How To Capture The Best Photograph

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I’m so thrilled about today’s post! One of my goals when I initially started my blog was to have a featured post with my favorite photographer. I reached out, and she was just excited as I was, so here we are discussing how to capture the best photograph!

Sierra Collins is the owner of Sierra Collins Photography. As a professional photographer, Sierra specializes in natural light photographs, from portraits to weddings and much more! Today, you can find Sierra’s work published in MunaLuchi Bridal and Black Southern Belle – yes, my girl is dope! 🙂

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Sierra for about 12 years now. We attended the same high school in South Carolina. Sierra has always been genuine with the biggest smile! In 2015, I contacted Sierra to ask if she would take engagement photos for Rashad and me. We had an amazing engagement photo shoot, which led to Sierra capturing our wedding photos in 2016. Everything was stunning, and she’s been our go-to photographer since.

Photography has become so popular because it is accessible to many people and a way to capture meaningful moments in our lives. The goal is to take the perfect photograph, in which some of us are still practicing 🙂 . To help us all, I decided to ask Sierra for her advice on how to capture the best photo! Check out our conversation below!

How did you become interested in photography?

It started with having a passion for videography back in my college days. Years later, I began to find an interest in photography through Instagram! I began to get inspired by professional photography I would see on the platform and wanted to capture things that inspired me. From taking self-portraits of myself and in the future, other people. I like to believe I’ve always had a passion for art and videography, but photography found me.

In your opinion, what makes a good photograph?

A good photograph comes when you find great lighting, and you have the knowledge of your camera and how to capture an image that is appealing to you. As you learn your camera and practice your craft, you will grow and see improvement and strides in your photography. For me, I’ve learned that I love color, vibrancy, and light!

How do you choose the perfect location to shoot your photographs?

Choosing a location can take time. I first work with my clients to determine the theme or style of their session along with their attire. From there I use Instagram hashtags and Google to search for exactly what I want. When doing this, I’m searching for the best colors, scenery, and of course light! I also search for parking to see if this is convenient for my clients as well. Will they have to pay for parking? Will they have to walk far? I want to make sure this is as much of a pleasant experience for my clients as well as myself.

When taking photographs, what are your end goals?

My end goal is to capture moments that are meaningful. I want to capture the vision for my client and say I’ve done just that. I want them to order prints and hang in their home. Looking back at my past sessions, it’s pleasing to see the memories I helped create for someone else. As always we photographers have to get that one image that is the “ooh ahh” image! As much as these photographs are for you, they are also for me as well. I use them to share on social media for others to see your great session and get to know you if you are an entrepreneur like myself. They may also be submitted for a feature if my client is interested.

Which camera must you have at all times and why?

My primary camera currently is the Canon 70D. I love it for video and portraits with my 85mm. However, for my weddings, I may use the Canon 5D Mark III. This is a full frame camera that pairs nicely with the Sigma 35mm. With full frame cameras, you capture more area in the frame, versus a crop sensor, which literally crops the amount of space you see. Also, the full frame allows for so much light and color to come through which makes a great image!

For beginners, which camera would you recommend?

Depending on your price range, I recommend going for the Canon T5 or T6 series. I started with a Canon T3i series and used it for years. I was able to learn how to shoot in manual and learn photography terms, such as depth of field, ISO, aperture, etc. When you know these things, you will know when to move on to your next camera.

What is the one thing you wish you knew before you started photography?

This is hard! Not really sure there is anything I wish I knew before starting photography. However, if anything, I wish I knew these marketing techniques that I see today. There are so many brands that are really doing it big when it comes to marketing and social media presence. That’s my struggle. That’s why I’m always on YouTube trying to figure something out. I’m working on it!

With photography constantly changing, how do you stay up-to-date with the techniques and equipment?

YouTube is my friend. If there is something I want to learn, that is one of the first places I go outside of Google. I also follow other photographers on Instagram that inspire me. There are so many, and a lot of them share knowledge, techniques, and presets that are modern and appeal to me. There are also blogs that are just as helpful. As far as equipment, I will rent a camera or lens if I have to have it for a project. Renting is always an option, and there is nothing wrong with it. If you want to try different cameras or lenses to see if you like them before making the investment, I recommend renting first. From there you can invest as you see fit.

Whose work has influenced you most?

DFinney of DFinney Photography+Design. To this day she is my number one! When I first started photography I came across her Instagram. Her colors are amazing! I also had the opportunity of taking her one-on-one session when I first started photography and learned a lot. Definitely glad I invested in myself that day. Cyndi B, OMG! Her color, highlights, and sharpness are crazy. Found her on Instagram! I’m sure there are more, but these are my top two!

What is the best advice you’ve received?

Work with what you have and learn your craft.

-Sierra Collins, Sierra Collins Photography

When first starting photography, don’t spend tons of money on equipment. Work with what you have and learn your craft. Know how to shoot in manual and learn the technical pieces, such as shooting in odd lighting situations, poses, etc. Also, lenses make a big difference. So, if you aren’t ready to upgrade your camera body, try different lenses. My favorite lenses are prime lenses such as Sigma 35mm 1.4 and the Canon 85mm. They provide an awesome depth of field and dimension to my images. Great for portraits!

Connect with Sierra!

Website|Instagram|Facebook|YouTube|Pinterest

Be sure to connect with Sierra on social media, and check out her website to schedule your next photo shoot!

Thank you for reading! 💗

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