Frequently Asked Questions: Photography

Over the years, I’ve received a handful of frequently asked questions from aspiring photographers, clients, or those who simply want to know more about their photography hobby. I’m always honored when people trust my opinion! I’ve got your answers for 5 photography frequently asked questions below!

“Canon or Nikon? Lenses? What gear do you use?”

For most photographers, it’s simply based on what they start with. I started with a Canon Rebel. I learned Canon, got use to Canon lenses and coloring, and my career grew using Canon. The brand you choose is your preference for shooting style and comfortability. There is no right or wrong! Do your research and make an educated decision. You can view my COMPLETE gear list here! From flashes to lenses, I list it all and share where to get it.

“What camera do you suggest for beginners or just to take nice photos?”

If you just want to take better photos of your products, for your blog, or simply want to capture family memories with more than an iPhone, you don’t need a $4,000 set up. Two cameras I suggest are the Canon Rebel T7i (I started with a version of this!) or the Nikon D3500 (Nikon’s version). Here is a great article comparing different cameras you might want to consider, and gives you a lot more info on the cameras I listed.

The must have lens you’ll use the most is the 50mm (or 35mm if you want a little wider). If you choose Canon, you can get the 50mm 1.8 for around $100. However, I would make the jump to the 50mm 1.4 because you’ll notice a world of difference in your image quality!

“Do I have to choose a niche to be successful?”

The short answer, yes.

I grew up playing sports, and with a football coach in the house. Let’s use a defensive lineman as an example. These guys train to be really great on the line. They are pushing sleds, eating LOTS of calories, and building body mass. You won’t find them practicing field goals, throwing passes, or working on 40 yard sprints. Why? Because they’re lineman, and they put all their time and effort into being the best lineman they can be. Sure, once in a blue moon, they might recover a fumble and sprint 40 yards for a touchdown, but that’s rare. That’s not their job. How much better will they be if they focus on training to be a lineman, and not to be all the other positions? Do you see where I’m going?

The reason most successful photographers have a niche is because it’s really hard (and rare) to be AMAZING at newborns, weddings, corporate, adventure, families, and products all at once. Hate to break it to you, but I don’t think you’ll find enough time in the day to fine-tune your craft in all those areas. That’s not to say you can’t have multiple niches. Dash Photography specializes in Weddings and Seniors. I like to dabble in lifestyle and brand photography, but our brand is known, and only books, Weddings and Seniors. Try all different types, you’ll quickly discover what you love and what you don’t.

“Why can’t I edit or put a filter on your photos?”

*sigh* There is a fine line that causes a lot of muddy water around this topic. Now that we are a digital world and photos are such a huge part of our everyday, it’s harder and harder to preserve our work as artists. There are all sorts of needs for photography from branding to marketing to content where there are different expectations and agreements.

In short, if you hire a photographer based on their artistic style, and there has not been a conversation and AGREEMENT where you have access to the RAWs (the original, unedited version of the image), you should not alter the photos in any way.

Think of it as getting a tangible photograph (a print), and drawing on it. Seems extreme, but we work so hard to preserve the integrity of our brand and work so potential clients can expect consistency. It’s imperative you, as a client, keep your end of the bargain (in our case, contractual obligation).

“Did you go to school for photography? What should I major in?”

This wins first place for photography’s most frequently asked question! is a lengthy answer and deserved it’s own post! You can find out if I went to school for photography and thoughts on majors here!

I love sharing my experience and lessons I’ve learned over the past 9 years. Did you know I offer one-on-one hour meetings and half day workshops? Some frequently asked questions we tackle in one-on-ones are pricing, branding, scaling (building a team), financial management (taxes, bookkeeping, payroll), and workflow! Want to know more?! Here’s the goodness!