Photography...

Because many of you have asked about my photos lately, I'm dedicating this post to my photography set-up. First though, it's important to note that I'm not a professional photographer, though I've been inspired by many, especially my good friend, Krysten Halek. She's a total natural when it comes to photography. Her photos are "real" and for the most part, unplanned. She specializes in child photography. We've used her a number of times in the past to take photos of our family. She's followed are family story from beginning to end. The photos she took of us not only shed light on the love that Eric and I shared while married, but also the sorrow we came to know at the very end, a month before Eric passed away. She took our very last set of family photos. It's no surprise that I've grown to adore her both as a person and as a gifted photographer. Recently, I requested her services once again, but this time it was strictly for myself. I've been in terrible need of new head shots. The one you see on my blog is nearly two years old. I'm almost embarrassed to say that it no longer reflects my "true appearance". Laugh. Add about ten pounds to that image and then maybe it will start looking like the thirty-one year old sitting here typing this post. I invited Krysten over this morning so that she could take photos of me in my studio and also outside at one of the local parks. We had a great time, but let me tell you, I'm very self conscience in front of the camera. Krysten was really good about keeping me involved in the process. She even gave me a few photography tips and heck, who doesn't love that coming from a pro like her? I was able to peek at some of the photos and was really impressed. Her eye for composition is astonishing. I'm totally awe of her talent. Smile. Once she preps and sends me photos, I'll post a few here on my blog.  Thank-you Krysten!

My set-up is simple. Here it is:

Canon Digital Rebel XT 8MP Digital SLR Camera
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF)
Adobe Photoshop CS3 (soon to be available CS4)
Kubota Artistic Tools Volume 2 - The Modern-Chic Pak 
Maggie Holmes Photoshop Actions

My first big purchase was my camera body. I purchased my Digital Rebel two years ago. Since then, I've added to the collection slowly over time. My last large investment was the Canon 50mm f/1.2 L USM lens. I purchased it after doing extensive research, including visiting multiple pro photography web blogs and talking with other photographers. It came highly recommended and after owning it for six + months, I'm completely happy with the lens. It's gets used 85% of the time when I'm taking photos. Before purchasing the Canon 50mm lens, I used my Tamron 28-75mm lens for capturing all my images. It's a lens often promoted by Karen Russell. It's a great lens and is perfect for everyday photography. I still enjoy using my Tamron from time to time, especially for images taken outside under natural light. Eventually, I'd like to get a wide angle lens (thanks Krysten for the idea!). I love the perspective on the wide angle lens, but with my budget already being tight, it will have to wait.

After taking hundreds of photos and filtering through them, I prep my photos for print/web using Photoshop CS3. Once I open an image in Photoshop, I'll adjust curves/levels to improve lighting and then I'll apply a few of my favorite actions. Generally, for my blog, I like to use "Vitamin Boost" from Kubota Actions. Once I've used this action on an image, I'll sometimes use Maggie's "light it up" action to bring the lighting up another notch. After that, it's resize and save for web. For printed images, I still prefer using "Vitamin Boost", but sometimes I'll use Maggie's "Color Pop" action. There are really only two or three action sets that I use on a regular basis (Maggie Holmes Actions, Kubota Actions, Mindy's Remarkable Action Set for B & W images). I figure the simpler the set-up, (less options) the easier it will be for me to get things done.  I've kept my action collection small for this very reason. In this case, less is more.

If you have any further questions regarding this post, please feel free to email me. Next post, "The Apple Orchard". It's that time of year again in Minnesota, Fall is upon us! Tomorrow, along with my sister and her family, Ethan and I will be visiting one of the local apple orchards. The honey crisp apples are ripe for picken' and I can't wait to get me a bag :) More about that either tomorrow or Sunday. Have a great weekend guys!

Comments

[Savitri]

Your setup is great. I love that 50mm but it's too expensive for my pocket book. So I opted for the $75-ish Canon 50mm/1.8 (Amazon price). It's the body is plastic but it's an awesome lens and for the price it's very worth it. I've owned it for a year and it's still going. I too use it 85% of the time.

I want a better 18/28-75mm. Looking. Great post!!

[elaine t]

Thanks for this photography post - great for a person like me who's clueless when it comes to using a camera.
I've never been to an apple orchard before - hope I'll have the chance to one day. Where I live, it's practically a concrete jungle, no orchards, no nothing, so it's wonderful to read about such trips. :)

[VickiF]

TFS!!

[Julie]

Well I am just taking an on-line photography course to see if I can learn more about my camera and get those great shots.I can't wait to learn more about photo editing.

Have fun at the Apple Orchard. I am sure that there will be many a photo op there.

[Shelby]

Thanks Christine for the photoshop info. didnt know about actions as Im not really that good with photoshop. I down loaded one of magies actions so looking forward having a play with them.

[Amy Thomas]

Boy, if you aren't a professional photographer I would sure like to see the difference! With a brother as a Prof. Photographer, I can't see one. Your photos are amazing. Thanks for the tips on how you take your photos. I love it when others share the practical information and the things they use. You are a blessing!

[Tin]

Hi Christine! thanks again for sharing your photography tips preferences. You are just too humble, but you are truly one talented lady :-)

Kristine