If you’re a beginner photographer or a parent who wants a nice camera to take better photos of your children, I’ve compiled my top camera recommendations for you!

The first question people often ask is, film or digital? I love both for different reasons, and here are some of my favorites!

Digital:

I’ve been shooting professionally on all Canon equipment for 12 years. A lot of people ask why I chose Canon, and truth be told, I have no idea! But that’s what I started with and I’ve stuck with it!

Recommendations:

Below $1000: Canon Rebel T7 or Nikon D5600

Mid-Range: Canon 5D Mark III or Nikon D7500

$2000+: Canon 5D Mark IV or Canon R6

Film:

I used film when I’d take photos on my mom’s camera growing up, and took film photography classes in high school. It now makes up about 50% of my work.

Recommendations:

35MM: Canon EOS-IV or Nikon F-100

Medium Format: Pentax 645N or Pentax 645N ii

Point and Shoot (automatic): Disposable cameras (yes, like the ones we used when we were younger!), Canon Sure Shot, or Konica Hexar

Lenses

If you’re wanting to stick to a lower budget to start, I’d recommend starting with the lens that comes with your camera! If you have a bit more wiggle room, I’d suggest a 50mm or 35mm. Both are excellent and I shoot with both at every session. A 50mm lens is a fantastic portrait lens, and allows for more bokeh (that blur you recognize behind subjects). The 35mm allows you to photograph a wider scene which is great for landscapes, getting close to your subject, and shooting in tight spaces.

If you’re looking for more ideas to add to your camera bag, or gifts for a beginner photographer in your life, click HERE!