Every mom wants to take better pictures of her kids. Photography is one of those things that everyone can improve on because there is so much to learn and master, but there are a few key things that you can buy or do that will make a big difference.
Buy a DSLR and a good lens. Point and shoot cameras are convenient and for some types of photography (like landscapes) they are all you need. A marker of a good portrait, however, is pulling the focus to the subject through the creative use of depth of field. In simple terms, you want to blur the background, and you can’t do that sufficiently with a point and shoot. Don’t feel like you need to buy the nicest DSLR on the market however, since the lens is going to make a bigger impact than the camera. The kit lenses that come with the cameras are typically not very good unless you upgrade your kit. For most “momtographers,” a 50mm prime lens will deliver the best results. This lens is sharp and fast, and when you open up the aperture on this lens, you’ll be able to get a nice blurred out background. When you’re shopping for your camera, order the camera body only and skip the kit lens altogether. Take the money you save and buy a 50mm prime lens instead. You won’t regret it!
Learn everything you can, but don’t pay for it. There is no sense in paying money for a photography class. You can learn everything you would learn in a class and more for free on the internet. It’s true! There are so many resources available to you. If you really want to get some personal attention like you would in a class, shop around for a workshop. Lots of photographers offer workshops, so its important to read review from attendees to determine whether it is a good one. Just because someone is a good photographer does not mean they are adept at teaching. A really good workshop can teach you more in a weekend than you would learn in a class. Keep in mind that certain workshops are geared towards photographers of different skill levels, so you’ll want to make sure the workshop is appropriate for you.