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Monday, January 21, 2013

into the blur

Drumroll please.... these are the first outfit photos that have been taken with my new camera!
See that background blur in the first photo, oh yea buddy! 
I. Feel. So. Cool.
I literally have ZERO bad things to say about the Canon 50 mm f/1.4 lens - sure, I have MUCH left to learn about this new addition, but so far it has generated photos that look way better than my current skill level should be able to create. 

I think some of you might be considering this lens purchase for yourself, so I am just going to talk about it a little bit (I do NOT know all the appropriate photography words for the things I am about to discuss, if you know, or have any additional info, please share it in the comments, let's chat!)

This little f/1.4 lens is substantial! Made of metal, even though it is more squat than my 18-55 mm lens (f/3.5-5.6), it has much more heft, you can definitely feel the difference in your hands. 

There is no "zoom" capability - only your feet. With the 18-55 mm lens you can twist the lens to "zoom", but the 50 mm f/1.4 does not do this. I also feel as if I have to stand further back from my subject when using the 50 mm f/1.4 lens. 

Can we talk about bokeh for a second? Bokeh, or background blur, was something that my first 18-55 mm lens couldn't do, and was the main reason I desperately wanted to upgrade my lens. You see, I can't convince my neighbors to all wheel their trashcans out of the alley when I want to take pictures, so the next best thing is to blur them out. There is a fine balance of background blur and maintaining focus on the main focal point (one thing I am still working on), and these pictures were taken with a f-stop around f/2.0.

Light - the f/1.4 aperture lets in so much more light, so bright & crisp photos are possible even at low light, & all my photos have a more "true to life" look.

Ok, those are the 4 things I can think of right now. If you are looking to get this lens for yourself & have any additional questions, let me know and I will do my best to help you out in the comments!
{ What I Wore: ASOS leopard jacket // Forever21 striped tee // Cole Haan cross body purse // COH boyfriend jeans // Steve Madden pumps // Bobbi Brown creamy matte lippy in True Pink }

{ Get the Look }
leopard jacket {$55.00, exact one} + stripe tee {$14.80} + boyfriend jeans {$69.95} + nude pumps {$24.80} + gold cross body purse {$24.80, so cute with scallops!}
My new "Leo" necklace from Boutique Onze
What type of camera do you use?
What's your best outfit photo taking tip?

P.S. Don't forget to enter my $50 J.Crew giftcard giveaway { here } & the Because Shanna Said So group giveaway (for a prize package worth $200+!!!) { here }

42 comments:

  1. I'm considering getting a new lens for my Cannon, so I loved hearing your review. Thank you, thank you!

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  2. I just took my first real outfit photos this weekend and I have exactly 0 tips to give. But I am searching for tips and I do have questions. How do you always look so natural in your photos. The camera came out and I went into instant awkward mode!

    Jenn

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  3. Love the leopard print cardigan. Woo new camera , I have been thinking to replace my Nikon S4000!! But have 0.00$ in account :D
    GiveawayAree With Umbrella

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  4. Your photos look amazing! I am so jealous of everyone's DSLRs but it's just not in my budget right now. Cute leopard and stripes pattern mixing!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart 
    JCrew Giveaway! 

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  5. Cute outfit! I'm getting a new camera very soon - I don't have a professional one and running a blog where I take pictures isn't fun without a nice camera. 

    One tip my husband always says and to never shoot against the light. No matter how good your camera is, it's never a good idea
    happymedley.blogspot.com

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  6. Love this! The fur is so fun and you look elegant, simple, and fabulous. Gorgeous from head to toe.
    xo Haylee
    http://www.dolledupdaily.com/

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  7. I got a 50mm lens for Christmas and I am in love it! I still don't know too much about it but it sure is fun learning.  And, really, what is better than bokeh??

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  8. yay! I actually JUST bought this lens too! I was so jealous after hearing you got one (wink, wink) and and I was talking to my husband about it and he couldn't name a reason not to make the investment. I'm so glad I did! We just popped it on our 6+ year old Canon Digital Rebel. It was so fun to make our old camera new again!

    My first photos with this lens are up on the blog now: http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-everyday-style-camo-and-grey.html

    So far I am thrilled with the finished product this lens offers.

    Your photos look amazing... love this coat too too much on you!

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  9. Really cute outfit!! I am looking for boyfriend style jeans. And I need a new camera too but waiting on that for my bday hopefully :)

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  10. The pictures turned out awesome! Do you have someone that takes your photos for you or do you use a tripod or something? I love the jacket :)

    Inspirations by Kayla Rae

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  11. Love your photos with your new lens! I love photography; I have the equivalent lens only my camera is a Nikon and I absolutely love it! It makes for the prettiest bokeh in photos which is the main reason why I bought it. I also have an 18-105mm lens which is fantastic for landscape photos but doesn't produce the same lovely bokeh as it's a f/3.5-5.6G. I actually just took photos this weekend for my first outfit post ever (I'll be posting it later in the week) and I had so much fun! I'm not sure which mode you usually shoot on but aperture priority is my favorite as you can control the amount of light the best. If the photos seem to be blown out (too bright) I would suggest closing the aperture a little (going to a higher f-stop). Excited to see more pretty pictures with your new lens!

    xo jen  

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  12. the photos look great! I'm hoping to invest in a nice camera soon and start brushing up on my photography! xo

    http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/

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  13. I am so jealous! I could get a 50mm/f 1.8 right now, but I would have to save up for quite a while to afford the 50mm/f 1.4. Sadly, patience isn't my strong suit! I wish you had both so you could compare them! The photos are great!

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  14. love the mix of leopard and stripes!

    www.davonglisa.blogspot.com

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  15. Katie, yes I wish I could compare them too. Many people discussed the merits of both lenses on this post: http://www.myhereandnowlife.com/2012/12/this-one-that-one-or-other-one.html
    Maybe that will help with your decision making :)
    xx

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  16. Jen,
    Thank you so much for this information. I actually just shoot on my manual mode... so I will have to look into if I am able to choose the f-stop as this lens does make my photos a bit brighter than I am used to. Can't wait to check out your first outfit post!
    xx

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  17. Thank you dear! I typically use a tripod with a remote set up, but for the pictures today I roped the boyfriend into helping me as I am still getting the hang of focusing with this new lens on the tripod. Hoping to get in some more practice this weekend so I can go back to my one-woman-operation!
    xx

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  18. Yay for new lenses! I think this new guy is a bit out of my expertise level for now, but I am excited to learn more, and master its little f/stop booty! Can't wait to check out your latest photos, I'm sure I'll be asking you for tips in no time!
    xx

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  19. Ooh thanks for the tip! This time of year is the worst for me catching the right lighting, but thankfully I can feel the days getting longer once again! Three cheers for sunlight after 5pm!
    xx

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  20. Thanks Jenn, honestly I still feel a bit awkward taking my outfit photos, especially if there is any chance of strangers seeing me. I think it helped to have someone that I felt super comfortable with take my photos when I first started out. Having my boyfriend behind the camera put me at ease, and he was also constantly cracking me up. Now that I use a tripod/remote control set up, it is just me, but I try to remember the poses that worked for me in the past, and if I'm feeling stiff, I set my camera to the time mode and dance in front of it as it snaps off 10 photos in a row. If all else fails, practice. Go into the bathroom, shut the door, and figure out which side of your face you like better, how big should you smile, what to do with your hands - it sounds silly, but it works!
    xx

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  21. Thanks Jessica! I like the idea of a self timer. Then I feel like I can take as many as I'd like, as silly as I'd like, without take up too much of someone else's day!

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  22. I do love a good background blur, but YOU aren't exactly in focus in some of these :) I look forward to seeing how great your photos are after more practice! (Not that I would know any tips...I don't use a fancy lens.) Anyway, loving that leopard coat as usual!

    ~Sarah of the New and Improved Sarah's Real Life

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  23. Love this outfit - leopard and stripes are meant to be together! And I LOVE the bokeh haha! Glad you're getting the hang of your new lens. Unfortunately, I think the only way to get yourself in focus more is to decrease the aperture (increase the f-number) - which does mean less bokeh. I had the same problems when I first got my 50mm 1.8 lens - but I've found that keeping it at about f 3.2 is the right balance! :)




    life-etcblog.blogspot.com.au
     

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  24. Yup, still have lots to learn. Trying to keep it real about my process of photography growth!
    xx

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  25. Congrats on the new camera!  Your photos turned out wonderful.  I love this look!

    Sylvia
    www.sylvialovespink.com

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  26. oliviamoone.blogspot.comJanuary 21, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    Love the pattern mixing!! This is gorgous!!

    oliviamoone.blogspot.com

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  27. Yay for the new lens! So glad to be following you now. And I'm loving that jacket by the way! :) Hope you have a great week. Looking forward to following along! 
    Cheers,
    Sara

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  28. I love the new lens lady! I've been thinking about getting a new one for my camera but am unsure which one. I have a sony (I know, I know) so i can't get the same one you have, but it's something I really need to look into. my backgrounds are pretty awful too.

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  29. Congrats on the new lens! It makes such a difference! Love the stripes and leopard!
    ~Jessica
    Jeans and a Teacup 

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  30. Those photos are beautiful. All I want for my birthday this year is gift cards to best buy so I can buy a nice camera. I'm currently using a point and shoot that is barely better than a cellphone camera.
    PS Love the leopard/ stripes combo :)

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  31. Love that coat and camera shots look great!

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  32. I'm all about keepin' it real :) Thanks for sharing your learning process with us!

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  33. That lens is so bananas. I used my dad's over the holidays and now I absolutely need it. What camera body do you have?

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  34. Yay for the new camera! The first picture is fabulous!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  35. You look great Jess!  I think I commented on Instagram but Kelli Murray ( ) was raving about her new 50mm around the same time as you.  Don't know if you follow her but check her out - she's amazing & sweet & may have some more pointers for you :-)

    I'm sure you've said it before, but what kind of camera do you have?

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  36. Your photos with your new camera look amazing!

    www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
    www.daisyraeboutique.com

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  37. Ooh thanks for the tip - I will have to check out Kelli's site tonight indeed!

    I got a Canon Rebel T2i for Christmas last year (the new T3i model has just come out, so the T2i was going for a good deal)
    xx

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  38. Leopard coat+boyfriend jeans=love! Such a great look! Love it! 

    xx
    Giovanna
    www.HeyLoveBlog.com

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  39.  I've been looking at a Rebel - thanks for the tip!  I love the quality of your photos.  Now I just need the funds! :-)

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  40. Love your blog. Filled with amazing fashion.

    If you get a sec, I would love to hear what you think of my latest post.

    Sofia

    Stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

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Thank you for your comments, they make my day!!
xx