real talk // what I shoot with

Are you ready? Today I'm starting a new series on the blog called Real Talk.I get a lot of emails from readers who want to know what camera/lenses etc I use because they "like my photos of kids/dogs/concerts and they want to shoot the same photos." Ahem.On one hand, this is SUPER flattering because hearing anyone loves your work is fantastic. It truly is.But on the other hand, I need to explain to everyone that the gear does not matter. Do you hear me? YOUR GEAR DOES NOT MATTER. The best camera in the world is the one you have in your hand. Things like angles, framing and light are what matter. But more on that later.Since I get these emails from readers, and since I've noticed that the photos or blog posts in which I show you how I got a shot get the most interest, I thought I would start a series on how to take better photos. You game?This will not be aimed at professional photographers, but rather at regular folks or hobbyists who are shooting with their phones or point-and-shoots. Sure, it's totally applicable if you have a wonderful DSLR camera like mine, but I want everyone to benefit from these posts, not just the photo nerds.I plan on talking about things like how to take better photos of your friends, how to get the most flattering light in your photos as well as how to get great shots of your babies or your kids and how to get your dog to look at the camera etc. In other words, I plan to spill all my secrets.Sound good?Also, I should note that by no means do I consider myself an expert in photography. I consider myself an expert in how I take *my* photos, and if you read this blog a lot, I'm thinking you might like how I create my work. Second, this blog will run every other Friday, unless I get a lot of questions from you guys that require more posts (which would be great!).OK. Let's start with my own gear and get that out of the way (only because you're curious, not because it matters).I shoot with a Nikon D700. This is not the latest and greatest camera body (See? It doesn't matter.), but I love this camera because it's much lighter than the next steps up and I have neck and back issues already. I also love it because it shoots wonderfully in the dark (for concerts) and it works with all my lenses from my old film days, so it saves me money.The lenses I use almost every day (along with a photo shot with that lens) would be:• 50 mm 1.4 // This lens lives on my camera the most. It shoots great in low light and I love the depth of field it creates (that means the fuzzy background).• 24-70 mm 2.8 // Perfect for road trips or concerts up when you're up close, it gives me great versatility for wide shots as well as a little zoom all in one lens, and it works in low light.• 85 mm 1.8 // I love this for portraits and weddings. It lets me be a little further from the subject, but the photos still appear intimate and beautiful.• macro lens // This is wonderful for getting my creative juices flowing and for photographing bugs and nature details.Those are my go to lenses. If that up there is gibberish to you, do not worry about it. You do not need those lenses to make wonderful photos. If you want it explained because you want to buy a new lens, shoot me a note and I'll happily explain more.Now! If you have questions you want answered, please please please shoot me an email and I'll answer it for you in the next installment! I love the idea of helping you guys learn!For your internet share of the day, this photo essay on what people around the world eat each day is fascinating to me! Seriously, go look at that and then think about what you ate yesterday.