Photography | Links and Tips


You may remember back in March I set a goal to up my photography game and the first step in that direction was buying a new camera! Well there were a few things that needed to happen before I made the purchase! The first was selling my point and shoot camera (check) and then asking you all for advice on what camera you recommended!! A huge thank you to Karly for recommending Samsung NX300 because that’s the beauty we went with! 


It took about two months worth of research, but after talking it through with Gary and really going through why I needed a bigger, better and let’s face it, more expensive camera, I decided to take the plunge!! I’m planning on doing a thorough review of the camera after a few months of use, but what I’m hoping is that you’ll start seeing more professional looking photos and less iPhone captured ones!



Two Major Selling Points 


1. It’s totally compact and not nearly as bulky as a DSLR. I knew that if I bought a bulky camera I’d never take it with me on trips and I’d loathe having to carry it places. This pretty camera is light weight and packs a punch. It also comes with a 18-55 mm lens with your purchase, so that already takes a lot of the price down! 




2. It has wifi and social sharing compatibility! Since it’s a Samsung camera, there are apps you can download that make taking pictures with your camera as easy to share on your social channels as with your phone! 




Now that I’m getting starting with a higher caliber camera, I really want to improve my skills and learn all I can about the features, how to make pictures really pop and what in the heck ISO and aperture mean LOL! 




I’ve rounded up 10 of my favorite photography links and can’t wait to dig into more! 



1// How to take brighter photos (via Thirteen Thoughts)


2// Understanding ISO, aperture and shutter speed (via Playful Cooking)


3// What is shutter speed (via Capture by Lucy)


4// Tips on improving your photography (via Postcards From Rachel)


5// Photography tips for bloggers (via Thirteen Thoughts)


6// 5 food photography hacks (via Lisa Loves John)


7// Top 5 photography tips and tools (via Design Eat Repeat


8// 25 fashion poses for lifestyle bloggers (via Venus Trapped in Mars)


9// Photography Tips – incredibly thorough!!! (via I Heart Organizing


10// Better photos – PERIOD! (via Honey We’re Home)




Please share all your tips, tricks and the sites that have been crucial to learning for you! 


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77 Comments

  1. P!nky
    May 28, 2015 / 11:35 am

    This is such an awesome post! I love taking pictures with my DSLR, but sometimes I need help with lighting. Thanks for such an informative round up! Prettier pictures are on the way in pink land :)! Have a fabulous day, friend!

  2. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    May 28, 2015 / 11:35 am

    Yay!!! Cant wait to see all of your amazing new pics with your amazing new camera! Definitely going to have to check out those links too! I still need to learn how to use my camera better lol!

    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

  3. Jenn
    May 28, 2015 / 11:50 am

    So excited for you guys to make this photo step! I really encourage you to take one of those photo classes (some of them are walking photo classes–we have them here in DC). They teach you how to use your camera, or get better at it, in real life situations. I learned a lot when I did that a couple of years ago!

  4. Claire | Fashion + Feathers
    May 28, 2015 / 11:58 am

    Girl, you've really done your homework on this! I like how it has brown accents – that makes it pretty!

  5. Andrea Nine
    May 28, 2015 / 12:06 pm

    Yay, yay and yay! I love that you are a research guru!!! You're blog is going to go to whole higher level with your awesome pics! Thank you thank you for the tips, I needed them!!!

    livingoncloudandreanine.blogspot.com

  6. Unknown
    May 28, 2015 / 12:12 pm

    Yay on your new camera! You'll love it! Can't wait to sit and go through your links, great tips!!!

    Xoxo,

    Whitney & Blaire

    Peaches In A Pod

  7. Unknown
    May 28, 2015 / 12:28 pm

    I love learning more about photography. I got a Canon Rebel T3i a little over a year or so ago and I really haven't been working on my photog skills lately, I'll have to check out those posts to get inspired to do so. I do like the one you have – not too bulky is a huge plus! I have no one to take my outfit post pictures, so I usually just set it up and use the timer – not the greatest photos, but they are better than my iPhone!
    california-to-carolina.com

  8. Chesson | Magnolia+Main
    May 28, 2015 / 12:54 pm

    Yay for your new camera and for finding the perfect one for you! Take TONS of pictures with it – best way to learn how to use it 🙂

  9. Shay from Great, Now What
    May 28, 2015 / 12:58 pm

    I can't wait to hear more about your camera adventures! I just got a good one for Christmas and it is a game changer. It makes me want to take more pictures!

  10. Kate at Green Fashionista
    May 28, 2015 / 1:00 pm

    Yayyy for a new camera! Love how pretty it is and the best part is that it's not as bulky as a DSLR. I know I won't be lugging a large camera around for events, and it would mainly be for blog photography but it would be nice not to have a huge bulky camera. Thanks for the rec girl 😀

  11. awhite
    May 28, 2015 / 1:03 pm

    Hooray for new cameras! Excited for you. 🙂 And bookmarking this post so I can come back and dig into those links!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  12. Rebecca Jo
    May 28, 2015 / 1:05 pm

    I love the size of it…. it is a bummer loading a big DSLR sometimes.
    Watch, ill end up getting this. Whats one more camera when i already have 4 DSLR'S #photogtapherlife 🙂
    … hey, can you shoot in RAW with this?

  13. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    May 28, 2015 / 1:14 pm

    Bulky totally prevents you from wanting to take it places so good choice. Looking forward to seeing how your pics change.

  14. kerri @ cheshire kat
    May 28, 2015 / 1:27 pm

    these are great links! and what a cute camera. I got a big ol Canon and you're right – I'm less apt to take it places now. but i'm forcing myself! i'm going to bookmark this for later! xo

    cheshirekatblog.com

  15. Amanda | Kids and Cabernet
    May 28, 2015 / 1:28 pm

    Thanks so much for this. I'm pinning it for future reference. I'm in the market for a DSLR so I can use these tips.

  16. Elle Sees
    May 28, 2015 / 1:31 pm

    omg i need to bookmark this! i love all of the links and can't wait to up my game!

  17. Julia
    May 28, 2015 / 1:31 pm

    I love how compact and portable this is! We have a DSLR and it takes great pictures but it is definitely bulky and hard to tote around so I don't always take it with me, which is how I end up with a lot of phone pics! I want to learn more about how to use my camera so these links are great, thanks for sharing!

  18. Izzy
    May 28, 2015 / 1:32 pm

    going to book mark this page! so many useful tips here! 🙂

    Metallic Paws

  19. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    May 28, 2015 / 1:33 pm

    can't wait to hear your thoughts on the camera! i would love a better camera, but i don't want a DSLR. they are too big and fancy and I know I won't use them for trips or everyday.

  20. DeborahYanni
    May 28, 2015 / 1:39 pm

    I've been thinking about getting a new camera too! This one looks like a really great choice. Thanks for sharing the links, I'm sure I'll be referring to this list often.

  21. Sierra @ Beautifully Candid
    May 28, 2015 / 1:46 pm

    Great tips Biana! Such a nice feature that your camera has wifi and sharing capability. That's something we really wish our DSLR had. We've gotten used to just taking ours everywhere and surprisingly it hasn't been much of an inconvenience. We took a photography course at a local place near us that was offering it through livingsocial. It really helped to get some extra tips from professionals who can show you how to work your camera. Best piece of advice we can give is to read your manual and get behind your camera for maybe 10-15 minutes a day and just shoot. Different angles, different lighting etc. That's made a huge difference with us. Can't wait to see some of your pics! xo Winks and Eyerolls

  22. Shannon Jenkins
    May 28, 2015 / 1:46 pm

    So exciting!! I have a Samsung that looks like that but I dont think it's as fancy! We bring it when we don't feel like lugging around our big cannon and we love it! Can't wait to see your pics and I'm definitely checking out those links!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles
    

  23. Traci Taylor Hart
    May 28, 2015 / 1:54 pm

    I love the retro look of that camera! The automatic sharing from camera to computer is huge! I wish my camera was capable of that.
    Have a great day!
    Traci
    waltzmetoheaven.com

  24. Cory (playdates and prescriptions)
    May 28, 2015 / 1:59 pm

    Thank you for sharing the links and tips!! I seriously need to learn to take better pics.

  25. Paula thirteenthoughts.com
    May 28, 2015 / 2:01 pm

    Congrats on getting a new camera girl! This is always so exciting, one thing that really helped was to just play around with the camera as much as possible (you can always restore the settings) and maybe get a little familiar with the manual. And thank you so much for mentioning some of my photography posts once again! Very happy you found them useful enough to share with your readers! 🙂

    Paula
    Thirteen Thoughts

  26. Dress in Sparkles
    May 28, 2015 / 2:06 pm

    Definitely going to bookmark this for when I upgrade my camera!

    xo Kylie
    dressinsparkles.com

  27. Karly @ What Karly Said
    May 28, 2015 / 2:10 pm

    Hooray! I'm so excited for you that you got the camera! I'm still hoping to get the same one within the next couple months, so I'll be anxious to hear how you're liking it. How did you go about selling your point and shoot? I can't wait to read all these articles, too – so helpful!

  28. Lyndsay
    May 28, 2015 / 2:14 pm

    It is nuts that your new camera has wifi capabilities! And apps! The technology is amazing. And thanks for sharing those links at the bottom!

    prosecco in the park

  29. Carly Messmer
    May 28, 2015 / 2:19 pm

    You rock for putting this together. I'm going to try and stage some floral pictures in the next couples weeks and need all the help I can get!

  30. M @ The Sequin Notebook
    May 28, 2015 / 2:25 pm

    I can't wait to hear your full review on this camera once you have the chance to use it for a couple months. I love how compact it is, but better quality than just a point and shoot. Your concerns with a bulky dSLR are exactly my problem and I don't use it as much as I want to since it's a pain to lug around! And thanks for sharing all of those links – i'm always looking to improve my photography!

  31. Unknown
    May 28, 2015 / 2:25 pm

    I bought a nicer point and shoot camera in the Winter but I really don't like it. I just use my photographer's camera. How did you sell your point and shoot? I have been looking at the camera you bought and might take the plunge soon!
    ~~Megan~~
    poshprime.com

  32. Caroline @ In Due Time
    May 28, 2015 / 2:36 pm

    We have a DSLR and I still have so much to learn! I get so confused with Aperture and what everything does. I really need to take time to sit down and learn how to use manual mode, so thanks for sharing!

  33. Zelle B.
    May 28, 2015 / 2:51 pm

    Such great tips! Having a new camera is the best!
    xo Southern Style

  34. Kateri Von Steal
    May 28, 2015 / 2:51 pm

    OOOH CAMERA… Want. WANT.

    2 pieces of technology I really want – A REAL CAMERA and an e-reader. UGH. Got to just spurlge on this crap

  35. Paige @ An Uncomplicated Life Blog
    May 28, 2015 / 2:55 pm

    Ok, you're the second blogger to talk about this camera. I already know it's the one I'm asking for for my birthday this fall! I too want to up my photog game. It's so important with blogging and I know so little about it! You know, outside of that semester-long class I took in HIGH SCHOOL when we still used film and black rooms. Ha!

  36. Elegance and Mommyhood
    May 28, 2015 / 3:02 pm

    Did you write this most specifically for me? Are you a mind-reader? Seriously I need to read more posts like these. Thanks so much for your wonderful tips, Biana. =)

  37. Gold Coast Girl
    May 28, 2015 / 3:08 pm

    Such great links! I am always interested in learning more about photography.
    ~Samantha
    goldcoastgirlblog.com

  38. Pamela @ alittleglitter.com
    May 28, 2015 / 3:10 pm

    I love this post! I took a three hour DSLR course and it was LIFECHANGING. It totally taught me how to use my camera. I will look and see if I can find which one it was because the guy does them all over the Country.

  39. Jenny
    May 28, 2015 / 3:17 pm

    You are going to have so much fun and will be shooting in manual in no time. It's so much easier than it seems, and it's so fun to have control over what your camera is doing and how the pictures turn out.

  40. Katie Elizabeth
    May 28, 2015 / 3:18 pm

    Yay for a new camera!! This is something I need to take the plunge on, too – still working on the convincing of the husband part 😉 Can't wait to read through all of these articles!

  41. Cupcakes and Crossbones
    May 28, 2015 / 3:22 pm

    That's so awesome that it has It has wifi and social sharing compatibility. Thanks for the links too, I'm always looking to brush up in the photo dept.

  42. meandmr.com
    May 28, 2015 / 3:23 pm

    I'm so happy for you!! Getting a new camera is a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing the links too!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

  43. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    May 28, 2015 / 3:26 pm

    Pinned it, I'm going to make a note to go through the links this weekend.

    Enjoy your new camera in good health!

  44. Caroline {Virginia Sweet}
    May 28, 2015 / 3:31 pm

    bless you for this post! Getting as new camera can be amazing and scary all at the same time!

  45. Unknown
    May 28, 2015 / 3:53 pm

    Thanks for the links, they are super useful to us novice photographers! XO -Kim
    thethirtysomethinglife.com

  46. Unknown
    May 28, 2015 / 4:01 pm

    Such a great post! I have the same camera – isn't it the best??!!

    Wishes & Reality

  47. Christina Lea Loves
    May 28, 2015 / 4:20 pm

    I love having my big advanced camera (mine's a cannon) but am to this day still learning how to use it, ha! Can't wait to check out those links…

  48. Kayla MKOY
    May 28, 2015 / 4:33 pm

    I love that! Looks like a great choice and I hope you end up loving it 🙂 can't wait for the review.

  49. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    May 28, 2015 / 5:04 pm

    I'll be very curious to hear what you think about the camera. I love my DSLR but wouldn't mind something more compact for trips.

  50. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    May 28, 2015 / 5:11 pm

    So exciting!!!!! I love all the tutorials you found! Definitely saving this post for future reference!!!!

  51. Susie W.
    May 28, 2015 / 5:16 pm

    I'm currently saving for a new and better camera so these tips will really come in handy, thanks!

    xx,
    Susie

    SequinsandStrawberries.com

  52. Anonymous
    May 28, 2015 / 5:30 pm

    Thanks for the links! This has been on my to-do list too! I recently found my camera and am thrilled! I thought I had lost it for good ! haha

    Can't wait to see your future photos!

  53. Lindsay @ Lovely Life Styling
    May 28, 2015 / 5:42 pm

    Totally pinning this!! I need to know what ISO and apeture mean as well… And you are making me want to buy a new camera!!

  54. emi
    May 28, 2015 / 6:05 pm

    love that last pic and all of the tips!

    xo welltraveledwife.com

  55. The Southern Thing
    May 28, 2015 / 6:17 pm

    I've been having my DSLR for over two years and still haven't fully learned how to work it. I need to look at these tutorials! Thanks for sharing!

  56. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    May 28, 2015 / 6:37 pm

    Congrats on the new beauty! I'm totally jealous of the wifi and social sharing capabilities. You're so right in that the size of the DSLR discourages me from taking it so many places which is a bummer!

  57. Meghan at Champagne & Suburbs
    May 28, 2015 / 6:39 pm

    You're right! My DSLR is such a committment to bring out in public. Love these tips so much! I'm still struggling with my blog pictures because I can't commit! 🙂 xo

  58. Unknown
    May 28, 2015 / 6:41 pm

    Yay, congrats on your new purchase! I know you will put it to good use!
    xoxo Danielle
    For the Love of Leopard

  59. Evelina
    May 28, 2015 / 7:03 pm

    Our camera has wifi too and it's my favourite thing in the world! It's so easy to email photos or upload to social media right away. Have fun learning all about it!

  60. Nadine
    May 28, 2015 / 7:31 pm

    Now that is a fun looking camera!!! I have never had much interest in carrying around a DSLR. Chris had one before I met him and it just sits in our basement closet never to be used because really, who wants to carry that huge thing around??? But I love how compact this one is, and pretty. And not a too terrible of a price to swallow. I cant wait to hear your thoughts after you use it awhile!

  61. 365HANGERS
    May 28, 2015 / 7:49 pm

    We clearly have to set this post aside for later. We've just started working on our photography skills as well and can't wait to dive into these resources. Thanks so much love!

    xx 365Hangers

  62. Unknown
    May 28, 2015 / 9:31 pm

    After almost a year I'm still learning. Manual is the toughest. You almost have to over focus the photos.

  63. Anonymous
    May 28, 2015 / 9:46 pm

    Thanks for the tips girl! I've been looking for a new camera!

    xoxo
    Karen
    kensingtonwest.me.uk

  64. Lisa Loves John
    May 28, 2015 / 9:54 pm

    Ahh!! Girlfriend! Thank you so much for the share! Heading over to check out the other links now! Xo

  65. JMO
    May 28, 2015 / 9:55 pm

    I am so thankful for this post! I seriously need to get my butt in gear and get a good camera!

  66. Miss Erin
    May 28, 2015 / 10:05 pm

    Such a great post with usefull tips!
    Xo Miss Erin
    See what I have to say at:
    misserinsays.com

  67. Alyssa Guttendorf
    May 29, 2015 / 12:46 am

    Pinning this ASAP! Thanks for sharing your camera recs AND those helpful links! I need to suck it up soon and buy a nice camera… this link will be great for reference. Thanks Biana!

  68. Anonymous
    May 29, 2015 / 1:23 am

    Awesome tips, girl! Thank you! When I get out of my slump I need to use my nice(r) camera and be more consistent with quality shots when posting.

  69. Owen Ross Davis
    May 29, 2015 / 1:30 am

    saving this post for when I actually have time to take my incredibly nice camera anywhere, haha. I got a super nice Canon for a Christmas a few years ago and even took a photography class, yet I never have time to practice using it on manual. ugh 🙁

  70. Unknown
    May 29, 2015 / 3:31 am

    I love these tips! Always helpful to learn more!!
    -Hannah
    sweeterthanserenity.com

  71. Louise, Travel the Unbeaten Path
    May 29, 2015 / 6:03 am

    On the market for a nice camera and was almost sold on the cannon t5i… now I'm rethinking it! This looks like a great one!

  72. Carly
    May 30, 2015 / 3:38 pm

    Yay for a new camera- I love the look of the one you got! We got a camera before our honeymoon and I'm ashamed to admit we rarely use it / never really researched what any of the settings were, but I am definitely going to check out some of those links!

  73. Kay R.
    June 1, 2015 / 1:19 pm

    Yay for the new cam! I have a camera and still need to learn tips and tricks so I definitely need this!

  74. Life As You Live It
    June 1, 2015 / 9:32 pm

    I'm in the market for a camera, since my iPhone is about as good as it gets right now! Thanks for sharing, can't wait to read a full review of it!

  75. Stephanie Chalk
    June 1, 2015 / 10:39 pm

    Such a great round-up of tips and tricks! Xo, Stephanie

  76. Julie @ Just the Joy's
    June 3, 2015 / 4:22 pm

    How awesome that you can share to social media via the camera! I need that feature on my next camera!

  77. Paige @ Reasons to Come Home
    June 4, 2015 / 9:44 pm

    Can't wait to check these out! I need to see if my camera has wi-fi capability. That's pretty awesome! Love how slim it is. The DSLR can get heavy!