Photo Gear

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.

Comments

[Lydia]

Hey girl - which of these lenses do you use for your card photos?

[AnneMarieZ]

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!!

[Rebecca Grohall]

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!

[Juanita]

I was wondering why the stars are green on the flag, I have just come from your PAD. No explanation needed. TFS.

[Juanita]

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.

[Asela]

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)

[Leslie Miller]

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!

[Sharon Harnist]

I knew I just made a good purchase with my Canon EOS! ;) Upgraded from a Powershot G5. Thanks for all your equipment tips, Anna!

[jenn]

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!

[Andrea]

Thanks for all of that great information. I have always loved photography, but have never been very good at it. Your pictures are stunning!

[Sherri]

Awesome Info, thanks for posting.