I’ve been intentionally working on my photography skills ever since I got my first DSLR for my birthday in May 2014. It has been a challenge, an adventure, and a joy! Recently, I’ve started to get a lot of camera and photography related questions. I love talking camera gear, tips, and advice so it is really fun to be able to share what I have learned. I don’t come from a photography background so everything I have learned (and am still learning) comes from things like this and others sharing what is working for them! Everyone starts somewhere, so if you are thinking about getting your first DSLR, jump in and be brave! Here are three things to take to heart when buying your first DSLR:

INVEST (but don’t go overboard)

If you are just buying your first DSLR, I encourage you to save your money and by a Canon EOS Rebel or Nikon D3300. These are both similar cameras and are perfect for beginners. There are all kinds of cameras out there and I haven’t even touched researching all of them – they only get cooler and pricier. Start with a camera around the $500 mark so that you can make sure you enjoy photography before you invest so much! You can always upgrade later.

Another thing to note is that this is the time you will probably be going the Nikon or Canon route. I don’t have enough knowledge to point you one way or another. I hear great things about both. I personally have a Canon EOS Rebel and have since purchased a canon lens.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT

Your camera is an investment and much (much) more expensive than a disposable camera. You cannot treat it the way you would treat one of those at camp when you were a kid! There are so many little parts that can break or get dirty. You will need to keep it safe when you travel to minimize wear & tear, keep your lens cap on whenever you are not using your camera, and store in a safe place. Here are some of my favorite things that keep my camera safe:

• BAG: Invest in a good camera bag! It is SO worth it. I picked one with pockets, dividers and room for extra lenses, and space to always have a spare battery, extra SD card, and my cleaning kit with me. I recommend ONA bags – cute, functional, and quality.
• STRAP: A great camera strap is also worth the investment. You want it to be quality (so that it doesn’t rip and make your camera drop) and comfortable. I have a Fotostrap and encourage everyone I know to get one. Nothing else compares.
• CLEANING: The lens and your camera insides are pretty fragile. Make sure you have a camera cleaning kit to clean things properly to keep it in the best condition.