Photography: Where to Begin with Gear?! (A Photographer's REAL Talk)

[@LauraBC]

Subscribe here for weekly videos! :) laurabc.com/youtube

[@thenewoldphotographer1491]

On brands... I used to tell people that I can eat a steak with a sterling fork or a nice stainless steel fork. They both taste great. It is the steak (image) not the kind of fork (brand). Have a wonderful day, Laura and keep up the great work.

[@LauraBC]

That is sooo good! Haha It’s exactly as you said it. 🙏🏼 Thank you so much for watching. I hope you are good! :) big hug from London.

[@saral.9220]

This is the most honest talk I've heard about getting equipment as a beginner. THANK YOU! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I've been going mad with many reviews that didn't solve my questions. These mistakes you did will save me to do mine! :D I wanna get a new camera, and I was thinking about a compact because I don't have too much budget, but I will definitely wait a little and get a mirrorless. Thanks again!

[@BK42Cycles]

Excellent video Laura. I'm learning a lot from you! Cheers

[@LauraBC]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad to hear that! :)) Have an amazing weekend! 🙏🏼❤️

[@HistoricMetals]

Goodness I love listening to you speak, I get educated, and I love the speed with which you deliver. I get so tired of slow talkers, waiting for them to get to the point. I really enjoy your teaching. It doesn't hurt that you have an incredible and impeccable sense of style, that really subtly makes me trust your judgement on the artistic aspects of photography and video. Thanks!

[@karlweb1]

I bought my first canon at age 19 in the marines 1983. It was a canon ae1 program. It got stolen, I was heartbroken. When I got to Japan and I bought an A1 then I got a second. I had pictures in Stars and Stripes. When I got out of the service I got two RZ Pro II I then went 10D then 2-20D’s the 5D MK III I discover the sigma art’s lenses a few years ago My two favorites are 50 1.4 85 1.4 Great lenses Sports i use 24-70 and 70-200 Great review

[@LauraBC]

Hi Karl! What a sexy timeline of cameras and gear! 😍 I'm in real love with Sigma lenses. I own the 35mm f1.4 and the 105mm f1.4. But that 85mm f1.4... I'm still itching to get it! 😃

[@karlmullings6310]

@@LauraBC The 85 1.4is a beast, I use it for more than 80% of my work. I do a lot of high school seniors, for me it was a no brainier. I also have the 100 2.8 Macro, I love that thing for headshots. Thanks for all that you do, cheers.

[@LoverOfTech]

I'm going to get my popcorn 🍿 since I don't drink coffee 😂😭

[@LauraBC]

Haha amazing! I’m a popcorn addict myself! 😂🙏🏼

[@certs743]

Great video and some good advice. Something that has also worked well for me is buying older gear second hand. All my cameras were second hand including my Pentax K 5 IIs, Nikon D300 and my EM5 Mark 2. And I also shoot film so all of that gear is also second hand. There are definitely some risks involved but I have done well so far.

[@josethevegan8923]

Hola amor! I 💘 😻 my Canon M50, 3 lenses n adapter! Thanks for all the great insights! JoseTheVegan on KZbin

[@LauraBC]

Genial! Yo con la M50 también me cogí el ring adapter para usar mis otros objetivos. Dale caña! :) 📸

[@nateclarke1179]

I have a DSLR Canon 6D Mark 2 and recently brought a mirrorless system (a Canon R8 with RF lenses). I brought it for a lightweight kit as I was travelling. And I love it... But there is something about my DSLR that I still love and would like to shoot with still. My only regret is getting the f4 lenses. I rushed into buying lenses initially and went for the cheaper lenses for my RF system. I wish I had saved up a bit longer and gone straight into the RF 2.8 L series lenses. If you are shooting Canon EF system on DSLR go straight to the Sigma Art Series lenses. They are brilliant, on par with the L series and sooooo much cheaper. I am hoping that Canon lets Sigma release a series of Art lenses for RF.

[@tourinojacks5844]

I have liked and subbed! I saw about 3 or 4 of your videos and I Love that you are straight to the point, genuine, and honest about your POV. When I watched THIS particular video of yours I had to watch it 3 times in a row for some strange reason. Love it! I see that you have now switched to Sony cameras. Interesting because I'm on the fence of either doing Nikon or Sony primarily because their lenses and Image Quality (IQ) are SUPERB versus Canon, which just look regular sharp "to me" but with no flavor SOOC. Oh well. Love your review and perspective! 🙏💯

[@Cristina-zn4xn]

Hi, Laura! ☺ What would you recommend in terms of camera for people who are starting from zero in photography in 2024? Would it be any different from the recommendations you made 3 y ago?📷

[@luissalazar2021]

The camera is a tool to do the job. I start it with medium format and still shooting with it. Since film era and I love it. Thanks for sharing yes I use a tripod. Is my best friend.

[@noelfogarty1025]

thank you so much for this invaluable information , I am just starting late in life but im finally making my passion a career . Love your professional videos

[@kristenvines8528]

I have a Nikon L840, this came out in 2014-2015. Is this too old to start photography now? I just found your channel and love it, thank you for all the info!

[@acrossNabroadTravel]

Hello, For street photography and a beginner with a Canon EOS Rebel T-5i which budget lens would you recommend 😊 And thanks for all your content.

[@whosyourbrad]

Great video Laura 🔥❤️👏🏽

[@LauraBC]

Thank you so much! ❤️ Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching! :)

[@Patricia-oq7kx]

This was a lot of helpful information. Great work again Laura

[@LauraBC]

Thank you so much Patricia! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. 🤗

[@livinggirl86]

When it comes to hard drives, do you back up files to just one, or do you have a 2nd hard drive to backup the first one?

[@ashraythakur7705]

My 1st camera was 7D to and it’s been with me since 2012 ❤️

[@LauraBC]

Ohhhh yesss! So much love for my 7D! I still use it as my second body. What an amazing camera... It's been with me everywhere in the world for years and still going strong! So nice to know that you have it too! ♥️

[@jamesjackson4264]

What’s great about today’s photo age for beginners is that what cost $3500 10 years ago to take great pictures you can get today for $500 and take the same great pictures. That was not possible 10 years ago because the tech was not there.

[@milos.creative]

Love your honesty and professionalism! Thank you!

[@LauraBC]

Thank you so much Lisandro! 😍 I hope you enjoy my channel. 📸🙏🏼

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Vlog, Brilliant down to earth advice on setting up your camera gear, Thanks for sharing

[@LauraBC]

Hi Tony! So glad you liked it. Thank you! :) I really wanted to share my own experiences through my very honest point of view. I did so many mistakes when I started so I hope this video can be useful for others to don't do like me! :D Greetings from London and thanks for passing by! :)

[@firpofutbol]

I like Tamron more than Sigma.

[@LauraBC]

I own both. Love both. 😄 But my Sigmas 1.4 are insane and I prefer them. :)

[@firpofutbol]

@Laura BC I have a few Sigmas too and they're nice but I like Tamron's bokeh better generally speaking. They're both great options over OEM's which not everybody can afford.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Very good advices Laura. I made the mistake to buy a lot of gear because I had the money for that (20 years engineer in industry) but right now I decided to sell everything and come to simple set. 1 hybrid camera (lumix L mount) and 24-90mm + primes (35 f/1.2 - 85f/1.8) for portrait / street / product 16-35 for landscape 1 DSLR (Nikon D6) + 70-200 for sport (incredible AF and subject tracking!) But yes you’re so right as always 😊. What we need first is creativity, work, support from our close friends and confidence in our quality. The PD strap is the one I have too but I find it very annoying in the area where you grab the camera and around the shutter button often. I went then for another solution I will show in a video soon. Have a great day and love to see you.

[@ChrisPchannel]

Love your channel and i believe that you are a great person and artist as well!!!! Best wishes and Greetings from Greece! Thanks for all the time you spend!!!!

[@allisonclarke8671]

Getting started in photography myself and I love this

[@LauraBC]

Awww amazing Allison! So glad you enjoyed the video. You will get soooo hooked with photography. Is such an amazing creative journey when getting better and better becomes so rewarding. 😍

[@vivianmuhura1494]

Hello allison, how is your journey in photography coming along? Got started like 3 months ago and I need some motivation

[@delfinozuniga2793]

Lol....yep. You watch KZbin Chanel’s about photography and your like,....”ooo,....a speedlight,.....ooooo,...an octobox,......oooo.....I need an 85mm,.....oooo....I need a 50mm,........(even though you just started and have no clue how to use them) .” it NEVER ends! Lol

[@LauraBC]

hahaha exactly! You've got my message completely... :D Too much information out there that is not needed when starting in photography. I feel that beginners can feel so overwhelmed when watching all of that. That's why I wanted to do this video and talk just about the common mistakes and the ones I did. I've tried to simplify all I could. :) Thanks a lot for watching and welcome to my channel! :)

[@ericmeekey7886]

Compact/non-interchangeable lens cameras for professional use: with 1" size sensor -- DJI Air 2S -- Insta360 ONE RS -- Sony RX10 mk iv APS-C size sensor -- Ricoh GR iii (x) -- Fujifilm x100 v Full-frame 35mm size sensor -- Leica Q2

[@joecardenas431]

Me gusta tu entusiasmo. No pares. Bendisiones. joe.

[@jeffcrtz5867]

Lovin your channel 💯

[@LauraBC]

Thank you so much Jeff! :)

[@greatpariscars]

Let's talk about articulation, pronunciation and cadence.

[@Hazel.Eyed.Gemini]

My mom gave me her Nikon. I always wanted Canon, but she has almost all the lenses

[@gilsacre6383]

LaCie and Sandisk, I have the same! Love that hard drives... Nice video! Greetings from Belgium!

[@LauraBC]

Yesss! I love both right? Super good brands! ❤️ Thanks a lot for watching. Hugs from London all the way to Belgium! :)

[@Gerald_G]

So refreshing to get straight-forward advice on photography. I LOVE your channel! Thank you!

[@camiherre777]

From all the photography reviews I've seen in several years since I started photography, the ones you do are the most valuable and sincere I've seen. Thank you, I have been working as a photographer for several years and I have learned today from your reviews. Blessings!

[@dikamos7108]

Just wondering if you are giving courses!

[@alonfn2]

Omg when you said you only have 3 memory cards I almost died... I was organizing and clearing some cards today, I bought used camera body on ebay not to long ago and it came with 6 cf card there are plenty of deals out there... I think I have in total 12CF 6 SD some old some new they multiple over the years as do the backup drives... Keep up the great work!!!!

[@LauraBC]

haha! I have x3 cards of 256GB each. I would have to be shooting videos and photos with my 5D MKIV for months without passing them to the computer to be able to fill them up. 😅 More than enough, at least for now... 😄 I've used to have more when I owned the 7D but those cards were not fast enough for my new camera. I struggle more with hard drives... I can't even believe how quick they get full. ANd hard-drives are not cheap either... 🙈 12 CF are a lot. But to be honest, better to own many than not having enought! :) ❤️

[@jaredalbin5658]

What is considered a "compact camera"?

[@alanstamey9279]

Am I the only one who enjoys hearing her say "Canon"

[@pablocunado4026]

Y como saco una cita contigo? Que hermosa que estas.

[@EdwardKilner]

Most people have made or will make the same mistakes you have. Or similar ones. I have too many bags and am not completely happy with any. Trying to keep them all empty and filling the appropriate one with just what I need that day. Too easy to end up paying for extra bags when traveling as well, so choose wisely. I have sometimes loaded a camera bag with everything except camera stuff and put it into a large suitcase to balance volume and weight issues, keep camera gear with me as carryon in discreet bags.

[@LauraBC]

Exactly! It feels like they do the backpacks for you to buy a few as there is not one that has it all! 😅 For travelling I really need a discreet one while for being around London shooting, I prefer to have my Lowepro that fits perfectly all my gear. So many decisions and hard to choose! 😄

[@mickeyreyes3189]

I could listen to you speak all day long, beautiful accent. Love your content, you have a new sub!

[@LauraBC]

Awww thank you Mickey! 😍 I hope you enjoy my channel! :) Happy to have you around here. Big love! ❤️

[@shasa261]

Great vid, wished I had seen it 12 mts. ago....I have 3 cameras, 5 lens and a small bag...

[@LauraBC]

Thank you! Yes.... Unfortunately, that's a common mistake. It's good to think ahead. I hope you enjoy my channel! :)) Big hug! ♥️

[@ckdesignlab]

Awesome gear guide. Thanks so much! I have my Sony a6300 as my main camera which I love and did a shoot that paid for it with the kit lens, and now have a Sigma 16mm 1.4, and a Pergear 25mm 1.8 and some extension tubes for lots of macro fun. I am now trying out a new ND filter from K&F Concept for effects and love it. Thanks also for the bag advice. I don't travel much but appreciate the info about not advertising your gear. I have a new Victorinox that I will be using. It's not for cameras but it's understated. I also have a Peak Design Sling Bag for day shoots. Time to find more clients ;)

[@LauraBC]

Hi Chris! So nice to know about your gear! That Sigma 16mm f1.4 😍 It’s in my bucket list! K&F Concept are good for the price right? :) Thank you so much for watching and the meaningful comment. I hope you enjoy my channel and keep creative! 📸 You will definitely get more clients. Once you have the gear, it’s all about growing! 💪🏼 Hugs from London! :)

[@ckdesignlab]

@@LauraBC K&F is great for the price and the quality. It saved my Sigma 16mm 1.4 several times already from drops. Solid build and a must have. The only thing is the size of the filter on my lens does not allow for a native lens hood but it's a great addition to my gear. I am now looking to get a telephoto lens and the Tamron 70-300mm seems to be a great choice for the size and price. It has received excellent reviews.

[@ckdesignlab]

@@LauraBC I rounded out my lens collection this weekend with my new Tamron 70-300mm yesterday. I think I have all I need for a while with this new lens, the Sigma 16mm 1.4, Sony a6300 kit compact kit lens and a Pergear 25mm 1.8 prime. Thanks again for the video. It helped me think about what gear works for me. I'm hoping to get more real estate and architecture gigs. Right now, photography is mostly a fun hobby and for occasional client work. I'm slowly easing into commercial work since I am a full time graphic designer.

[@manojkumarp3871]

How's your photography journey going? Are you already into commercials? I'm curious to know!

[@bigpicturestudios112]

How can i be i great portrait photographer, i just love everything you teach us

[@LauraBC]

Awww thank you! I’m glad you like my videos! 😍 Are you already a portrait photographer?

[@RoryMolePublishing]

Hi there Laura, Thank you so very much for this fantastic video. Such valuable info you shared. Regards to you.

[@rangersmith4652]

About 15 years ago I bought a 7D with its standard kit lens (28-135mm, used it a lot, and then got busy with other hobbies--and life. Now, in retirement, and adding photography back to my list of hobbies, and while I am researching a camera for vlogging, I do not feel any need to "upgrade" my 7D for stills. I will experiment with an adapter and my old FD lenses, but if that proves too tricky I'll get a 50mm f/1.8 and maybe someday a telephoto.

[@ketoetastawa3509]

Ngomong apa sih?

[@ahmedhayat5309]

M50 mark2 or 1?????

[@jermaynefrancis8296]

Hi Laura I just found your videos on KZbin and I find your info very helpful.I want to get into photography.What would you recommend a canon eos 90d digital slr camera or the Canon eos 650d thank you in advance 🙂

[@GiovanniGirelli-w3z]

Love your videos. They are so useful. Keep it up ❤‍🔥Succes with your new journey in Indonesia.

[@pandabytes4991]

On lenses. This was said, but I just want to say it in a different way that might better click. A lens with a large zoom lens may not have the same quality as a high quality prime lens, but having a lens that can take useable photographs in a wide range of photography styles as you discover your style, even if they could be better, puts you in better situations than wanting to try a style of photography that you can't do much (if anything) because you lack a useable focal range.

[@johnkorth8599]

The factory Canon neck strap actually doesn't bother me, but now that yo say it , when I'm out with my gear I have a discreet bag because I don't want people to see I have upwards of $3K on my person. But changing the strap very much makes sense because of name brand recognition

[@normapadro420]

Hi. I learned through time that it wasn't the camera that I was using. I have used a lot of brands before, but all of the photographs looked the same way. I even had a $5.00 camera that didn't require batteries, or adjustment. The lense was fixed. My photographs came out beautiful. It was like looking through a window. Crisp clear. I used a 35mm film. The film was on sale at the local pharmacy. Another thing that I learned also was about pixels. I started with a 3 megapixel digital camera. These photos came out so beautiful as well. I learned that it was my style that made the difference. On days where the light is dim I use the software editor I got for free online. I brighten the photo, or if the colors are off I turn the photo into black, and white. It looks better afterwards. I tried many photo editing softwares then just stuck with a few now, because they work well for me. I didn't want to spend too much on anything. I wanted simple things. A camera, and a photo editing software. Now I stopped purchasing gears since I have what I need.

[@techsimplified7173]

Hi, Laura. Thankyou for your videos. I want to learn portrait photography but your skillshare page is not working.. is there an alternative website..

[@franksalz9471]

I love your passion..... I am a Canon too... ;-)

[@LauraBC]

Thank you so much Frank! :) Yesss! I'm a Canon girl since I've started in Photography! :D

[@stevegeorge7773]

Do you have Zan opinion on the Fujinon lenses?

[@LauraBC]

Hi Steve! I've never used Fuji before. But I LOVE the brand and many good photographers are very happy about Fuji lenses. My experience is with Canon, Sigma and Tamron. 😊

[@venturevlogz]

I just got into photography and I also bought a m50. I think it's a great camera, good video as well. I have a canon 22mm, 50mm 1.8 and a 70-250mm telescope. Does everything you need to get started. Now I want a full sensor camera but they are expensive. Love your videos, very inspiring 👏

[@bigbrotherbarber]

Thank you for your channel!!!! I learn so much every video. ❤❤❤❤

[@victoroluwayoju9156]

Thank you

[@eoslove2022]

Honest and real! Thanx, Laura. Canada here.

[@LauraBC]

Yessss! Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video and the long geeky chat about gear. 😃 Sending you loads of love from London to Canada! 🇨🇦

[@andirutherford2615]

Awesome, video with some great advice on personal safety especially for women Ithink being discreet is an important part of this profession /hobby, what I would like to ask is have you experience of micro 4/3 cameras, I use micro 4/3 but trying to decide on upgrading? Again love the videos so pleased I came across you just by chance ❤

[@JasonStewartPhotography]

Another great vlog and very helpful advice!

[@LauraBC]

Thank you so much Jason! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed it! :) It became a long talk and I could even make it longer :D I found that our own experiences and mistakes can be tremendously useful to others. That would have saved me of screwing up many times! haha Greetings from London! :)

[@JasonStewartPhotography]

@@LauraBC So true! I hope you are doing well!

[@pamelacolson310]

As an aspiring photographer...Thank you SO much for this video!

[@pauljewell7097]

laura i could listen to your voice for ever love your accent info is also and your production es fantastico love channel pablo

[@eulogiogarcia8689]

I started my photography hobby about a year ago. It can be overwhelming on what type of equiptment, etc. to get. Still learning!

[@_notsirt]

I subscribed because she said “those who mess around with photography get hooked and want more “ this is me , my friends and my brothers … that hit home

[@srlkngl]

You're always worth my time...👏👏

[@scanner_956]

Great video, what editing software do you use?

[@_notsirt]

Also , do you have any opinions on the ef-m 22mm lens

[@faespinoza83]

Excelente contenido! Sigue así

[@LauraBC]

Mil gracias Fabian! Un placer tenerte por aquí. Un abrazo desde Londres! :)

[@pablovillar4564]

I love it thanks for the tips

[@LauraBC]

You are very welcome. So glad it helps! :))

[@youtubewisdom9333]

Muchas gracias por compartir tu conocimiento! Es de mucha ayuda 😎👍🏻

[@KK_21]

Great video! 👌

[@LauraBC]

Thank you! ❤️😊

[@raymeedc]

I strongly disagree with your camera body suggestion. Old school Yes, which is not Canon. Fujifilm is true Old Scool where it matters most to the beginner, out of body physical analog control of the exposure triangle, that’s the best way to visually understand the heart and mind of how a camera operates. Just a $500 or so older generation X-T2, for example, would fill the bill nicely..... just my opinion, of course.

[@raymeedc]

P.S. - In Addition, Being a mirrorless, you can see the results of the exposure choices you are making in real time, invaluable for the student.

[@ikerperez2246]

Sigue adelante eres la numero uno

[@LauraBC]

Mil gracias Iker! Siempre apoyando a tope. Se agradece muchísimo! ❤️

[@justaguy8104]

Great tips on pitfalls to avoid

[@MichaelShamimAhmed]

Love you studio lighting

[@yogeshgurraiya7429]

I salute your dedication

[@emeraldd468]

Thank you so much Laura.

[@emmanueloladoyinbo3389]

Wow cool

[@LauraBC]

Thank you Emmanuel! 😊🥰

[@newdawn1976]

I love this 🥰🥰🥰

[@siranush_vardanyan]

veryy usefull

[@kevinridley8883]

Hi Laura great advice thanks again :)

[@LauraBC]

You are very welcome Kevin! Thank you so much!! :)))

[@topicruben]

Great talk and excellent tips as always, Laura! Love the composition and the light!!!

[@LauraBC]

Thank you so much Ruben! This was a long one but talking about gear I can get very extensive. 🤣 Gracias por el feedback! It’s a new setup for my videos so it’s good to know you like the new lighting and composition. 🤗

[@topicruben]

@@LauraBC I absolutely love it. That plant with the green gives a beautiful touch to the whole thing! Only those who make videos know how much time we spend trying to nail the right corner of the house...., well, some of us, lol

[@desertoo23]

Came across one of your videos and now I can't stop watching it. Super important tips for sure. Thank you very much. Cheers from Brazil. @brunooliveiraphotos

[@BillSands2112]

Luara , Great video and thanks for the advice