You Did it!: (High Five!)
Who needs pens and paper? You can draw with light! This image was captured at night (in our garage) with the camera on a tripod and the shutter speed set to 30 seconds. Using multicolored glow sticks, I drew imaginary hearts in the air while Emir tripped the shutter and the camera recorded my movements. The result? Pure love!
That wasn’t so bad, right? Aren’t you surprised by how much potential your camera has had all along? Admit it. It’s pretty incredible.
Like the announcer on a late-night infomercial, I feel compelled to say, “But wait! There’s more! If you call now...” Just kidding.
But seriously. Before we part ways, there are a few more odds and ends worth knowing about. Good stuff!
Photographic DIY heaven
Now that you know and understand the basics, the party can live on indefinitely as you and your camera spend more and more quality time together. How exciting is that?
If you’re really looking to have some fun with your camera, you absolutely, without a doubt, need to check out www.Photojojo.com. They have tutorials on all kinds of fascinating photographic techniques (camera toss, anyone?), DIY decorating ideas, and one-of-a-kind goodies you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere.
Looking to treat yourself in celebration of your newfound photo know-how? Check out Photojojo! The Book: Insanely Great Photo Projects and DIY Ideas, by Amit Gupta and Kelly Jensen. You deserve it!
Kid in a candy store
People often ask me where I buy my cameras and photo-related equipment, and I have only one answer for them: B&H (www.bhphotovideo.com). Their unbeatable combination of selection, price, product reviews, educational resources, knowledgeable staff, and easy-to-find-what-you’re-looking-for website is, quite simply, the best.
If you live in (or have plans to visit) New York City, make it a point to stop by their flagship store on 9th Avenue at 34th Street. You can get your hands on pretty much anything in the store (230,000-plus products!) while surrounded by staff who are happy to help.
My first experience in their store was so inspiring, I actually wrote an entire blogpost about it. (If curiosity is getting the better of you, you can check it out here: www.kabloomstudios.com/blog/my-kind-of-disneyland).
Time for new gear?
Eventually, even the most beloved and well-cared-for camera will reach the end of its life expectancy. Having to say goodbye to a dear friend is never easy—but getting to know a new one can certainly be exciting. With a long list of possibilities, however, where do you start? There are so many factors to consider—available shooting modes, lens options, price (just to name a few)—that the options can easily be overwhelming.
To help, I’ve put together a list of the gear I recommend and use in my own pursuits, both personally and professionally. Everything from my well-loved point-and-shoot cameras to my favorite dSLRs, camera bags, and tiny, travel-size tripods. You’ll find it all on my website (www.kabloomstudios.com/gear). Enjoy!
XOXO!
I hope this book has infused you with a sense of empowerment.
You can make better photos.
You can take control and boss your camera around.
And—you can have fun in the process.
After all, your camera loves you.
Cheers!
