A Photographer's Toolbox
Our powder bathroom has had a broken toilet paper holder for years now (I don’t even want to count how many). About a year ago, I ordered a replacement and while trying to install it—the whole thing broke. Recently annoyed at how the toilet paper sits on the counter, and sometimes gets knocked onto the floor (and once into the toilet), I ordered a new one on Amazon and crossed my fingers it would be easy to install. I took all the parts out, and—like many small projects around the house— thought to myself: I can have this installed in minutes.
Famous last words.
Fifteen minutes later, I took a picture of the chaos: toilet paper holder parts askew, random tools that may or may not be right for the job, and little screws sprinkled throughout. Irritated, I texted it to my husband, Jason. “Can you please install this when you get home tonight?”
I clearly didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t even know how to pick the right tools for the job.
Photography is a wonderfully accessible art and one I believe all mothers should participate in as a creative outlet and form of documenting their lives.
But a quick Google search on how to get into photography will leave you feeling like your bankroll is too small. Also, what is white balance anyway?
When you come across a beautiful moment in your life, you know you want to photograph it; you don’t want that creative energy to be stunted by being unsure if you have the tools you need. Feel prepared and capable of taking your own photos by reviewing the foundational building blocks and, over time, consider what additional add-ons you may want to add to your own photography practice.
Foundational photography tools:
Start here // The burning question so many of us have is, can I take good photos on my phone camera? Yes, yes, you can! One of my favorite tricks to good camera phone photos is using portrait mode, even on photos that aren’t portrait. You can absolutely take beautiful photos on your phone, so if that’s all you have, then you are more than ready.
A DSLR camera is a good level-up for photography. Something classified as a full-frame camera will work best if you want to add on portrait lenses in the future. You can’t go wrong with Canon or Nikon.
Level up // a mirrorless DSLR
These can be more expensive, but mirrorless cameras are known for their crisp, clean images.
Slow art for photographers: bringing back film photography. If you are an experienced photographer looking to tap deeper into your creative practice, I’d highly recommend learning film photography. 35mm is a great place to start. If you already shoot with Nikon or Canon, consider finding a film camera under those brands.
Editing software
Start here // Free photo editing apps are such a great place to start! Again, the majority of photos I take of my family are on my phone and edited on my phone. I loved VSCO for years. Lightroom mobile is free and excellent.
Paid apps - my favorite paid editing app is Tezza, and is about $4/month. I love their presets and editing tools.
Level up // Lightroom presets
Lightroom presets are really fun to add to your photographer’s toolbox. Presets are essentially photo filters that can be tweaked and customized once you have applied them. Give yourself some time to understand what editing style you really love before you buy presets. One set of good presets should take you really far. Ashlee loves Meridian presets, if you’re looking for a specific recommendation.
A way to print and store
Start here // Make sure you are backing up your photos in a cloud resource. There are so many good options out there, and your phone, depending on the provider, may already be doing it.
Level up // Monthly Culling and Organizing
This is a process I am still working on. Starting is better than perfect, so even if you just get a few minutes sitting in the car line or rocking someone to sleep, deleting the unedited versions of photos you no longer need will be a great place to start!
Monthly Printing Practice
In the last year, I began printing one Chatbook every month for our family. My kids constantly pull them off the shelf to look at them and love to tell me all they remember from those days. I love how just the practice of them looking at the photos solidifies those beautiful moments that were so important for me to capture. Chatbooks has printable books starting at $7/month and is a great goal to work towards! Full transparency, I am a few months behind, but because I have the habit started, it’s very easy for me to go into the app, upload the photos to the albums, and have them sent to my doorstep. If albums aren’t your jam, find a goal that resonates with you. Would printing 10 images to put into memory boxes feel like a good place to start?