I received a few questions about my Instagram photos including what camera I have, how I take the photos, what I use to edit, etc. Rather than replying to DM’s/comments, I decided to create a post to share with everyone who makes their way over to this page.
What camera do you use?
First, I am flattered that your question (hopefully) means that you enjoy my photographs and want to take photos like them. Next, I use a Nikon d5200 and the lens depends on what I am shooting and where. My first DSLR was a Nikon d3100 and I was obsessed with it. Ever since I started in the Nikon game, I can not seem to switch to another brand. You’ll find that when you get your DSLR, you will want lenses and fun additions that keep you in one brand. Making the switch to another brand is possible, but can get pretty pricey. I personally love my Nikon and enjoy the use/quality of the camera.
In terms of additional accessories, I have a few lenses, a small portable tripod, a larger tripod, a camera remote, and a WiFi adapter. If you are just starting out, you may not need multiple lenses until you realize what you enjoy photographing. Test it out first because lenses can get pricey. I purchased a small portable tripod from amazon basics and I love it! I have a larger tripod too for home use, but the portable tripod works great and fits right in a backpack-perfect for adventures!
Nikon WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter for Nikon Digital SLRs– I highly recommend picking up one of those because it makes photography on the go that much easier! You can literally hook up to your camera via an app and download photos from your DLSR right to your phone! This camera remote connects to my DSLR wirelessly so I can walk away from my camera and capture pictures like this:
Please see remote in my hand- Of course, that can get kind of tricky to cover up. I think I did a decent job in this one:
Cell phone cameras are definitely advancing; however, there is something about a nice DSLR quality photo that still sets the mark higher in terms of social media photographs. Some of my photos are taken with an iPhone 7 plus, while others are photographed using my DSLR. My Nikon is a 24.1 Megapixel camera and I can play with the settings/shoot manual/etc.
In addition to my DSLR and my iPhone, I use a GoPro to shoot underwater pics and surfing videos. I am hoping to get more into video making over the year so stay tuned for that!
What do you use to edit your photos?
I use two main apps to edit my photos- Lightroom and VSCO. Lightroom can be confusing at first, but there are many tutorials online to help with this. Lightroom can really help with the brightening and coloring of photographs. VSCO is a fun app that provides cool “vintage” photo filters. I purchased a few packs from VSCO so I play with those and try to have them all fit in my theme. Editing photos can make such a difference. I am seeing a lot of before and afters on Instagram stories so I am going to do that with my post of the day. I think it is cool to see how you can totally transform the look and feel of a photo just by a little filter action.
So there ya have it- more of my secrets out of the bag. Please feel free to ask away, and I will do my best to answer your questions. I am no professional photographer, but photography has been my hobby since I was a pre-teen. I have learned a thing or two since then 😉
Have a lovely day!
Becsea 
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