Kate Blair

Design and marketing professional. Hands-on Creative.

Quick Guide for *beginners (*anyone)

(Pssst: I use this cheat sheet too.)

The Basics: Exposure Triangle 101

What is ISO and why does it matter?

ISO can really muddy up your low-light shots if not controlled. Here are some great tutorials I have found on some trickier photography situations.

So Many Lenses! What do I choose?

Well? It depends! What are you looking to take photos of. A good starter lens for anyone is a 24-70mm f2.8 zoom lens. Portraits, events, street scenes, group shots, some wildlife; this baby does just about everything.

Want to know what other option there are, or just learn some lens lingo? Here are some great references of picking lenses and what all the jargon is about. PRIME? Like the autobot?

The zoom lens trinity!

  • 14-35mm f/2.8 min (wide-angle shots like landscapes, indoor room shots like real estate, cityscapes, architecture, and astrophotography)
  • 24-70 f/2.8 min (great go-to, versatile lens for portraits, events, some landscape, street scenes, group shots)
  • 70-200 f/2.8 min (similar versatility to the 24-70, but can take shots from farther away, good for sports, wildlife, candid shots)

Primes to consider

  • Wide, environmental portraits RF35 mm f/1.4 or 50mms
  • Standard for close portraits is 85-135 f/1.8
  • 400 to 600mm f/2.8 for wildlife and sports
  • 14 to 35mm Nighttime sky photography – avoid anything higher than a 35mm lens 

What do I use for my daily profile shots and group shots? Just two lenses (’cause I’m not rich):

  • 40mm f/2.8 (for portraits. groups, classrooms, events)
  • 105mm f/1.4 (for portraits)

Helpful Tips

MISTAKES HAPPEN! To beginners AND pros.

I am always messing something up on every shoot. Here are some common mistakes beginners *cough* ALL OF US *cough* make.

Do you have to take out a second mortgage to get pro-level shots?

Don’t go gear crazy. There are ways to shoot on a budget.

Portrait Photography is more about technique and psychology than lenses and kits.

Here are some tips to help make your subject comfortable and bring out their personality.

Composition matters, AND it can be confusing.

Rule of whats? Fibonacci who? Let’s break this down to some basic language. Turns out, CENTERING IS FINE!