My suggestion when it comes to camera gear (or just about any creative tool) is to upgrade when your skill level outpaces your tools’ capabilities.  Basically, you’ll know when you’re ready.  There is no need to buy a $3000 camera if you only know how to use a point-and-shoot, you’re not super picky about clarity, and you’re not interested in getting the most out of the bells and whistles that accompany the high price tag.  So, years ago, I started with a low-end amateur Nikon DSLR camera.  (Well, my first Nikon N65 was a film camera, but we won’t go back that far!)   I got to the point where I was frustrated with some of the limitations and upgraded to a high-end amateur Nikon (Nikon D7000), then to a low-end professional full-frame Nikon DSLR (Nikon D800), and finally to an updated full-frame Nikon DSLR (Nikon D810) with better video

It’s been over five years since I bought a new piece of camera gear.  As I grew as a photographer, I kept upgrading my camera body and lenses so my gear could grow along with my ability.  When I’ve taught photography workshops over the years, I would discourage fledgling photographers from going out and buying a bunch of new gear.  Use and get to know what you have, even if it’s just the camera on a smartphone, and you’ll know when they are ready for an upgrade.  When I thoroughly knew a camera, had an understanding of its capabilities and deficiencies, then I knew I was ready to look into an upgrade.  I’ve ended up with two DSLR camera bodies (Nikon D800 and D810) and a range of lenses geared towards shooting products and interiors.  The lenses I use most are a 50mm Sigma, followed by a 35mm Nikon.  I

Last October, I drove down to West Virginia to photograph the home of Melanie, from the blog Sweet Melanie, for Romantic Homes magazine.  This was the second time I was hired as a photographer and stylist for a magazine, so I had one shoot under my belt, but I am still very much a rookie. I stopped by Melanie’s house the night before to check out the spaces, so I could get a sense of what rooms we should shoot first as well as what “fresh props”, like flowers, fruit, and food, I should purchase. There would be some challenges.  The rooms were small, so I would have to use wide angle lenses and wedge myself into corners.  One of the rooms was in the basement, so the natural lighting was minimal and shadowy. There were a lot of pluses, though.  First off, Melanie lived up to her blog name and she