Oh man… this post has been a long time coming! I have been asked NUMEROUS times over the years what camera I use and what I use to edit my photos so I am going to put all of it out right here.
I have had a DSLR for over 7 years now and have definitely learned a lot since first dabbling into photography (once again, I’m NOT a professional!)
I started out with a Canon Rebel and still recommend that for anyone starting out! After shooting for a while, I quickly learned that your lens is what makes the biggest difference. I wouldn’t suggest buying a kit with your camera… it usually comes with a lens that isn’t too great. Buy the camera body by itself and invest in a better lens. THIS LENS is a great one for starting out! I used this combo for years taking pictures for my blog and for Utah Grubs and it was perfect for me to get started.
After a couple of years with a Rebel, I upgraded to THIS ONE and I absolutely loved it! I also invested in THIS 35mm LENS to go with it and feel like it was been the perfect combo for me the past couple of years. The lens makes a huuuge difference!
Fast forward to today, and I am so beyond thrilled with THIS CAMERA! I asked Tim Coulson what would be a great camera to use and he suggested I go mirrorless and I am OBSESSED. I currently use THIS LENS with it the most (and the Sigma lens from above too!) and am so thrilled. I feel like I am finally taking the pictures I’ve always dreamed of taking! 😭 (and I know I still have a lot of work to do)
With all of that being said, even when I had DSLR cameras, I will admit I took almost EVERY SINGLE picture on ‘no flash’ because I just didn’t feel comfortable with all of the other settings on my camera. I had no clue how to use Manual and every time I tried I felt like it was super blurry and out of focus.
I was somewhat satisfied with my photos but KNEW there was so much more I could be doing.
Then, I came across Tim Coulson’s course The Nursery and took it last spring and I FINALLY feel comfortable taking photos on Manual! I am so proud of myself!
Tim does SUCH an incredible job breaking down the complex features of the Manual setting on your camera and walks you through how to take great pictures. I took soo many notes on my laptop when I took his course and STILL look back on my notes maybe once a month to refresh my memory!
I love that you only pay once and can access the course forever.
He is launching a new course soon (which will be about double the price!) but wanted to offer you guys one last chance to grab The Nursery at a discounted price!
Between now and next Friday, use the code OLIVIA for 30% off!!! This is a huge discount and I hope you all take advantage of it.
As far as EDITING my pictures go, I’m almost embarrassed assed to admit that I edit ALL of my photos on VSCO on my iPhone… all of them! I have looked into Lightroom and other applications like that but I prefer the quickness, convenience, and aesthetic that comes from VSCO.
If you like Lightroom, you need to check out my friend Mandi’s filters HERE. They are so beautiful!
My tip: the key to getting a great edited photo is shooting your photo in a way that requires very minimal editing!
I try to only add a little bit of a filter and maybe fix the exposure but besides that, I usually am always pleased with my photos with hardly any filter at all…
My favorite “recipe” to do on VSCO is using the E1 & E2 filters and for black and white photos I use any of the “X” series filters.
This is all I do:
I just add one of those filters I mentioned above, bring the exposure up a tiny bit, adjust the temperature if needed and save it! That’s IT! I’m not even kidding! But once again, most of my photos are shot in a way that require very minimal editing by getting the settings right.
Anyways, I hope that answers your questions! If you have any more feel free to comment below and let me know.
And don’t forget to use the code OLIVIA to get 30% off of Tim’s course! You will not regret it.
-Liv
