I really want to do more with my photography. I feel the blog would benefit from better quality photos and I actually really enjoy taking them. I also need an excuse to walk more, as it's one of the best exercises for me and it's free! If you are going to walk and you don't have anyone to go with, I think it helps to have a prop. Dogs are great, but a bit of a commitment. After all, they are for life, not just for walkies. So, the next best thing is a camera. I find if I have something to focus on, I walk further without even realising and it doesn't feel like exercise.
You can take photos of pretty much anything. I like taking extreme close ups of minibeasts, but there are also landscapes and buildings to consider. The great part is, it doesn't matter where you go, there will always be something interesting to photograph. I took this photo of the Wills Memorial Building in Bristol.
This was just using my phone, and I often wonder what I could achieve with a 'proper' camera. I worry about ending up with something too complicated, though. It's not just that I'm not the brightest spark when it comes to instructions, it's also finding the time to fit an amateur photography course into an already busy life! Every time I buy a slightly techy product these days, I seem to end up with a huge tome of text, containing half a rainforest and words of biblical proportions that I have no hope of understanding. So, in an effort to simplify matters, I'm leaning towards a bridge camera. Rumour has it that they offer quality photography without all the complications of a more advanced DSLR. I am currently lusting after this Panasonic bridge camera. If I am going to invest in a camera, I insist on looking the part and this is what I call a proper camera, look at the size of that lens!
Published in conjunction with Panasonic
A bridge is a good place to start I think, I adore my DSLR but I haven't got all the features down yet.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure anyone ever does! That's true with most of my tech, I never do find out what ALL the buttons are for!
DeleteI've been using a Panasonic Lumix bridge for several years now and LOVE it. Over the years I can see a marked improvement in my photography. I keep debating about going to a DSLR, but the truth is, I'm lazy! I can't be faffing with different lenses and such, and I have learned that a bridge can provide some great control and manual options - and it's a less expensive option too! x
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the faffing. Most of my pics are spontaneous, I don't have time for faff! :-)
DeleteI started off with a regular digital camera then about five years ago Hubby treated me to a proper camera DSLR and I haven't looked back. They are not as difficult as you think to use although I'm still learning x
ReplyDeleteI just wonder if I'd do it justice. I don't even use all the functions on my microwave!
DeleteI use a DSLR, but tend to stick to the simpler functions, but I think I'll want to progress to the more manual ones. I was worried I'd get fed up of a bridge camera after a while.
ReplyDeleteA DSLR would be an investment, I know I wouldn't outgrow it, at least.
DeleteI love my Canon 100D, which is a compact DSLR. I only use about 3 settings most of the time, but the photos come out really well.
ReplyDeleteWhen I bought my Nikon I thought it's too complicated for me but the more I practiced the more I learned :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds fun when you put it like that!
DeleteI have a Nikon Coolpix which I get on great with but do want to move up to a better camera
ReplyDeleteIt's the zoom I'm really missing. I have birds in my birdbox, but they are very camera shy, I can't get close|!
DeleteI have a basic DSLR NIkon D 3000 and its very easy to use. I too get confused with too much jargon in technology manuals.
ReplyDeleteWhy are they so huge! I wonder if anyone has ever read a whole one!
DeleteI use a Sony NEX-5R, I'd highly recommend it! xx
ReplyDeleteOoh, will have a look. I really want one I know someone has got on well with.
DeleteTotally with you there Lucy! I do have a good camera on my phone but it is NOT the same - I miss my camera. Something I am certainly looking at getting this year - although I am slightly stumped, wish I could "try before I buy"!
ReplyDeleteThat would be great! It's such a big decision, and not every camera suits everyone, it's a personal thing!
DeleteYou are right that a prop definitely helps with a walk and the downside to having two dogs (as I do) is that you often don't have hands free for the camera!
ReplyDeleteOne for that lil plastic bag, I guess?!
DeleteI started with a bridge camera before moving to a DSLR - need photograhy lessons now so i can use it properly
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm thinking, it would probably be an investment to go on a course or something, so I can get the most out of it!
Deletebelieve it or not but i use my phone, i know not all pictures are great but some look great with it
ReplyDeleteThe best thing about my phone is it has a torch. Nothing beats it for low light photos. You can even take pics in the cinema! Not while the film's on though, obviously, you'll get chucked out!
DeleteAh, I have fond memories of this place - like my graduation ceremony there, years and years ago! Lovely shot.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's such an awe-inspiring building, I love it!
Deletewell you're one up on me - I don't even know what a DSLR is!
ReplyDeleteIt's a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera! (And yes I did just look that up!) :-D
DeletePhotography is an art form that can always teach even the best of the best something. Its great and so accessible. I love the photo here. I'd like to see them bigger on your page going forward though :)
ReplyDeleteI upgraded my camera last year and it was the best thing i did .. i have become slightly obsessed
ReplyDeleteI swear by my Fuji Finepix - it takes all the fancy shots (sharp subject, blurry background, etc.) without the need for different lenses and fits in my bag - perfect for me.
ReplyDelete