I frequently get e-mails from people asking me for advice on how to take better pictures.  They often want to know what kind of equipment to purchase and where they might be able to go for classes or lessons, etc.  I certainly don’t mind getting these e-mails, nor do I mind answering them, but it seems my answers are often very similar from one e-mail to the next  . . . . so . . . . I thought perhaps it would be useful to the masses if I posted a generic response here on the blog.  I’m certain there are others out there who have the same questions, but have just never thought to send me an e-mail or ask a professional directly.  So this blog post will be the first in what I plan to make a series of helpful (or at least I hope they’re helpful) answers to questions about taking pictures, and equipment and lighting and learning photography in general.  My plan is to search through some old e-mails from people, post their original questions and then post my responses (don’t worry, I’ll keep it anonymous).  Then, if any of you blog followers have additional questions, please post them right here in the comment section of the blog and I’ll try to address those in future posts as well.

So, here’s an e-mail I just received on 3/13/2011:

I’m interested in photography. I was wondering if you had any suggestion, as far as a class to take, or what camera to buy.   I love to look at wedding photography sites, really have no intention of learning photography and use it professionally. I have time now, and would like to learn how to take awesome photos of my family. Thanks for your time and any suggestion is appreciated.

And here’s my response:

As far as equipment suggestions, you can really learn the craft with just about any camera that allows you to change the settings manually.  I bought my wife a great little point and shoot camera that I take on vacation with me and leave my DSLR at home . . . it’s really that good of a camera, and it’s easy to carry and put in a suitcase or purse, etc.  So if you want something like that, I would recommend the Canon G12.  It’s a convenient camera because of it’s size and portability, and it takes great quality pictures and you can change all of the settings manually just like a DSLR (plus it takes pretty good video as well which my wife loves for footage of our kids around the house).  Plus there’s no additional lenses to purchase, so you don’t have to worry about spending a whole bunch of extra money for “accessories” after you make your initial camera purchase.