I’m so thankful to all of you who read the blog. Really and truly if I could give you all big huge hugs, I would. (And if you’re not a hugging kind of person, than you get a cookie.) Without you, I’d have nothing to talk about, and I really do enjoy all my talking.

There is so much information floating around out there in blog land. In an effort to be more helpful and pay it forward, I’m taking my Q&A sessions public! Back in May, I asked for questions on my facebook page. I got some great question there and through email. Here are a few:

Alison asked: What is your favorite piece of equipment?

This is easy. Hands down, my favorite, and most used, piece of equipment is my 50mm f/1.2L lens. I love how versatile this lens is. I love how little distortion I get while shooting portraits but it still allows me to get nice and close to my clients.  And of course, when I chose to shoot wide open, I get incredible, breathtaking, buttery bokah.  And that makes me weak in the knees.

Both of these images were shot with the 50mm.  See that bokah in the right image?

Settings:
ISO 200
f/1.2
1/1000 sec

Now, I know the price tag prohibits a lot of you from picking up this gem of a lens, but Canon offers a GREAT alternative in both the 50mm f/1.4 for about $375 and the completely affordable “nifty fifty” 50mm f/1.8 for only a little over $100.  I promise neither of these will disappoint!

Laura asked: What software do you suggest for Post Processing?

Hands down, I recommend Adobe Lightroom.  I use it to sort my photos, cull my favorites (for both personal and client shoots), and do all of my initial edits.  It’s relatively inexpensive, very user friendly and a great way to get started in post production.  If you find that you still want some of the functionality of photoshop, there is very easy integration between the two programs.

For those of you just getting started with post processing, Scott Kelby has some really great, easy to get through instructional books.

Julie asked: Do you offer Mentoring?

I do! I have online and in person mentoring opportunities available for any photographer outside of my area. Prices start at $125 per hour. Feel free to email me for details and package pricing.

To ask a question for the next installment of Ask Meg Mondays, email meg@megsextonphotography.com.  I’m looking forward to hearing from you!