Our Camera Bag

We get soooo many questions about what camera we use and what editing software we use that we thought it would be a good idea to have a page to answer all your questions!

Many of you probably think that what kind of camera you use is equal to the kind of pictures you get.  The answer is yes.....and no!  Let us explain.

The best way to get awesome images is to be able to control your aperture, exposure and shutter speed.  Can this be done with a "point and shoot" camera?  In our opinion, not really.  This is because you are forced to choose a "setting" like "up-close" or "Landscape" or "people", etc.  In these "setting" choices, the camera decides what shutter speed to set, along with the exposure and aperture.  You have to take what the camera chooses with it's built in sensor based on what "setting" you've selected.

Now, when you move to a digital SLR, you can still go with an "auto" setting that will do pretty much the same as your "point and shoot" as explained above BUT you also now can choose between "aperture priority", "shutter priority" or "manual".  We shoot in manual exclusively. If you are completely new at using the manual setting, then we understand it can be down right overwhelming but trust us, it is worth the effort to sit down and read the manual that your camera comes with...then practice, practice, practice!

With regard to our lenses or "glass" - We love, love, love our prime lenses.  Prime lenses are those that have a fixed aperture.  We have two that we use 85% of the time.  The only difference between them is the aperture; one is f/1.4 and one is f/1.8.  The latter is not very expensive at all and can be picked up on eBay® and gives great results.  We do have a zoom lens that we love too.  One day, we'd like to add an 85mm to our bag but for now, we're good. 

In addition to getting a great image SOOC (straight out of camera) we use an editing software program.  There are many to choose from but most of you will be familiar with the name "Photoshop".  We actually use a very, very old (and waaaaay out-dated) version of Photoshop.  We really should get up to speed on that but we like the old saying; "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"  Yah.

Lighting is also extremely important; whether natural light or supplemental lighting.  Learning about lighting and how it effects your final image will give you a whole new perspective on how/where you set up your dolls, both indoors and outside.  For example; hitting your dolls in the face with a flash is never going to give you the most pleasing image.  Instead, trying bouncing your flash off the ceiling or off a wall or reflector. You'll be surprised just how much of a difference it makes!  Tried taking photos at noon with the sun directly over head?  We bet the result was your doll's eyes being dark and lifeless, also known as; raccoon eyes, lol.  Try morning or afternoon sun instead.  Or, if you have no choice, try a shady spot that has bright ambient light.

Perspective is also SO important.  Don't take all your photos from above your doll.  Get down on her level.....this is her 18" world you are photographing so you want to share it from her perspective, right?  Yes!  Lay on your belly and she what she sees!

Our camera bag includes;

(2) older model Nikon DSLR cameras
(1) SB-400 Flash
(1) 50mm f/1.4
(1) 50mm f/1.8
(1) 24-70mm f/2.8
(1) "pop-up" reflector

So, having said all this, please know that you don't have to have the latest, greatest most expensive camera or the top of the line photo editing software to produce lovely images.  However, we do feel it takes both to result in an amazing image; both a great capture in camera and just enough editing to bring out the best in your images!!  Have fun at it. Be creative.  Let your own style shine through!

We'll keep adding to this page as we think of helpful things to share.  In the mean time, if you have a question, you are welcome to submit it through a comment so all can learn.  ~ D3 Girls & Guys