I've had a lot of questions about what kind of camera I use for my photos, so thought I'd do a quick post about the gear I use.
It's my opinion that while the right gear (and good quality gear) helps a photographer capture images the way they see them, the camera is not what makes a good photographer. The camera is just a tool. I believe that it is artistic ability and photographic knowledge that makes a good photographer. And a good photographer uses equipment to their advantage.
I primarily use a Canon EOS-1D Mark II for all of my photos. My first digital DSLR camera was a Canon EOS 10D that I bought in April 2003. I still have my 10D and love it... I keep it as a spare and take it with me when I travel. It got a LOT of use at horse shows (I was a show photographer when I lived in Oregon). I wanted a camera that could take larger image files, so when the 1D Mark II became available, I upgraded.
I also have a Canon PowerShot S2 IS and a Canon G9 -- the G9 is my primary "point & shoot" digital camera. My Canon EOS Elan 7 SLR cameras haven't seen light of day since I transitioned to digital shooting.
I like the fast action of Canon lenses, and the quality of Canon glass. I use the following lenses:
1. Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS L Series
2. Canon 100mm f/2.8 L USM Macro
3. Canon 180mm f/3.5 L USM Macro
4. Canon 85mm f/1.8
5. Canon 100-400mm 4.5/5.6 IS L Series
6. Canon 28-135mm 3.5/5.6 IS
7. Canon 24mm f/2.8 Wide Angle
8. Canon 2.x extender: Doubles the zoom magnification of any lens.
9. Lensbaby: Fun lens for creative effects.
99% of all of my photos are taken in natural light settings, so I rarely use a flash, but I do have a Canon flash for use with the larger DSLR cameras.
In addition to wanting to know what camera I use, people often ask me how they can improve their photography skills. My answer: education.
Learn how to use the camera you have. Learn how to use light to your advantage. Learn what effects you can achieve simply by changing the settings on your camera from Automatic to Manual. Find something you love to take photos of and experiment with various styles of images, angles, and perspectives ... and don't forget the LIGHT!
Don't be afraid of trying something new. That's the best way to learn. 
Hey girl - which of these lenses do you use for your card photos?
Posted by: Lydia | May 05, 2008 at 05:41 AM
that is one NICE camera! wow!! I need to start sharing my work more on my blog... I am in love with my XTi but my focus keeps falling short- not sure what I am doing wrong. I am in an online class now and it is helping tremendously!!
Posted by: AnneMarieZ | May 29, 2007 at 05:46 AM
I love the pics on your blog ... and after reading this, was inspired to go out and photograph something! I'm pretty pleased with my pic
http://bellacarta.typepad.com/rebecca/2007/05/this_is_florida.html
No flash, natural lighting, with a Minolta Dimage Xt - a point and shoot, and I think I got a really great shot!
Posted by: Rebecca Grohall | May 28, 2007 at 12:58 PM
I was wondering why the stars are green on the flag, I have just come from your PAD. No explanation needed. TFS.
Posted by: Juanita | May 28, 2007 at 12:42 PM
I've wanted a digital SLR camera for a long time. I had an old one that uses film but it's broken and I'd rather go digital. I bought two books, I love books and one would have probably sufficed, in Barnes & Noble titled: The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby, and Quick Snap Guide to Digital SLR Photography by David D Busch. Both of these books are easy to understand and extremely helpful. Now all I need is the camera, LOL. Your information is priceless, TFS.
Posted by: Juanita | May 28, 2007 at 12:21 PM
Thanks so much Anna for sharing all of this information. I totally agree, it's not the equipment you use but the person behind the lens. (Oh and in my case, I'm terrible! LOL)
Posted by: Asela | May 28, 2007 at 08:22 AM
Wow! That's a lot of lenses! Someday I hope to upgrade to a better Canon digital so I can use my lenses. I hardly ever use my old Canon these days...instant gratification, you know... Thanks, Anna!
Posted by: Leslie Miller | May 28, 2007 at 02:52 AM
I knew I just made a good purchase with my Canon EOS! ;) Upgraded from a Powershot G5. Thanks for all your equipment tips, Anna!
Posted by: Sharon Harnist | May 27, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Oooh, I forgot about my lensbaby! I will have to go dust it off (haha, it's been in my bag o' camera stuff since Christmas before last!!!) and play in the mud and muck outside. Maybe tomorrow. . . LOL!
Posted by: jenn | May 27, 2007 at 03:28 PM
Thanks for all of that great information. I have always loved photography, but have never been very good at it. Your pictures are stunning!
Posted by: Andrea | May 27, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Awesome Info, thanks for posting.
Posted by: Sherri | May 27, 2007 at 12:56 PM