Which DSLR Camera to Buy?

I have been asked a few time which camera is best to buy.  If you are looking for a DSLR camera, it can be overwhelming when deciding which camera to choose.  Let me help you!

Where to Start.
First of all, decide what your budget is.  In most cases, an entry level DSLR will suffice.  An entry level DSLR is great for taking everyday photos and learning photography.  They average cost is about $500.00-$600.00.  The most popular brands are Canon and Nikon, which are very comparable to each other.  In most cases, you will find DSLR cameras that are sold as a kit with a lens as seen here.  I don't recommend buying your camera as a kit.  The lens it comes with has great limitations.  Instead, I recommend buying the body only, and then a 50mm f/1.8 lens.  You will spend about the same for this lens as the kit lens, and it is much better quality.  You will be able to take better photos in low light and be able to be focused on the subject while having a blurred background. The 50mm lens is an amazing lens, and you will be able to better achieve the photos you desire.

But now, which camera do I choose?
Below you will find a list of the entry level camera by Canon and Nikon with link to Amazon where they can be purchased.  Or search these cameras in Adorama's Search box below....I buy from Adorama.  Their used department is outstanding and they rate all their equipment, so you know the exact condition it is in.  I recommend buying a camera with an E+ rating. (The camera I use right now, I bought used from them, and it is in perfect condition).

Camera Bodies
Nikon D5100
Nikon D3100
Canon EOS Rebel T3
Canon EOS Rebel T3i
Canon EOS Rebel T2i 

Lenses

 Nikon 50mm f/1.8G                   Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

What's Next?
DSLR cameras have a lot of settings and capabilites.  I HIGHLY recommend to learn how to shoot your camera on Manual mode and not use Auto mode.  I know from experience that it is very overwhelming to teach yourself when you have no idea what anything means.  So, I am offering my expertise to help you learn your camera.  I will be offering one-on-one sessions to teach you your camera.  Each session will last 1 hour and costs $60.00.  I will teach you how ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture work together.  I will also help you change the settings in your camera to achieve a desired photo.  During your session, you can ask me anything, so come with your questions! If you are interested in a one-on-one session, email me at info@jennabeachphotography.com.

Happy Shopping,

Jenna

By God's Grace: Scot Rehm

A local family is enduring some tough times.  Scot is on a road to recovery after suffering a traumatic brain injury.  His wife Kimberly has stood by his side and been his rock.  His road to recovery is long, and medical expenses are mounting.  Please pray for their family and consider making a financial donation to help them with the costs of major surgeries and extensive therapy.  

Donate here: 

Here is a recap of what happened:

On Friday, July 6^th, Scot drove his moped 2 miles down the road to a friend’s house.  On the way there, a deer jumped out in front of him.  Scot slid approximately 60 feet down the dirt road.  The police stated that there was no time for Scot to react.  Fortunately, a few of Scot’s friends were shining deer and decided to turn down the road that Scot was on. He was in the ditch, unconscious, with the deer and scooter not far from him. 

Scot was rushed by ambulance to Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield.  On the way there, he became very combative.  They had to sedate Scot so that they could place a breathing tube and a line going to his stomach.  After arriving to the hospital, CT scans revealed that he had severe brain swelling and that his brain was shifted to one side.  Scot also had a large blood clot on the right side, road rash covering the back of his body, facial bone fractures, and also a large gash in his left ankle. The doctors informed Kim of his condition and advised that surgery would be his only life saving option. In surgery they would remove a portion of Scot’s skull to relieve the swelling and also remove as much of the blood clot as possible.  In removing the blood clot, part of his temporal lobe was also removed.  The doctor stated that the skull would be reattached at a later date when the swelling goes down.
 

Along with surgery, came the unknown.  If Scot made it through surgery, doctors informed Kim that there would be no way of knowing what the outcome would be.  By God’s Grace, support of family and friends, and continuous prayer, Scot has come a long way.  He is currently on the long, unpredictable road to recovery. 
Please consider donating to help pay for medical bills.  Thank you for your love, support, and prayers!!

If you would like to read more about Scot's journey please visit his caring bridge site here.  You will need to sign up with an email address and password.


How to Help:

Rally for the Rehms
A softball benefit has been set up by Scot's family and friends.  Details below:

Date: September 14-16
Time: Friday starts @6:30pm, Saturday & Sunday @ 9:00am
Location: Rozellville Lions Club
               Country Rd. C
               Stratford, WI 54484
Fun!: Enjoy softball games, concessions, raffles, music, and games for the children.  Bring the family!

Donate:  You can donate right from the blog.  Donations will go directly to a PayPal account set up for Scot Rehm's Medical Expenses.

The Ultimate Purse

Have you heard of Kelly Moore?  If not, you should check her out Here. She makes wonderful handbags.  Typically they are created for photographers, but they are so useful beyond that. The bag is designed with compartments that help you keep organized.  Before I had my Kelly Moore bag, my purse was a jumbled mess.  I wasted so much time digging around trying to find what I was looking for.  With my 2 Sues Bag I no longer have that problem.  The inside of the bag is padded and has dividers that can be adjusted to fit your needs.  The dividers have velcro attachments which make it easy to customize your bag.  My purse is organized now, so I know exactly where everything is...which saves time.  And I am all for saving time!

All of her bags come with a short handle as well as a long messenger strap.  I love having both options.  The short strap fits nicely on my shoulder when out and about by myself, while the messenger strap allows me to move freely when multitasking or carrying a big load of groceries.  I don't know about you, but I've definitely tried loading up my arms with bags to make it in the house in one trip.  I always felt like I had it together until I reached my door and attempted to open it.  Ah yes, I am super woman, opening a door should pose no threat to me!  But alas, my nemesis shoulder strap and her henchman gravity show up to pull my purse off my shoulder sending innocent groceries to their doom.  Lesson learned, every superhero needs a sidekick....  Messenger strap to the rescue!  

I love that the bag is padded because in addition to my camera gear, I can also carry my iPad or other small electronics with me (whats a superhero without their gadgets).  I have my iPad with me at all times.  The bag protects it so well I don't even need to keep a case on it.  I used to be afraid to keep my camera in my purse until I bought this bag. Whether you have a point and shoot camera or a DSLR this bag has plenty or room and protection for it.  I would like to challenge you to take your camera with you everywhere you go and capture everyday moments...especially those who have children.  They grow up so fast and it is so easy to forget the day to day joys (or frustrations) our children bring to us.  

Speaking of children, if my bag wasn't full of camera gear, I would use it as a diaper bag.  Pack a bottle, diapers, wipes, extra clothes, and set up a separate compartment for each...talk about organized!  The 2 Sues Bag has a separate pocket on the outside so you don't have to put a wallet in your purse (probably one of my favorite features).  It is so easy to find my checkbook or credit card even when my hands are full.  

This bag is amazing (AND CUTE!), so I wanted to share with you all.  It's fun to be stylish and practical.  Whether or not you are thinking about getting one of these bags, I again encourage you to take your camera with you everywhere.  

Watch Kelly Moore's video about it here.

Happy Shooting,

Jenna

Jenna Beach Photography

Moms with Cameras Class--August 23

Moms with Cameras

On June 30th I launched my Moms with Cameras class with a group of 6 amazing women.  During this class I learned that I love teaching photography.  I knew instantly that I would be offering the class again. 

My Moms with Cameras ladies loved the class, and they learned what all of those other settings on the camera are...you know, the ones that you can adjust when you take your camera off of auto.  Sounds scary, but no worries.  I will walk you through what those settings are and how to adjust them to achieve the photo you have envisioned.  

My Moms with Cameras ladies at the end of our hands on photo shoot.

A BIT MORE ABOUT THE CLASS:

This class is geared towards moms, but is open to any female interested in learning how to take better photographs.  I will cover topics such as camera settings, lighting, composition, and simple techniques to achieve better photos in camera.  We'll all relax, enjoy a few hours away from the kiddos, and learn to create photographs we love.  

Other important details:

• This course is geared towards point and shoot cameras.  I will not be covering information on camera settings for DSLR cameras.  If you have a DSLR you are still welcome to attend, as the information presented will still be of benefit to you.
• The last hour will be devoted to a live, hands-on mini photo session with class participants.
• Moms with Cameras attendees will be added to Jenna Beach Photography's exclusive JBP Moms with Cameras Facebook group.  This is a place for you to post photos you take.  We can watch each other's progress, provide photo critique, and I am available to answer questions.  Periodically I post challenges for participants to take their photography to the next level.
• Each "Mom with a Camera" who attends will receive a swag bag with goodies valued over $50.00!
• A light snack and refreshments will be provided.
• This course is not for photographers, hobbyists, amateur, or professional (with or without a photography business), or anyone planning to start a photography business within the next 2 years.  Each attendee must sign a contract stating they have no intent to charge for photography services in the next 2 years.
• The class will be held at my studio.  I will email all registered participants more details once registration closes.

Mark Your Calendar:  Thursday, August 23  5:00pm-8:00pm

Seats are limited, so register quickly to reserve your seat!

Cost: $40.00 (plus tax)

Moms with Cameras

Moms with Cameras

How to take better photos of your children

Oh how time flies.  If I had a nickel every time I heard a mom say that I would be rich.  But it is so true!  My daughter turned a year old just over two weeks ago, and I am amazed at how quickly a year went by.  Oh how time flies! :)  I sat down and looked through the photos that I took during her first year.  I honestly had forgotten how tiny she was.  If I didn't have photos, I wouldn't remember what she looked like when she was a newborn.  

This was one of the first photos I took with my DSLR camera.  Practicing and learning something new every day got me to where I am today. 

A photo from Ella's one year old photo shoot.  I love this little girl to pieces!   <3  

Those few moments of looking through photos helped me realize how much I cherish them.  This is just one reason I love my job.  I get to use my talent to provide families with memories; memories that my be forgotten without photos.  But I realize that there are so many moments in between your portrait sessions.  Those moments are just as important as the ones I capture.  Everyday moments tell a story of a life.  So, I have decided that I want to help moms fall in love with their everyday photos.  

And Now.....Drum Roll Please.......Jenna Beach Photography presents her new class "Moms with Cameras."  This class is geared towards moms, but is open to any female interested in learning how to take better photographs.  I will cover topics such as camera settings, lighting, composition, and simple techniques to achieve better photos in camera.  We'll all relax, enjoy a few hours away from the kiddos, and learn to create photographs we love.  

Other important details:

• This course is geared towards point and shoot cameras.  I will not be covering information on camera settings for DSLR cameras.  If you have a DSLR you are still welcome to attend, as the information presented will still be of benefit to you.
• Each "Mom with a Camera" who attends will receive a swag bag with goodies valued over $50.00!
• A light snack and refreshments will be provided.
• This course is not for photographers, hobbyists, amateur, or professional (with or without a photography business), or anyone planning to start a photography business within the next 2 years.  Each attendee must sign a contract stating they have no intent to charge for photography services in the next 2 years.
• The class will be held at my studio.  I will email all registered participants more details once registration closes.

Mark Your Calendar:  Saturday, June 30  9:00am-Noon

Seats are limited, so register quickly to reserve your seat!

Cost: $35.00 (plus tax)

Registration Closed