much of a difference and the editing time was much increased. So I went back to JPGs. Again, I can see why a pro photographer would want the control of a RAW image, especially those who are blowing up wedding photos for canvases, but for my purposes, it wasn’t necessary. [For a great RAW tutorial, check out this post.]
Editing
For information on editing with Adobe Lightroom and blogging in Windows Live Writer, see this post!
Computers
At home, I have an HP Pavilion HPE [similar to this one] and absolutely love it. Windows 7 rocks! I worked on a Mac for a year and would never go back. Plus you really want to be blogging with Windows Live Writer…which is difficult to get on a Mac. I also love HP computers. And the big monitor is great for blogging!
For travel, I have an HP Pavilion dm4 that I purchased at Best Buy [similar to this one]. Absolutely looooove it!!!
Camera Bags
My primary camera bag is a Lowepro Messenger in gray. I’ve had it for years and it’s great and very inexpensive. It’s super lightweight and easy to put across the body. Lots of extra pockets for phones and things! I use the extra lens slot for my wallet : )
Thanks for reading!
Full disclosure: these are affiliate links. Thanks for supporting KERF!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Great tips!! Haha I still use my iPhone, I don’t have ads or anything on my blog so I make no money from it. Maybe one day I’ll be able to afford a nice camera!
Full-Flavored Life says
I wish I had an iPhone!! I would love to be able to use instagram!
Willow @ My Own Trail says
I only use my iPhone as well. I don’t have a working camera right now, so all of my pictures (including non-blog pictures of kids and life) are taken on my iPhone. My blog is less than a year old and I barely have any readers, much less make money from it, so I guess the quality of the photos isn’t a big deal. But, I do plan to buy a real camera someday.
Zoe @ loseweightandgainhealth says
Thanks for those great tips. I am particularly interested in looking at Windows Live Writer as my blog takes me too long. Thanks for sharing
Caroline @ After Dinner Dance says
This post was so informative! I have no idea what I’m doing with my boyfriend’s super nice camera (and he doesn’t either!). I’m trying to learn to use it manually.. Since you use automatic and don’t mess with the ISO, do you know what your camera’s default ISO is? (Or maybe that automatically changes when you use Automatic mode?)
KathEats says
I don’t use automatic, I use AV mode [big difference] I keep the ISO set on auto. I only change it if I’m in really low light.
Erin says
If you want to learn to use the manual mode on your camera, check out www.clickitupanotch.com. She has AWESOME easy to follow instructions. And she’s my neighbor. 🙂
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Ooh I’m bookmarking this for the day I finally have the courage to take my camera off of auto!! I have the Canon Rebel T3 and absolutely adore it. I have been thinking about getting Lightroom for editing but keep going back and forth as to whether or not I really need it. Like I said, I’ll be coming back to this when I have a bit more time to play with my camera! Hopefully April will be the month for me. Thanks for the tips Kath!
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
Wonderful tips!
I just took the online photography classes at ShootFlyShoot (hubby from Lettered Cottage and his friend) and it has totally changed my life. I have finally learned how to use manual mode and am still learning but I’m excited to take even more pics!
Chad @ thebreakupnote says
Kath,
Your tenacity for well lit photos is admirable. You are to good lighting what Lance Armstrong is (was) to the Tour De France.
KathEats says
🙂
Megan @ Megan's Munchies says
Thank you so much for this post!!! I definitely am going to be using some of your tips!
Katharina says
Interesting to see all the work that goes into the photography. I had no idea you took thousands of photos daily! That’s a lot! I would have thought it was much less.
KathEats says
Thousands of photos, daily, for over 5 years. I take about 100 photos a day.
SB says
Still not clear! It still reads as you are taking thousands of photos each day…..
Anne says
That doesn’t make any sense.
KathEats says
Edited it.
Stepheny @ GUSD says
This is really helpful! I’m just starting my blog and getting a feel for blogging overall, but a DSLR camera is definitely on my wish list (and one of my “32 before 32” items). It’s great to hear about what everyone loves. I feel a little sad about Windows Live Writer, because I’m an avid Mac user, but since I’m a blogpot user at this point (and probably will be for a while), I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.
Thanks again for all the great info!
Ashley @ Hudson on the Potomac says
Thanks for such a helpful post Kath! My photography is definitely still a work in progress. I really want a Rebel, but can’t afford one yet- its at the top of my list though when I have the money! Now I really want Lightroom too!! I have such a problem getting well lit pictures because all of my cooking and photography has to take place when I get home from work at night. Hopefully as I get more organized I can get more accomplished on the weekend, and also get better tools for photos. Thanks again!
Susan says
Cool! I have wondered what camera you use and I must say I am THRILLED that its the same as mine 😀
I’ve just been lugging it around in my purse for about four years now and it miraculously still works in every way. I’m so mean to it only because i love it SO MUCH! In the last year or so I’ve started shooting on manual because the light metering on AV can be so all over the place. But also I only have the kit lens … booooo.
Thanks for this post, I love seeing how other shutterbugs operate! Will be using your remote rec as well 🙂
Katie says
Great post and Great tips! Thank you Kath! Learn something new every day 😉
Jeannie @ reclaimingjeannie.wordpress.com says
Wow, what a great post. Thanks! AM going to put some of these things on my wish list for anniversary & birthday. I love your photos, so whatever you are doing is working. Great job!! Can’t wait to see baby photos.
Mara @ What's for Dinner? says
I’ll never forget the day you discovered Lightroom… it’s a life changer isn’t it?!
Ana says
You consider yourself a professional photographer and yet you don’t shoot in RAW or manual mode? LOL!
KathEats says
I think I made it pretty clear that I was using the word professional as “part of my job” and not a description of expertise
Sue says
“Experienced” might be the better term, then, as considering oneself a professional anything definitely implies expertise and a mastery of skills. Not to say you don’t take nice pictures, as you do, however I can imagine true professional photographers (many of whom take their profession very seriously….can you tell I know a few? 🙂 ) might be a little perturbed by your use of the “pro” label in describing your skills.
Hopefully you don’t take offence…consider how you might view it if another food blogger with interest in nutrition said they considered themself “practically an RD!” because of the knowledge they’d gathered over the years. When you invest the time, energy, money, etc. in becoming the real thing, it always kind of sucks to hear someone else appoint themselves as an honorary pro through life experience. That being said, while I understand that this wasn’t your intent, it does come across that way so I understand the initial comment.
KathEats says
Well in this sense professional means part of my profession. I am a photographer. I am a writer. Those are facts and they are my profession. But I understand what you’re saying. I would hope a professional photographer would not read this post thinking that I am devaluing their work or saying that I am as good, as I stated I clearly am not!
Lina says
I just found your blog a few days ago, and I’m so glad I found it in time to read this post! I’m getting my first DSLR in a month for my birthday, and this was super helpful.
KathEats says
Welcome!!
Suzanne S. says
Awesome post. Blog photography for dummies (like me)! 🙂
Life's a Bowl says
Thanks for sharing! I def could use some help with my photography skills… I got a Sony DSLR camera for my birthday last fall and although my pictures aren’t that great, they’re definitely better than any of the ones I took with my point and shoot camera/phone AND it’s tons of fun 😛
jo @ including cake says
Fab post! I love seeing behind the scenes of how other bloggers go about things, and you other post on live writer and lightroomwas great too. I love photos and part of me doesn’t even mind spending hours editing them. but of course i’d prefer to stream line everything so much better! I love the colour contrasts and the way your photos pop too…only problem I find is that Foodgawker doens’t tend to appreciate it so much! 😉
Sarah @ Fresh Living says
Thanks for the photo tips! Much appreciated!!
Jen @thefithousewife says
I love this post…thanks for the great tips! I pulled out my tripod from the closet as I really need to start using it for my food photography. And I totally just ordered that remote! What a great idea 🙂
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
Very useful post! I love whenever you write about your behind-the-scenes process in terms of blog writing and publishing. I’m always trying to be more efficient and cut some of the time it takes to do annoying things (like upload, edit, etc), but you always convince me that I could do more!
I bought that Eye-Fi card a while back and I agree–I have been taking photos in RAW and it definitely takes time to upload (and drains battery subsequently), but I still recommend it too 🙂
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Kath this post rocks. You covered SO MUCH! Thank you!
I knew you loved your 35mm lens but thanks for the refresher on that and also on which tripod you own and the remote. For 20 bucks I NEED that in my life!
I shoot manual AND I shoot in RAW. But here’s the thing..I am shooting food pics that I plan to submit to the food sites and they are very staged shots. They are not “on the fly I’m in a restaurant and here’s what I’m eating” shots. They are well calculated and I get better results with manual and raw than I do from Av and jpeg but you said it well: manual shots are easy to mess up!
Eye-Fi & RAW are a no go. Lol
And I’m sure you know, but there’s a new version of LR out. LR4. If you get it, would love to hear what you think are the really appreciable, telltale, big differences between it and LR3. I am thinking nothing too “big”, honestly.
Great post, great backlinks, love it Kath!!
MelanieF says
I have a Nikon D3000 that I love. Yet, it took me a year before I started shooting in Arperture or Manual mode. What a difference this makes. Understanding exposure is key to photography. I just recently pruchased the book of the same name, and it is life changing. Also, Adobe Lightroom was the best purchase I made recently. I started shooting in RAW, but I also hated it and to be honest I couldn’t see a difference between RAW and JPEG. So, I shoot in JPEG as well. Great post Kath!
Paulina (One Smile Ahead) says
I was actually wondering how you do your photography a few days ago! I absolutely love your photos :] They so full of light, bright, and vibrant. I need to get myself a tripod. Oh and I totally agree that getting a DSLR was a life changer 😀
Sydney@ Nutrition with Sydney says
Thanks for all of the great information! Impressive that as a blogger that focuses on food and nutrition, that you are willing to take the time to explain all of this to us! You rock!
Amy says
Your tips were very useful, and clearly you take beautiful photos.
But I might err on the side of caution when using the term ‘professional’.
My two cents.
Andrea@ Mainelyveggies says
Thanks for the great information!!! I’ve been dying to know how you get your dinner photos looking like they’re shot in natural light. I need those umbrellas!
jojo says
I always wondered how your dinner meals looked amazing!
Great props, I hope one day I would be able to have a whole set like yours!
Anne says
Thank you so much for this post!! I love all of your pictures–you always do such a great job with photography on your blog. Absolutely beautiful 🙂
Michelle (Better with Berries) says
It’s funny how much fun I’ve had taking photos of my food ever since I started blogging. Even if people make fun of me at the dinner table, I still love it 🙂 It’s just so pretty!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
As a photography teacher, I have to agree that your tips are great and user-friendly! I am actually not familiar with the Wifi SD cards, but need to purchase some!
I know that Lightroom is a big hit with bloggers, but Im a Photoshop girl through and through. I’ve been using it for 16 years now and think there’s nothing better. 🙂
Mai says
loved this post! i try to shoot in manual to learn more, but i will definitely be trying out Av using your tips.
Simple Daisy says
LOve this post!!! Thanks so much for all of your info! Now i’m off to follow your links:)
Emily @LivingLongfellow says
Ok, so now I’m wondering why you use AV. I find AV to be just as complicated as manual. I’m way new to the photographing thing, so this is my ignorance speaking here. How is it more simple? With the extent and speediness of blogging you do, why do you use AV over auto?
KathEats says
Trying to troubleshoot: What do you find complicated about it? It definitely requires a bit more knowledge than auto, but once you understand aperture, it’s very, very simple.
Kelly says
Not to speak for Kath, but I personally use aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual because you get a much greater degree of control. The problem with using manual is that your camera is in essence guessing about what you want the picture to look like. Sometimes it guesses right, sometimes it guesses wrong. When I used to shoot in auto I found my photos to be very hit or miss. Now that I know what I am doing and have better control over my camera I feel like I get better shots much of the time.
If you haven’t done so already I would HIGHLY recommend taking a photography class. They can be pricey but I personally found they were well worth it, not to mention you can often find Livingsocial and Groupon deals for them. I personally learn a lot better through practice and instruction than reading manuals so I found that the classes help me get up to speed more quickly
KathEats says
Great advice Kelly. I learned about it from reading my manual and googling some of the settings. And Ashley’s posts are great!
Nancy says
What a great summary of tips!
If anyone (particularly in the mid-Atlantic) is interested in an excellent 1/2 day class on getting your camera off program mode, I highly recommend Okello Dunkley’s DSLR workshops! I took Part I before I bought my DSLR, and then retook it plus Part II after I bought it so I could get more comfortable using it in manual mode. Okello is based out of the DC area and also travels all over. (He’ll be in C-Ville this weekend, in fact!)
vegtastic says
Yes! I took Okello’s “Take Your Camera off Program Mode!” class after my husband gave me a DSLR. I was amazed at what a difference it made to shoot in RAW using manual mode. The class is a very basic introduction, and shooting manually takes practice, but it is SO worth it!
Elizabeth says
Kath, I just checked out the post where you got your Rebel camera (p.s. my hubs and I have that one, too–love it) and I noticed that our engagement rings and wedding rings are nearly identical! A round center stone surrounded by little diamonds and a dainty wedding band with little diamonds. Makes for one sparkly finger!
KathEats says
Mine are A Jaffe – are yours!?
Sneakers2Sandals says
I’ve been waiting for this post!!! You da bomb!
Cait's Plate says
LOOOOOOVED everything about this post!!
Lee says
You take very nice photos.
I have an Eye-Fi card, but I stopped using it because it was so finnicky. I had all of the same problems that you did.
Natasha@MoodyGirlInStyle says
Thanks so much for this post…it’s extremely helpful. I just bought my DSLR earlier this year and I’m still exploring and learning how to use it. I’m definitely going to order the same remote for my Rebel later this week!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
When I got my DSLR last summer I forced myself to learn manual from the get go…now you have me wondering if I should try out AV mode more often! haha…I’m totally being lazy 🙂
Kelly says
I also wanted to say in addition to my other post that I actually respectfully disagree about the S95. I have it as well and personally love it, but I think that has a lot to do with shooting in manual. For a lot of the point and shoot cameras more of the advanced features seem to be buried or not there at all. I personally find them very accessible to find when I want to set shutter speed, aperture, ISO, etc. quickly. So I’d say it’s a great camera for someone who already owns a DSLR and wants somethings smaller for quick shooting situations. You’re never going to get the exact same quality through a point and shoot as DSLR, but I think the S95 is good for most purposes.
Kristin says
Look cameras look intense. But it looks like you are working with them beautifully. It seems fun!
SB says
I’m inclined to agree with the posters who are calling you out on labeling yourself a professional photographer. We all do a variety of things as part of our ‘jobs’ or ‘occupations’ but that doesn’t mean we can chose to label ourselves professionals with regard to all those tasks/roles. Typically being a professional in something involves a period of structured and formal learning. Yes, you take a lot of photos and it is something you chose to do as part of your ‘occupation’, but that does not make you a professional photographer. You may need to consider how your words are read by others.
KathEats says
That’s why I put “professional” in quotations. I have removed it now for all the confusion.
Anne says
I am surprised you were so negative about the s95 and its image quality. I am a hobby photographer, and a lazy one at that. I purchased the s95 based on it near flawless reviews. I am surprised how I am asked constantly if my photos are from a DSLR and do I have a Canon or Nikon. I guess its about knowing the camera settings and how to use it, as well as having a good eye for taking photos. I also don’t take oatmeal/food photographs and maybe that has something to do with it. Ah well, interesting post nonetheless I suppose.
KathEats says
I’d love to see some of your photos taken with it. Perhaps using it is just different than a DSLR and I’m not use to it. I agree it that it takes landscapes way better than close-ups.
KathEats says
Y’all sure overreacted to the pro stuff! I thought I explained it pretty well but I edited the post to make it clear that I was not calling myself a “professional” photographer and this was not a photography lesson. And as a reminder, mean-spirited comments will be deleted.
Jessica says
I can’t speak for photographers, but as a web developer and someone who started my career in graphic design I get where they are coming from. It takes a lot of sacrifice and work to carve out a lifestyle working professionally in a creative field these days, especially with the equipment and software becoming more and more user-friendly to the novice/hobbyist. That level of commitment has kind of a stigma attached to it, one that makes it hard for even the true expert to feel comfortable labeling themselves as “expert,” or “professional.” In their eyes, having the equipment doesn’t make a photographer any more than Photoshop a designer. I hope that makes sense!
In my mind, there’s nothing wrong with simply being a blogger who enjoys writing and documenting their life through photos. You can enjoy the creativity without the pressure of trying to survive off it. 🙂
KathEats says
I understand and agree with you! But I never said I was an expert or professional in the literal sense.
Rachael says
With all due respect, I think what bothers me more than the original post is your accusation that we are overreacting. We read the words, “professional photographer” and based our comments on the meanings of those words, whether or not you meant the words to mean something they don’t.
It would be nice to see you take ownership for your word choice, instead of blaming your readers for not intuitively knowing what you ‘meant’.
I’m not trying to be mean-spirited; I’m simply trying to defend us commenters, just as you’re defending yourself.
KathEats says
I have absolutely no problem what-so-ever if someone wants to write a respectful comment on why they might disagree. But the comments were condescending and snarky, and this is a supportive environment. I would never go up to someone learning nutrition or starting a blog and declare they have no right to call themselves and RD-to-be or a blogger.
Bethany says
Hi Kath,
I have been a reader for quite awhile now (2 years??), but have only commented once or twice. I really do enjoy your blog, and check in a few times throughout the day. However, I have noticed something – especially lately – that is off-putting, and wanted to respectfully share that with you.
It just seems that you never take ownership or admit when you are “wrong” or could have done/said/handled something differently. It appears that whenever readers have an issue with something you have written, you make it about how we are wrong for not understanding you, or “overreacting.”
Maybe, in those times, the best thing to do would be to take a step back and see why there is an issue, and what YOU could have done differently, and more importantly, what YOU could learn from this situation.
Being able to graciously take accountability for things is a great thing, and would serve anyone well both professionaly and personally. The way you handle things now (like your comment above) can come across as condescending, and I don’t think that is your true intention.
Just my two cents as a long-time reader…
Deanna says
I am sorry Kath but I have to agree here and I am a long time reader as well. Try not to get too defensive with constructive criticism. It will only benefit you; it’s takes more energy to get worked up and defensive which its seems is your usual response to these types of comments. These comments were by no means “mean spirited” in any way.
KathEats says
Did you read the ones I deleted?
Deanna says
hi! No i did not read anything that was deleted. I was just commenting on the statment you made on how commenters “over-reacted” when they were just going by what you had written 🙁 that’s all. nothing for anyone to get worked up over, but sometimes I just wish you’d just say something like “sorry if you all mis-understood; but i’ll edit the post so that there no one misunderstandnig of what I meant by the usage of the word proffessional here”. Instead you always have to have some remark such as the “y’all sure overreacted to the pro stuff!”. It’s just not a very nice or professional reply.
KathEats says
The comments were very condescending and mean….they were overreacting. My response was to them – not anyone you see here. I’m sorry if that wasn’t clear!
KathEats says
I don’t think I said anything wrong though! Unless people don’t understand quotation marks. I never said I was a true pro, an expert or that the post was meant to be THE guide to photography. All I said was it was how I work.
That said, there was enough drama that I edited the language.
Deanna says
Thank you for recognizing that and editing it! Appreciate it 🙂
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count says
Lots of info and links to look at. I need a Real camera sometime soon for all of the pluses you mentioned!
Erin says
I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your post, as a relatively new blogger.
Like you, I am not looking at becoming a master photographer. I just want to get a good shot of my food and then eat it!
I just got a Canon T2i and I love it. And I am just beginning to experiment with my 50mm f/1.8 lens. Your advice about the aperture and the AV mode is great, can’t wait to try it out.
And I never thought about getting a remote so I could be in more photos!
Just wanted to let you know that your post is a great help to other bloggers, despite people’s complaints about your use of the word ‘professional’.
Would you be interested in sharing your thoughts on moving a blog from a site like Blogger to Live Writer? Advantages, ease of use, etc?
KathEats says
Thanks Erin, that’s what I intended the goal of the post to be 🙂
Live Writer isn’t really a move – it’s a program very similar to Microsoft Word where you write your posts and then upload them. It should work with Blogger and is very simple to set up!
KathEats says
[And it’s free!]
Steph says
Great post, Kath! I am so excited about that camera bag. I have been looking for something more stylish to carry my camera around in. That bag is perfect!
Sarah says
cute pic of you and your bag!
Susan says
Kath,
I have been eyeing a few hand-made camera bags in various Etsy stores and have strayed from purchasing any of them mostly because of the cost (I do understand they are handmade, but I am a minimalist and am just looking for something simple that I can jazz up myself). I saw your cute and convenient little bag in your post and immediately did a little fist pump haha! After using your link, many folks commented saying that it was “poorly padded.” Did you find this to be the case? Either way, I am not super rough with my electronic/media goods so I will probably purchase either way.
Thanks!
-Sue
KathEats says
Hey Sue,
I think it’s plenty padded. I’m more concerned with things IN my bag hurting my camera then things outside of my bag. I think it comes down to how your’e going to use it. If it’s an everyday bag that will also serve as a purse, I’d get something lightweight. If you’re going to take it in airports or out in rough terrain, I might look for something bigger and more protective.
Sarah says
I have that same camera, but an older model. My husband is a Software Engineer — and from a family of photography hobbyists with a father who worked at Kodak for 30 years — and he told me a few years ago that using those EyeFi-type cards will put way too much wear-and-tear on the camera. Can’t you circle around once or twice a day and connect the camera to your computer via the USB cable you got with the camera? You will be protecting your investment that way, which would seem to trump your dislike of cables.
When the baby comes, will you still be setting up lights every night at dinner?
The photos that you publish can be created with a much, much less expensive kit.
KathEats says
I’ve never heard that about eye-fi’s hurting the camera. I’ve been using it for 3 years and everything seems OK. But to be honest, I’d rather take the risk than have cords and have to designate folders for each upload. It’s just too much to handle with the frequency that I am uploading photos.
Yes, when I’m photographing in the dark I’ll still use the lights.
And which kit are you talking about?
DeskSnacker says
This is all really good info. Thanks so much for sharing. I totally put away my food picture camera in the winter because of the low lighting. Great idea on the umbrellas for next winter.
jackie says
i have always wondered, doesn’t your food get cold while you are taking your pictures? do you take the pictures and then put it back in the oven to warm it up again? i absolutely hate when my dinner gets cold, unless it is supposed to be cold, that is…
KathEats says
This is exactly the reason why I can’t take too long to take my photos each time 🙂 Normally I’m done in less then 3 minutes, so it’s still hot!
~Christy @ wonderofallthings says
Wild what people get torqued by…
Anyway, I’m extremely grateful for your sharing of all this great information. I am very appreciative, my dear! 🙂 Thank you so much for doing what you do and allowing us a peek into your life.
Lara @ TresLaLa to TinyLaLa says
I think the hubby would kill me if I set up photography lights in the dining room. Of course, if that’s what I did for a living, then I’m sure he’d have to understand! 🙂 I really don’t like the Eye-Fi. I still use it, but simply as a memory card that goes into the slot on the computer, not to upload wirelessly. I find it really buggy as well, and it drives me crazy. That and now it duplicates my uploads (one from the slot, which I’m already editing by the time the wireless ones are only 1/2 way uploaded). I really should just sell the things… If you’re ever in the market for a great tripod, I got a Velbon aluminum one before we went to Africa and I wanted a really small lightweight one. I don’t recall the model (I looked through all of them!) but really loved it.
KathEats says
Closing comments and moving on. If you have any specific questions about any of the gear here, please email me at Katheats at Gmail.com!