by Kristie Jones

Created on: September 17, 2007

I honestly can't count the times that someone has asked, "what kind of camera do you have?" I tell them of course, but when they remark about how they would like to have it, I also tell them that its not the camera.

I know, right about now some people are going to disagree with me and swear that they couldn't take a good picture if their life depended on it. Its true though. I started out with a small cheap minolta from Walmart. I think I paid about $25 for it. That's when I developed my passion for photography. From the very first roll of film I had developed I wanted to be a photographer. Several years later I ended up spending $300 for an Olympus. I was impressed. So impressed actually that I went out and spend another $300 for the exact same camera so I could have two. I used one for black and white and the other for color. I had no idea that there were computer programs out there that could do this for you. I received so many compliments on my pictures that I ended up doing several sessions for people within the first few months that I had the camera. That's when it started...."what kind of camera do you have?"

I ended up doing fifteen weddings before I finally got into the whole digital thing. After I discovered how much easier it was I was hooked. My husband bought me a Kodak for Christmas this past year, spending almost $300 for it. I LOVE it! Again, my pictures are turning out just as I hoped. I always get asked the same question, "what kind of camera do you have?"

So here's my point I was trying to make at the beginning. It doesn't matter how much you spend on cameras. Its all in the photographer. The camera can only take the pictures that you want it to. It takes you to find the right shots, angles and expressions. A steady hand doesn't hurt either, I found that out early in the game. Look for the shots that will make people remember exactly what they were doing, saying or thinking at that moment. A good example would be a wedding I shot a few weeks ago. I received an email from the sister of the groom after she viewed the pictures. She told me that the photos really expressed the day. Its the simple things that you can catch in a photo that makes it really stand out. In this particular wedding, I took a picture of the bride, groom and pastor during the ceremony. The groom's mother could be seen sitting in the pew staring lovingly at her son. I decided to use Photoshop and blur everyone out except for those I just mentioned. It was a hit with the couple. They loved it! Always have your camera ready for pictures like that.....no matter what kind you have.

If you're still not sold on the whole "photographer" concept I've been talking about and think you're still not capable of being a remarkable photographer, drop me a line and we'll talk more. There's absolutely no reason why every person reading this can't take wonderful portraits of their family and friends. I'd be happy to share some suggestions and secrets free of charge. Happy clicking!

Learn more about this author, Kristie Jones.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.