I won't tell you which camera to buy, but I am going to share considerations for your search:

1. Ask a friend for help - and listen to them!
   Do you have a friend who is really good at using their camera? Would they be willing to take some time to give you advice on how to use it? Then ask them for the link to where they purchased their camera and buy it! This is the easiest way to get help and support as you figure out how to use your new camera. (Because if you buy a different camera from what they have, they're going to say, "Sorry, I'm not sure about that brand/version/etc.")
2. Know that when you're choosing a brand, you're choosing it for life (unless you're rich).
   Most people will likely purchase a camera and eventually buy an extra lens or two and maybe even some other accessories. These lenses and accessories are for the brand to which you committed. If you want to switch from Nikon to Canon, for example, you're now having to purchase a new camera as well as all the extras you purchased. Just another reminder why it's important to do research before your purchase!
3. If this is your first camera purchase, consider a refurbished model.
   Most camera brands have a refurbished page on their website. If you're just starting out, and want to see if you like using a DSLR camera without spending tons of money, consider buying a refurbished version. You can often save 20-50% and if it's coming from the brand itself, you can trust that they wouldn't sell it without making sure it it met all specifications. 
4. Consider what else you need to get started.
   If you want to take amazing photos, it's not just a nice camera you need. I HIGHLY recommend getting a 50mm lens as well. Lucky for you, I've already written about this on a previous blog post.
5. Go to Midwest Photo Exchange to talk to someone (if you don't trust Google for research).
   Midwest Photo Exchange (MPEX) is my favorite camera store in Columbus. I walk in with an issue or question or need to purchase something I don't know anything about - and I walk out with all the knowledge I need. They are incredible, and willing to spend time with you.

I hope this was helpful! If you have any other questions, please let me know!

Happy Friday!
​Autumn

What is image fraud?
When photographers create an image, they don't need to register it - it automatically carries a copyright. Without express permission from the photographer, violators of this copyright and can face legal action.

Who commits it?
I've seen everyone commit it. Individuals, companies, other photographers, etc. We all need to be careful about the images we use, attributing the photographer. (If you've hired a photographer recently, check your contract to see what they say about attribution. If you don't see it in the contract, reach out to them and ask!)

How should photographers deal with violators?
First, reach out to the person or company in violation. Kindly tell them they have used an image without your permission (or without attribution, if you allow this type of photo use) and that they need to take it down (or give attribution, again, if you're ok with this). They'll likely not respond (embarrassed!) and take the image down immediately. Or, they may not respond and keep the image posted. In this case, I would reach out to my lawyer to send a certified letter. This normally scares them enough to remove the image. The next step would be legal action.

If you're a photographer, don't be scared to stand up for yourself, your business, and your work. If I'm not allowed to go into  a store and steal products I want, then they're not allowed to steal my images of their products to use on their website and social media.

Happy Friday!
Autumn

• Like marriage, starting a business has taught me to be patient.
  I often have to wait to hear back from clients, colleagues, and even my accountant - patience!. If I want to change the perception of my brand (ex. I no longer market myself as a wedding photographer), that doesn't just happen overnight. I need to educate my audience to know what I do to hire/refer me to the proper folks. That took LOTS of patience. It also took patience (5 years!) to get to a point where I could support myself though my passion.
  
• Like being considerate of your partner, my business has taught me how to be considerate of clients' needs.
  Not every client is the same. Often, their needs are so different (just like a partner's needs can change over time). I do my best to ask lots of questions and communicate how I can best achieve both of our goals. Which means that...
  
• Communication is the most important thing.
  If I don't communicate with my clients about my needs, my understanding of their needs, timelines, and goals, then our photographer-client relationship will fail...kind of like a relationship with a spouse.
  
• I could go on and on about maturity, honesty, and respect but it should already be very clear that all of those are needed in marriage as well as business. :)

Happy Friday!
Autumn

Onto the interview!
​
Allie, how long have you been a photographer? What kind of work do you do?
This question is always difficult for me to answer. I took my first photography class when I was nine. I shot film until college. Then went digital. Then went back to film. Then started charging money for my photography in 2012. Right now I shoot strictly commercial. I photograph a lot of food, some alcohol and lots of products!

What is your favorite thing to photograph? Why?
Anything that's not tied to money. Money changes everything for me.

When was the last time you felt frustrated about your work as a photographer? How did you get past it?
When I was photographing people and a lot of personal shoots like weddings and family sessions. To get past it, I had to stop taking on work like that. I remember announcing my last wedding of the year and feeling such a wonderful sense of relief. Now, when I truly want to, I will photograph an engagement session because I love the people involved and it feels like a gift.

Do you have a muse? (This can be a person, a city, an Instagram account, anything!)
Jamie Beck of Ann Street Studio. Her art, her writing and her travels captivate me!

What's something you haven't yet learned how to do yet (in photography), but want to learn soon?
I can't name it but there are thousands of things I have yet to learn. I am not super technical and I don't even usually know the right terms for what I'm trying to learn but I'll know I'm stuck when I hit a roadblock tomorrow and the next day and the next.

I'm inspired by so many photographers in this city. In related news, I'll probably write soon about why I don't believe in competition. :)

Happy Friday!
​Autumn