Lately, we’ve been reminiscing about the transformation of the pictures on her blog since upgrading cameras to a D-SLR, and all of the trials and tribulations we’ve gone through trying to figure out how the thing works and we thought it’d be a good idea to share with you what we’ve learned to benefit you, the reader.  So, every Thursday, I’ll be posting a photography tip of the week in order to help you achieve those amazing outfit photographs that you desire.  I hope you all enjoy.

First thing’s first.  If you’re interested in starting up a fashion blog, the quality of the photos is a huge selling point.  Primarily, the photos where the subject is in clear focus but the background is nice and blurry, thusly drawing the viewer’s attention towards the subject and the outfit that they’re wearing.  How does one achieve this effect you might ask?  Well for starters, you’ll need the right kind of camera.  I would strongly suggest that you invest in a D-SLR.

 You might be wondering why you should purchase a D-SLR over a point and shoot.  They’re traditionally much bulkier and more expensive than a point and shoot camera after all.  The great thing about D-SLRs though is the total control you have over the camera settings. Here’s a brief overview of the advantages of owning a D-SLR:

1. Complete control:  with a D-SLR, you’ll have the option to manually set your camera’s aperture, shutter speed and ISO.  Being able to manually adjust these settings is ESSENTIAL for achieving those nice blurry backgrounds you’ll want for your outfit photos.
2. Higher image quality:  due to the larger image sensors in D-SLR cameras {point and shoot models have sensors only 3-5% of the size of a D-SLR sensor}, your photos will be much higher in detail and have significantly less noise, which is the graininess that appears in photos.
3. More lens variability:  being able to swap out lenses gives you the ability to adapt a D-SLR camera perfectly to any type of photographic scenario.
4. You see what you shoot:  since D-SLR cameras contain reflex mirrors, when you look through the viewfinder, you’re seeing right through the lens.
5. Rapid frame rate:  with a D-SLR, you can practically take pictures as fast as you can press the shutter release. This will be really handy if you’re trying to multiple shots of an action scene {throwing snow or jumping for example}.  Some models can take upwards of ten frames per second!
6. Low light shooting capability:  due to their larger image sensors, you’ll be able to capture images in dim light that a point and shoot camera wouldn’t be able to do without using the built in flash or making the pictures look very grainy.
7. Great battery life:  even when the power switch is turned on, a D-SLR is virtually “asleep” for the majority of the time, only using the battery’s power when the shutter release is pressed. A single charge could last you through several sessions of outfit shooting.
8. Better construction quality:  unlike point and shoot cameras, D-SLRs are built to last.  Their bodies are made out of tough plastics and incredibly durable magnesium alloys which can stand up to even the most demanding environments.
9. Weather sealing:  most D-SLRs are built to be weather resistant meaning that light rain or snow won’t stop you from getting your outfit photos and fry the delicate electronics in your camera.
10. It’s more economical:  although D-SLRs are generally more expensive than point and shoot cameras, they tend to retain their original value much better over time.  This means that should you decide to sell it down the road, you’ll get a much greater percentage of the money that you originally purchased the D-SLR for back, unlike that of a point and shoot.

Let the difference in photo quality speak for itself.  The photo on the left was taken with a point and shoot camera while the one on the right was taken using a D-SLR.

     So overall, the D-SLR might be a bit pricier, but in the long run it will hold its value much better, will take higher quality pictures, be much more adaptable and will last longer than any point and shoot camera that you can buy.  You’ll be amazed at the photographs that you can capture once you get a basic understanding of its workings and its benefits will extend far beyond the realm of just outfit pictures.  That my friends, sounds like a winner. Check back next week for more tips!