Photography Lessons Archives - Real Life Captured

Buying a new camera, Photography Lessons

HELP! What camera should I buy?

Beginner guide to buying a new or used digital camera for cheap

So you (or someone you know) want to get into photography, but trying to decide which camera to purchase is SO overwhelming! I frequently have clients and friends ask me which camera they should buy, so I thought I'd do a quick post on this subject. First, I'll go over some bare minimum requirements when looking for a new or used DSLR camera, and then we'll talk about my favorite cameras on the market. Most people I've talked with want to get the best camera for the least amount of money. You can buy a brand new camera if you have a little money to spend, but do[...]

Photography Lessons

8 Things You Absolutely Need To Start a Portrait Photography Business

8 things you need to start a portrait photography business

So you're thinking about getting started in photography, you love the idea of it and are thinking about jumping in! But where to begin? Many people ask me this: “If you were starting a portrait business either as side hustle money or as a full-time business, what would you absolutely need to get started?" You might be wondering the same thing. When I started in photography, I spent thousands of dollars on new gear. I didn't know exactly what I needed, so I bought all kinds of lenses, camera bodies, props, and lighting equipment... I was constantly[...]

Photography Lessons

How to take a photo with a blurry background

So you have a new camera, and you’re dying to take a professional looking portrait photo. You know, the type of photo where your subject is in perfect focus, but the background is soft and blurry. How do you do it? It all starts with understanding aperture. How to create a blurry background is the #1 thing people ask me when it comes to taking artistic photos.… My answer is always the same: that they need a low aperture lens. You might have heard the word aperture before, but what the heck is it? Aperture is the main factor in whether the background[...]

Photography Lessons

Recommended Camera Lenses for Beginners

how to choose a cheap beginner camera lens DSLR canon

Trying to decide which lens to buy? The options are overwhelming! Clients and friends frequently ask me what lenses I use and recommend. I wanted to do a quick post about which lenses are my favorites as there are literally hundreds of available options. Many people think if they buy a pro camera, their photos are automatically going to be amazing. Unfortunately you can have a great camera... but pair it with a crappy lens and your photos will be lacking. To make pricing more attractive, many high end cameras ship with cheap, high aperture "starter" kit lenses. N[...]

Location Shoots, Photography Lessons

How to take amazing fall photos of your family in the leaves

how to take amazing fall photos with kids tutorial canon

Fall is one of my favorite seasons! Otherwise lackluster lawns and trees are suddenly transformed to beautiful, dreamy, colorful scenery that makes a perfect backdrop for photos. Not only is it a perfect place for photos - my kids LOVE to play in the leaves! (Hey, FINALLY something they can throw everywhere that I don't have to clean up! Momma's dream come true...) I scroll through social media this time of year and see everyone posting fall photos. But so many times I'm thinking to myself, "Gosh if they had just turned away from the sun, changed the angle, or go[...]