Why I made the leap to Canon (but no, really this time.)

Some of you may or may not have had the misfortune of suffering through my 7 minute video yesterday, where I attempted to explain the reasons I have long forgotten about why I switched to Canon. I apologize to anyone if they were actually expecting to hear some legitimate insight into my decision making process. I promise, I did intend to lend that insight, it's just that my brain stopped functioning the second my webcam turned on. I suddenly forgot everything I wanted to say. What resulted was a botched version of the story I wanted to tell and instead a peek into my awkward quirkiness that can sometimes be more of a burden than endearing. My timing couldn't have been better though. Today is Friday. It's blog day. I'm here to express in actual written, organized and well-versed English what I meant to say yesterday.

I said it yesterday, and I'll say it again today. There were a lot of reasons I switched. There are a lot of things I miss, too. Here is the breakdown:

1. I wanted that Canon color.

While I had my Nikon, I was given some very good advice regarding white balance (Thanks, Rach!) and that aside from using a white balance card, using Kelvin and eye-balling it was the next best thing. Once I took control of my in-camera color, my sessions were more enjoyable. I had more instant gratification. I was happier to see a closer representation of the final product much sooner. It made me enjoy my work. However, over time, I started seeing what was missing from the in camera photos, rather than what was already there. As I scrolled though my photos in camera, I noticed that even when I nailed my exposure, I could name 10 things the photo needed, before I even got it on my computer to look at it. Now, a bit of a disclaimer- I do realize that the D300, while it was a good camera, was not up to par with the Canon 5D. This was not a battle of gear. This was about things that I noticed were consistent with each brand. I can tell a Nikon image from a Canon image most of the time. Nikon, for ME, lacked accurate skin tones amidst other color characteristics that Canon already had. The tones were deeper on Canon. The skin didn't have a magenta cast. The bokeh was "creamier." It came down to personal preference. However, there were sacrifices I'd be making when I decided to take the leap from Nikon... which leads me to #2...

2. I was willing to give up technical ease.

Everyone knows that Canon's physical layout is just plain annoying sometimes. Scouring the in-camera menu is not my idea of a good time. It also wastes time. I said it yesterday, but perhaps the reason I feel this way is because I was so comfortable using Nikon's system. Had I started with Canon, maybe I'd be indifferent. I had already become accustomed to setting my WB using Kelvin- and on a Canon, it requires a few more pushes of buttons and a bit of navigating. I wasn't happy about that at first, but then quickly discovered that the AWB on my 5D was pretty darn accurate. I now keep it on AWB because of several reasons. I'm doing more weddings. It requires a lot of lighting changes. I could be in 3 rooms in less than 1 minute and I cannot be scouring my custom settings for kelvin temperatures. I also keep it on AWB because the LCD screen on my camera is completely inaccurate as far as playback goes. It has a pukey green tint and makes the photos look like garbage. When you have inaccurate color on the screen while you're trying to select an accurate temperature, it can be easy to get it very wrong. When I first started using my 5D, I'd select the kelvin number I thought was appropriate based on what I saw on the screen. I'd get them on my computer later and hate the white balance completely. The camera sees things we can't see, just like we see things the camera can't see. It's a flawed system, but I accepted it. It was worth the switch to me. Also, thinking about one less setting while I was assessing ISO, aperture, shutter speeds, composition and lighting sounded really good to me. Thankfully it worked out that WB is one of Canon's strengths. I have emphasized before that they need to make focusing one of their strengths too, but in time, they will. Technology will catch up and after that, there is only one thing to consider... #3.

3. The glass.

I didn't know until a few months ago that Nikon and Canon are both lens companies primarily, and camera production comes in a very distant second. When I read about that, it really got me thinking about how I may have been asking myself the wrong questions while deciding what company to go with. I immediately stopped thinking about the latest, greatest technology that either one had to offer, and I stripped it back to the basics. The glass makes the difference. Canon and Nikon are ever evolving. Every few years, one passes the other on the totem pole and the other plays catch up. They can mimic technology and upgrade camera sensors and taunt with impressive (and unnecessary) MPs- but they cannot replicate the lenses. When I stopped considering the complicated never-ending technology of the camera bodies, I realized that Canon lenses are untouchable. The L line is delicious. DELICIOUS. I've only used them a few times, but a few times was all that I needed. It's not something I can explain to someone who has never used one. It'd be like trying to explain what the color scarlet looked like to a person who couldn't see. You just have to see it, and you'll never forget.

4. All the cool kids were using it.

Before you roll those eyes, let me explain. This was only the catalyst to even considering the switch. Honestly, when I started, I didn't question which one I should start with. I just started Nikon because it was what Rachel used and she was helping me get on my feet. Don't get me wrong, Rach is amazing. AMAZING. Nikon treats her so so well. She owns it. My Nikon treated me well for a long time. She didn't try to convince me which one I should use, I just asked her what camera I should start with, so she suggested what she knows, which was Nikon. Boom. That's how that happened. It wasn't a decision process until I was a year into this thing. I also didn't decide what corner of photography I wanted to focus on until about a year in. I consider it my "intern" year. I learned a lot of things and I tried everything possible. I made educated guesses so I wouldn't have any unanswered questions. As a result of this, I am more confident now more than ever that wedding photography is right for me. I enjoyed newborns, but it didn't press my buttons. I didn't seek newborn blogs. Now, onto the point. I noticed that I was seeking wedding blogs. I poured over them. I developed a bit of an addiction to the work of certain photographers. After I had been researching these photographers a bit more, I realized that they all... ALL... used Canon. All of them (save Jose Villa, who mainly uses his Contax- but he also uses a Canon SLR for the ceremonies, etc.) Anyway, this was how I started questioning what brand was right for me. The images of these photographers just screamed at me. I realize that the gear doesn't make the image, but it definitely sets the canvas for photos. I'm not saying that I thought Canon would miraculously make me amazing, but the fact that I was being most drawn to only Canon photos said something. It got my wheels turning. This isn't to say that I don't admire Nikon photographers either. I do. I SO do. Perhaps I shouldn't say "ALL the cool kids were using it." I should say "The cool kids were ALL using it." That's better.


I need to emphasize again, that is was just my thought process. These were the reasons that worked for me. This is not a formula or a guide to photographic self-realization. This isn't even about who I am as a photographer. We all know that gear is skin-deep. We all have our own vision, and Canon is just a tool in how I immortalize it. Nikon is fantastic. Great company. Great lenses. Great product. When I stopped asking myself the wrong questions and finally asked myself the right one, the answer became very obvious to me. I chose Canon. You might not. If you make the decision based on what you like, then I applaud you. That is very big feat to overcome. Throw out the technical mumbo-jumbo and just say "what do I prefer?" In the end, on this age-old subject, that's the only thing that matters.

Brooke and Josh

Though I'm sure I've laughed harder at some point in my life, I'm not sure if I can recall an example right now. Brooke and Josh were married almost a year ago, and I'd be hard pressed to find another couple who had so much fun laughing at themselves. Brooke is a blogger (heyooo!) and you can find her bloggity here. Josh does construction work, and a darn good job of it. They were given a session with me as a gift from friends (and also clients of mine) so I had never spoken to either of them in person before we met off of County Road 210 for our late afternoon session. Brooke had told me they both got awkward in front of a camera, but she couldn't have been more incorrect (that's right Brooke, YOU WERE WRONG!) I know it may be hard to tell from these photos, but you would never guess just how much laughing went on between photos (which I might have captured more of, had I not been doubled over cracking up too.)

You two- thank you for one of the most memorable sessions to date, and for letting the love you have for one another translate to these images. Looking forward to seeing the both of you again!

 

 

 

"Each hour, each day."

The Barnes at the Barn (and my 2nd family)

"I assure you that I am completely normal."

That was the line that won Erin over back in 2008. She was a piano and vocal teacher, looking for a nanny for her two boys, and I was a single mom conveniently looking for a job. In the horrifically scary realm that is Craigslist, I told her the only thing about me that she needed to know. I was painfully normal. She also liked that I had a daughter of my own. Built in playdates and normalcy. How could we go wrong? We met a few days later at Starbucks and I met Ethan, the oldest of her two sons, who was 6 at the time (sniffle.) We talked Beatles and music (Erin and her husband, Matt, are both heavily involved in music) and Ethan decided I was cool enough to keep around. Erin asked me how long they could expect to have me stay with them. I told her about a year.

I started working there a few weeks later, bringing my (then) almost 2 year old daughter to play with Cason (2 years old at the time) and Ethan. A few months later, Erin informed me that she was pregnant, and it surprised me so much that I accidentally knocked my water over onto my laptop. Clara was born at the end of May, 2009. Riley and I continued to go to their house at least 4 days a week, and the kids became the closest thing Riley has to siblings. I watched the kids grow with each other and I love them all so much.

3 years after I started my job there, I felt that it was time to leave. Like Mary Poppins, I felt the wind change. My photography was taking off, the kids were getting older, the 50-minute round trip drive was taking a toll and Cason was about to start school. I cried when I told Erin that it was time for me to leave. She hugged me and I cried more.

During my three years with the Barnes', all of our lives changed dramatically. I was there through the loss of one dog, 2 cats and one guinea pig. They gained a daughter and two new kitties. We both gained new friends. I'm so grateful to be able to call Erin and Matt my friends.

This is the first official session I've had with them. It was long past due. I cannot believe how much they've all grown.

 

Clara... my favorite 2 and a half year old... thank you for having a heart much too big for your body, and the ferocity of the woman you will continue to become. I have a few grey hairs with your name on them, but I love you. I cannot wait to watch you grow.

Ethan, I am so proud of the person you're growing into. My hearts stops to think that you are already 10 years old. Thank you for teaching me all I will ever need to know about Indiana Jones and James Bond, and for laughing at my expense over the years when I was on the brink of insanity. You are such an unbelievable older brother to your brother and sister. I hope every child could have half of your wit and intelligence when they're 10. You continue to amaze me. Also... thank you for making Riley a geek, in the best way possible.

Cason. "Beebah." You make my heart all soft and gooey. Much like your younger sister, your spirit is too big for your body. I wish we could all see the world through your eyes and share your enthusiasm about even the most mundane things. I didn't matter whether I was away for a month or a few hours... you always greeted me with the same adoration and excitement. You have a very special spot in my heart, kiddo. Easy on the cranberry juice. You're going to bankrupt your parents at the rate you drink it.

  

Erin and Matt... thank you so much for holding me up during a very transformative part of my life. Thank you for hiring the single mom who claimed she was normal (I think it is very clear now that I'm not. Haha!) Thank for cleaning up the spiders I killed using the kids' books and for running a block down the street at night to kill the one I found in my car right after I left your house (and called you screaming my head off.) Thank you for being more laid back than I am, and for being so accommodating. Thank you the thousands of hours of piano playing I was able to hear over the years. For listening when I showed up to work frazzled and frustrated. For telling me how awful the Eagles were playing when I wasn't around. For laughing at my stories at the end of each day. For trusting me with the kids. For loving Riley. For loving me.

I love you all. Here's to many more years of friendship!

Seeking Truth in a New Year

In my entire ONE year of experience, I find January to be painfully slow for the wedding photography industry. I suppose it's a blessing. It's a nice lull of reflection on the year that has just passed us and the one that lies ahead.

I've finally approached the place in my career where I don't know immediately what is going on next week or the week after. The first "Oh my goodness, I'm really happy I looked at my calendar" moment came a few weeks ago. Then again a few days later. Then every day after. This is what I've been waiting for, isn't it?

Now that wedding season lies a few short months ahead of us, I've slipped into a sort of meditative state of preparedness. I'm running through lists in my head, collecting inspiration, and my subconscious fears have slipped into my dreams at night. I had THREE (yes, three) dreams last week alone that I forgot CF cards while shooting weddings. By the third dream, I knew better than to be fooled. "This is a dream. Let me guess. I forgot my CF cards. Or batteries. Or my lens bag. Nice try." I didn't wake up any less rattled but also, if anything, I woke up further reassured that I couldn't/wouldn't ever allow myself to forget something so vital to a job. I can't be sure, but I think it may be my subconscious saying "I've got your back."

'Preesh.

I love what I do. I love the passion I feel for it. I love the people I've met through it and because of it. I love the light it lit in me. However, there is still a long journey until I feel contentment in my career, that is, if such a thing even exists. There are so many things to learn and to see and to let go. There are things to sacrifice and habits to break. Even knowing this, I was still surprised when I made the decision to do something I've been suspecting I should have done a long time ago.

Commit.

My heart is fickle at times. I change my mind compulsively. I don't like staying in one place. I also don't think that it means that I don't care. It means that I care too much. I care too much to settle on something I don't feel a burning passion for. Since I began KLP 14 short months ago, only one thing has remained constant.  In the ever changing world that is photography and art, if something resonates with you, you feed it and harness it and keep it safe. It's so easy to feel like nothing is yours when it belongs to so many others.

But weddings are mine.

Weddings are a strange animal. They move quickly. There are no do-overs. The emotions run high. Still, there is love... and a story... multiple stories... fleeting moments and timeless treasure. It is someone's job to record it true to form- to get the surface beauty and the love that lies under a few layers. That job is mine. I want it. The only thing I love more than displaying noticeable beauty is to seek truth. The true beauty of a wedding day isn't just in the color palette, the dress, the flowers, the cake, the place settings... it's in looking underneath. It's in sensing what most people can't and finding a way to present it in the light for all to see. Weddings are in truth.

Weddings are mine.

Adam and his new father-in-law, seconds after the ceremony