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Two Twenty One

I Have A DSLR Camera, Now What?

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Congratulations on your new digital SLR camera! It’s such an exciting grownup toy! But where do you start? By reading this post, of course. I’ve been practicing photography off and on for 15+ years, and while I’m far from a professional, I compiled my biggest tips for what to do once you have your paws on a shiny, new DSLR camera. But don’t run away if you’ve had your DSLR for some time– many of these tips are beneficial to you too!

Tips on what to do after receiving or purchasing a DSLR camera!

Insure your camera and equipment.I don’t know about you, but it makes sense to me to insure a $500+ piece of equipment that can be easily dropped or stolen. Add your camera and all your equipment to your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. To give you an idea of the cost, it’s $27 per year for me to insure $1,800 worth of equipment. And that’s with no deductible. Completely unrelated: another item you should insure? Your engagement and wedding rings. Now give your insurance agent a call.

 

Get a UV protection filter for your camera.I cringe when I see people using their DSLRs without UV protection filters, especially those who tout themselves as photography and camera savvy. It takes everything in me to keep my mouth shut when I see this. Why do you want a filter for EACH of your lenses? Because if you happen to drop your camera or a lens, the filter will break and not the lens glass. It also protects the lens glass from scratches, fingerprints, dust, dirt, sand, etc. There are different grades of UV protection filters, ranging in price from $5 to $130+. I have $7 Tiffen filters on all of my lenses. I may upgrade one day, but for now I’m good to go with my inexpensive filters.

 

Read your DSLR camera manual. Like with any sport or hobby, practice makes perfect. Sorry to break it to you, but just because you have a fancy schmancy DSLR doesn’t mean you’re going to be an amazing photographer over night. Just because Joe Schmoe buys an expensive guitar doesn’t mean he’s instantly going to be the next Jimi Hendricks. Pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down? Want to learn how to take awesome photos? Read your manual. Learn about your camera and its capabilities. Yeah, it can be boring, but have your camera with you while you read and play with the settings and practice as you read the manual.

 

Play around with your DSLR camera. This goes along with reading the manual– play around with your camera. You’re never going to get better at photography, especially shooting in manual, if you don’t put your camera to use.

 

Read online photography tutorials. There are so many free photography tutorials out there. Start a photography Pinterest board (here’s mine) to organize all the tutorials you’d like to read and try out with your camera. Just with reading the manual, have your camera with you while you read tutorials so you can try out the settings mentioned in the tutorial you’re reading.

 

Invest in extra DSLR camera equipment. Yeah, your camera is great, but add some extra equipment and your photos can be even better. Here are my top 4 additional pieces of equipment: tripod, remote shutter release, 50 mm lens, and Photoshop. Why buy a tripod? Because when you’re shooting in manual you’ll need a longer shutter speed for some shots. If you’re holding your camera the photo will come out blurry, if it’s on a tripod it’s less likely to be blurry. Tripods range in price from $30 to $200+. Why buy a remote shutter release? Well, you don’t absolutely need one of these because you could use the 2 second timer on your camera, but I’m impatient. You want a remote shutter release because when you snap a photo using your finger you can vibrate the camera, causing the photo to come out blurry. You’ll use your remote shutter release with your tripod. Remote shutter releases range in price from $2 to $100. Mine was $15. Why buy a 50 mm lens? Because it’s a great lens for under $125, and it’s the favorite lens of many photographers. Why invest in Photoshop? Because SOOC (straight out of camera) shots will only take you so far. Can’t afford the $550+ price tag? Check out Photoshop Elements ($70) or Photoshop Lightroom ($120).

 

Write off your DSLR camera on your taxes.Are you a blogger? Will your camera primarily be used to take photographs for your blog? Do you make money off your blog and file taxes as a small business? Then write your camera and additional equipment off as a business expense.

 

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I’m neither a CPA nor an insurance agent. Disappointing, right? If you have specific questions please consult your accountant or insurance agent.

I hope you found these tips to be helpful. As with purchasing anything, please read reviews and do your research before buying specific photography equipment. I can only speak for the items I’ve purchased for my specific DSLR cameras (Canon Rebel XT and Canon 7D). Best of luck with your DSLR!

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Comments

  1. Erin says

    January 2, 2013 at 8:52 AM

    Thanks for posting this. I got mine a few weeks ago, and I’m happy to say that I’ve done several of the above! I’m glad you mentioned about the insurance thing, having a schedule for high dollar assets like cameras, jewelry etc. It’s so cheap to insure such valuable items!

    Reply
  2. Rachel says

    January 2, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    Great tips! It was such a disappointment to me to buy my DSLR and not be instantly transformed into the Jimi Hendrix of the photography world. I really thought they just took great photos, period. Oh well, now I know and am learning. There were quite a few tips here I hadn’t thought of or heard about, like insuring the camera (didn’t even know you could do that) and UV filters (never even heard of them before).

    Reply
  3. Amanda says

    January 2, 2013 at 11:09 AM

    Great tips! Just got my DSLR a couple weeks ago (after a year of trying to decided which body and lenses to get! decision paralysis…) and I’ve heard different things about the UV Filters. Do you ever photograph with the filter and then without to see the difference? One thing I read that stuck with me was why would you buy a $700 piece of glass of then stick a $10 piece of glass, which wouldn’t have nearly the quality, over it? Wondering if the filter would actually have that much of an effect on the quality of the photo.

    Reply
    • chelsea says

      January 2, 2013 at 3:22 PM

      Congrats on the new camera! I understand that point but I’d rather protect my lenses than risk breaking or scratching them. I’ve never shot without filters. I think my photos come out fine with the filters, and I’ve never had someone say my photos look less sharp or the colors look distorted because of the filters. If there is a difference between shooting with a filter and shooting without I doubt it’s that highly visible to the naked eye. I like to err on the side of caution.

      Reply
      • Jackthe7th says

        July 27, 2013 at 3:33 AM

        Have you ever tested this? I tested the effects of a hoya 77mm multi coated UV filter on a Nikon 70-200 vr 2.8 mounted to a d800 and on a tripod with shutter release. I took dozens of test photos with the filter on and off. Every time the UV filter caused the image to be blurrier, and not just a blurriness, but a fuzziness. The difference wasn’t quite as noticeable if you were shooting at high shutter speed, medium aperture size on a bright sunny day, but in more difficult lighting conditions (like the ones I almost always shoot in) there was a clear difference in image sharpness. I understand the desire to “protect your glass” but if it reduces image quality there’s no way it’s going on my lenses. Also if you do drop it and the filter shatters it can damage the front element anyways. The only time I might consider a UV filter is in a sandstorm, but at that point you might have other more important things to worry about…

        Reply
  4. Jen @ Four Marrs & One Venus says

    January 2, 2013 at 12:02 PM

    Boy did this post come at the PERFECT time! Yep I was a good girl this year and had a Canon under the tree! Thank you very much for all these great tips!

    Reply
  5. Tawny - Glamorously Mommy says

    January 2, 2013 at 1:02 PM

    Wow! Thanks for this post. I’m looking to purchase a DSLR in the next few months, so this was a big help. Now, if I could only decide which Canon to buy, I’m thinking the T3i any thoughts?

    Reply
    • chelsea says

      January 2, 2013 at 3:25 PM

      The T3i is a great beginner DSLR. The T3 is another great beginner camera, and it’s half the price of the T3i. A friend of ours has a T3, and I borrowed it to take the photos of my dresser turned TV stand.

      Reply
      • Tawny - Glamorously Mommy says

        January 2, 2013 at 3:39 PM

        Thanks for the advice. I just looked it up on Amazon and your right it’s so much cheaper! Do you have any advice on where to buy it? I live in Indianapolis, near Avon/ Plainfield area or would you suggest online or in-store?

        Reply
        • chelsea says

          January 2, 2013 at 4:04 PM

          Before you buy either one, here is a comparison article on the two cameras (http://digital-cameras.techcrunch.com/compare/232-238/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T3i-vs-Canon-EOS-Rebel-T3). I’d recommend Amazon.com since you don’t have to pay sales tax (although you’re supposed to claim it on your taxes). But before you buy any camera, I suggest going to a store and holding the camera to see if you like how it feels in your hand.

          Reply
          • Tawny - Glamorously Mommy says

            January 2, 2013 at 4:19 PM

            Girl, we need to meet for coffee! I’m so indecisive, and now I have so many questions. 🙂

          • Lauren says

            January 3, 2013 at 3:26 PM

            Tawny, I’m from Brownsburg and I just got a DSLR a few weeks ago from Roberts. They have a downtown location and a Carmel one. They offer a camera specific intro class free with the purchase of the camera. One of the many reasons I went there over Amazon. HTH

          • chelsea says

            January 3, 2013 at 4:06 PM

            It’s overwhelming, isn’t it? If this is your very first DSLR camera, and you’re feeling really overwhelmed, I’d do as Lauren and look into Roberts Camera since they offer the intro class for free. I just looked up the T3i with the 18-55mm kit lens and it’s the same price at Roberts and Amazon ($599).

  6. Christine @ Casa-de-Christine says

    January 2, 2013 at 1:17 PM

    Thanks for this post! I got a new Canon Rebel T3i back in October for my birthday and am still stuggling to learn how to use it! I appreciate these tips.

    Reply
  7. Kelly @ View Along the Way says

    January 2, 2013 at 3:30 PM

    Never considered insuring my camera, but that’s a pretty smart call. Great post!

    Reply
  8. Tonya @ Wishfully Wandering says

    January 2, 2013 at 3:49 PM

    Thanks for these great tips! I got my DSLR a few months ago, but I’ve been pretty busy so I’m just now playing around with it. I’ve done most of these already, but I’ve never even heard of the UV protection filter before. I will definitely be buying one right away!

    Reply
  9. [email protected] says

    January 2, 2013 at 4:58 PM

    Good tips! And I’m definitely going to have to follow your photography board! 🙂

    Reply
  10. Jane says

    January 3, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    Playing around is what I’ll mostly do with a new DLSR on my hand. I just can’t wait to try out all the options to take a picture. I hate reading the manual though, so I just try it my way. Ya, writing (or boasting) about it comes in parallel; I usually share in Facebook!

    Reply
  11. Kim @ Coffee Pot Chronicles says

    January 3, 2013 at 3:13 PM

    This is awesome! I cannot tell you how many times it crawls under my skin to see DSLR newbies desperate to create stunning photos three days after getting a new camera. I admire the ambition but hold your horses! I’ve been shooting for 4 years and I am by no means a pro either (married to one but I’m not one!). Very useful and practical advice for DSLR users of all levels of experience.

    Reply
  12. ElleSee says

    January 4, 2013 at 8:35 PM

    Thanks for the for the fantastic tips! I’m definitely going to take a look through your Pinterest board.

    Reply
  13. Maureen says

    January 5, 2013 at 7:05 AM

    Thanks for this! We’ve had our DSLR for over a year now but I haven’t taken the time to read the manual and really practice, so my shots are hit and miss. You’ve encouraged me to really work at it.

    Reply
  14. Miss Charming says

    January 6, 2013 at 8:30 PM

    One of my goals this year is to learn to shoot in manual. Thanks for all the helpful tips, Chelsea. I’ll be checking out your Pinterest photo board. (And buying some lens filters!)

    Reply
  15. Meredith & Gwyneth says

    January 6, 2013 at 10:12 PM

    WOW, this post was SO helpful! And I just spent the past 2 hours on your Pinterest boards – also amazing!

    xoxo,
    Meredith & Gwyneth

    Reply
  16. Kim Ross says

    January 6, 2013 at 11:17 PM

    Great tips! I am about to purchase one in the next couple of months. Thank you!

    Reply
  17. Jessie G. says

    January 11, 2013 at 1:02 PM

    Hi There! thanks for all the information!

    I will be calling my insurance agent!

    I do have a question concerning the UV protection lense. How do you know which size to get? I have a 18 – 55 mm lense. Should my UV protection lense be a 52 mm or 55?

    thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Chelsea @ two twenty one says

      January 11, 2013 at 2:35 PM

      Hey Jessie! Look at the front of your lens (as in, set your camera down with the camera pointed at you). It will say the mm on that part of the lens. I have a 58mm filter on my Canon 18-55 lens. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  18. Vicky @ Mess For Less says

    January 11, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    Great tips. I will be pinning these. I never thought of possibly writing off the camera as a business expense for blogging. Will have to check with my accountant, but I like the possibility.

    Reply
  19. Jess @ Spool and Spoon says

    April 13, 2013 at 9:22 PM

    LOVE this post! Thanks for putting it together. I’ve had my camera since the summertime and I never even heard of UV filters. Thanks for the tip!! xx Jess

    Reply
  20. Martha says

    November 17, 2013 at 10:45 AM

    Stared using Lightroom and I have to say I love it. Fun effects to play around with and my photos are looking amazing

    Reply
  21. [email protected] says

    November 20, 2013 at 8:49 PM

    Thank you so much for this post! I love all the info and can’t wait to get my DSLR…my hubby has wanted me to have one for blogging..I can’t wait to hear more about yours and watch your posts 🙂

    Reply
  22. JJ says

    December 9, 2013 at 12:01 AM

    Borrowed a friend’s and think DSLR isn’t the way to go for me (although I loved my film SLR). It’s a huge amount of camera, and all I want to do is take a clear pic, fairly quickly (have kids). Also, it’s kind of a hassle to do the lens close up/far away after having the easy little finger switch on a point-and-shoot to do that. Do you have any recommendations for a nice point-and-shoot? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Preeti says

      December 28, 2013 at 4:53 PM

      I LOVE the Canon S95 Powershot. It is incredibly powerful, versatile, rugged, and easy to use. When I don’t want to lug around my camera system, I take my tiny powershot and have a blast.

      Reply
  23. Mandi @ DIYCraftPhotography says

    April 13, 2014 at 1:03 PM

    Thanks for the 50mm lens recommendation! I’ve found that deciphering lenses is one of the hardest parts of moving over to a DSLR. Great post!

    Reply
  24. Diane says

    April 20, 2014 at 12:23 AM

    I have a slight vision impairment. I really want a dslr but I’m not sure if it’s a realistic endeavor. Can someone without perfect or average vision turn out decent photos with a dslr?
    My vision is not normal, but I cope pretty well. I’m turning out decent pics with my point and shoot camera and iphone.
    Thanks for any input you can share.
    PS – Love your blog. 🙂 Wish I’d found it earlier.

    Reply
    • Chelsea @ two twenty one says

      April 21, 2014 at 11:07 PM

      You can go into stores and try them out. Or you can even rent DSLRs for trial periods. Best of luck!

      Reply
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    October 2, 2014 at 9:05 AM

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  26. Jacqueline says

    December 4, 2014 at 7:45 PM

    Hello, just read over your tips and they’re certainly good ones! I have an old camera, Canon XTi and am looking to upgrade. I love Canon! I may already know the answer to this question but its always good to get more opinions! So any suggestions on what my next Canon should be?

    Reply
  27. Lan says

    January 12, 2015 at 4:35 AM

    Thanks for every other informative site. Where else could I am getting that type of
    info written in such an ideal way? I’ve a mission that I am simply now
    operating on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info.

    Reply
  28. Robin says

    February 3, 2015 at 11:07 PM

    After the 50mm lens, what other lens would you recommend purchasing? Great post!

    Reply
    • Chelsea @ two twenty one says

      February 4, 2015 at 12:05 AM

      Thanks! I purchased my Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 after my 50mm lens.

      Reply
  29. Gluta400000 V Shave says

    April 5, 2015 at 1:04 PM

    Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this site.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times
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    Reply
  30. windi turner | ms pedagogy says

    April 7, 2015 at 10:42 PM

    Great tips! I just purchased my first big girl camera and needed this.

    Reply
  31. Amanda Tempel says

    June 1, 2015 at 11:02 PM

    Wonderful tips! Thanks so much.

    Reply
  32. Ron Cox says

    November 21, 2016 at 5:14 PM

    I will be getting one in a few months from school before my photography class starts. This will be a big help. Thanks for posting.

    Reply
  33. Phillip says

    February 9, 2017 at 5:17 AM

    These are nice tips for the beginning. If you want to make a bigger hobby of it, it is good when you read a lot of information about it.Photography and film is art. Thank you for your article

    Reply

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