Hello friends! I've missed you these past 2 months! I know I promised more regular posts here, and I haven't kept up my end of the deal. I blame it mostly on writer's block and a little on vacations.

Speaking of vacations, I visited Miami, FL for a week this Spring. My husband and I went for a wedding and stayed a few extra days to take in the sun and relax on the beach. We also spent a day driving to Sarasota to visit a left-handed guitar shop for Ryan (It's a long story, maybe we can chat about it over coffee one day). Bottom-line, there was plenty to photograph on our adventures!

I'm going to tangent here for a second, but I promise to bring it all back around. In the last month or so I have received several text messages from people asking for my opinion on what camera they should get. My answer is usually the same and is a combination of answers I have received from photographers over the years.

The conversation usually goes something like this:

Friend - "Hey Christine, I'm interested in purchasing a DSLR camera for the first time and I was wondering if you could help me out a little. I've been looking at a Nikon but I really don't have any idea as to where to start. Sooo I was just wondering if you have any advice for a good starter camera? 😊"

Me - " Hi, I'm so excited you are interested in photography! What are you most interested in photographing? Is there a reason you are interested in a DSLR? Have you gone to your local camera shop yet to try out cameras? What has you leaning towards Nikon?

Friend - "ummm..."

Me- " That's ok if you aren't sure yet, here is why I ask. There are some options when looking for a new camera. If you are interested in getting a camera for travel, I would suggest looking into a mirrorless camera. Mirrorless cameras are more compact and a lot of travel and street photographers prefer these because they are lighter and take up less space. I think it's important to hold the camera you want before you buy it. I find that some cameras just don't feel good in my hand. I have small hands and prefer the grip of the camera to feel a certain way. Do you have friends that use Nikon gear? I use Canon gear, so I don't have specific suggestions on a Nikon camera, but if you have friends with Nikon gear and lenses it's not a bad way to go, then you can share gear as you learn!

Friend - "Is Canon better than Nikon?"

Me - " No, not necessarily, you will find plenty of reviews online stating one is better than the other, but I think it comes down to personal preference. That is why it is important to go test them out!"

Me - " Bottom line is this... the best camera is the one you have with you! If you find a DSLR is too big and you don't have it with you, then you will miss out on pictures and end up using your phone anyway."

So with all that being said, I bring you proof! I brought my DSLR to Miami, I also used my iPhone a bunch. There are absolutely things my iPhone can't do, but if I didn't have it, I would not have captured some great memories from our trip. I leave it to you decide which camera is best for you, but learning how to use your tools is more important than the brand or type of camera. A photographer can make images with any tool you put in their hand!

P.S. If you need a great camera store, I highly recommend Action Camera