My Camera Gear & What I Use To Edit
Photography is a special and unique language that needs no translation - it is understood worldwide. The right image can transport its viewer to another world and take them on a journey and I love that I can share my experiences, adventures and memories in a few simple snaps.
I have been shooting for a couple of years now and the number one question I get emailed or asked about on Instagram is what camera do I use to take all my photos and what programs do I use to edit them. So I thought I would make a blog post about it :)
Back in 2013 I got a Canon 700D for my birthday and had absolutely no idea how to use it. I wanted to learn the hard way, so I kept the camera in manual at all times, and began watching a few tutorials on Youtube. As I became more intrigued with how DSLR's worked, I started paying close attention to the works of other automotive photographers and started challenging myself each time I took a photo.
After feeling limited with the gear I had and wanting to take my hobby further (don't get me wrong the 700D is amazing), I decided to take the plunge and do a huge upgrade by purchasing a Canon 5D Mark III paired with a 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM lens. Whilst it came with a hefty price tag, it was without a doubt the best purchase I have ever made.
When shooting, I always try to create something that tells a story or creates a feeling of you being in that location.
tip: Try to explore new angles to provide new perspective, and try to remember to not stand there at eye level with the focal point of the photo in the centre as That gets old and boring. also Try shooting from the ground up or if you can, get up on something to shoot down on the subject.
Along with my 24-70mm lens, I also own a 40mm and a 50mm + the standard 18-55mm lens which I hardly ever use as I love my 24-70mm so much. I also pair this lens with my trusty CPL filter. Not only does this protect my lens but it diminishes the reflections on cars, which is something I hate - especially on black cars.
The next question I often get asked is how I get my images so clean looking and I guess a lot of that has to do with the camera I use and how I process them. The second I get home from a shoot, I will spend copious amounts of hours editing the photos in Lightroom. Once I am happy with how they are looking on LR, I then import the photos that need a bit of 'tidying up' into Photoshop.
To give you an idea, I have attached some before and after shots below:
Generally I will spend quite a bit of time retouching the images so they look "clean" and even though it is time-consuming, I really enjoy it.
Photography is something that is still relatively new to me and I am learning new things every day. I feel incredibly passionate about it and I can't wait to see where it all takes me next! Taking photos makes me curious about the world around me. It forces me to pause from all the craziness in my day, to get out and spend time exploring, which makes me thankful to be alive and living. I’m also grateful because photography has allowed me to connect with so many interesting and inspiring people from different countries, beliefs, languages and backgrounds that would have been almost impossible without this visual medium.
So if you're an aspiring photographer, my best advice is to just get out and explore, even if you don't know what you're doing!
