Firstly, I want to thank all my readers as I really appreciate you reading, commenting and supporting my blog. I have so much fun writing it and love getting your emails. Thank you for all the readers who send me notes with such thoughtful and kind words! It truly makes my day. I also get a lot of questions from readers about the same things and I try to write back as soon as I can but I get so busy and forget so then I feel bad when I don't write back right away. Anyway, I thought I'd post a quick little FAQ about me so that it could be accessed all the time whenever readers had these questions.
#1. What is your job?
I work in Human Resources. For privacy reasons I will not reveal the company I work for but it is an IT firm. I oversee many of our regions internationally which makes for a fun and interesting job. I don't want to go too much into detail about what I do as this is a fashion and style blog and nobody wants to hear about boring work stuff!
#2. What camera do you use?
Both J and I use Canon EOS 40D cameras (yes, we each have our own). But since we got ours last year, they now have a new model called the 50D in case you are thinking about getting one. I don't recommend ours for just hobby DSLR users as a Canon Rebel would probably suffice your needs for a better price point. (But I do not know which one as I've never actually used one, this is just feedback from friends that own them). We also use the Canon 5D Mark II which is a full frame camera (the 40D is a crop frame). For our wedding photography we use all 3 cameras all with different lenses on them.
For most of my pictures (including Lookbooks) we use the EF 50mm f/1.2L lens, or the EF 85mm f/1.2L lens. They are crazy expensive but they are awesome lenses. Almost every wedding photographer interview I've read they've stated that the 50mm f/1.2 is their favorite lens and I agree, the pictures that it produces are always so beautiful.
One disclaimer that I have is don't buy an expensive camera thinking you will get beautiful pictures just like that. Sure the quality of the pictures will be nicer but remember, it is the person behind the camera that produces the beautiful pictures, the camera is just a tool. One analogy that I've heard is that assuming a photographer who takes great pictures only because he has a nice camera is the same as assuming a chef makes great food only because he has a nice stove. Remember, photography has it's "ingredients" also, it's just not as obvious as other forms of art. Take the time to figure out those "ingredients" to make the most out of your pictures and your camera.
#3. How did you learn to take pictures? What books did you read?
Actually, no books. Just all through experience. When we first got the cameras I told J that I wanted to get some books to read on how to use the camera and take pictures but he convinced me to just start taking pictures and that I would learn. Well, it's true. I started taking pictures on the different settings of the camera to get a feel of what kinds of pictures they would produce and within a week I put it on manual and just started shooting away. All you gotta do is take every opportunity to take pictures and then you will get a feel of what kinds of pictures you like to take and start developing your own style. Now, I think through the lighting and angles and when I shoot things like my shoes or amigurumi I do a little bit of styling so that even though you are shooting an inanimate object it can still look nice. I like to think that I "style" all of my shots as I do my outfits. I put a lot of thought into my pictures. I obviously have a long way to go so am in no way an expert, I am continuing to learn everyday and refine my style so that I can always become a better photographer.
Also, another note about my pictures that I post is that very very few have been post processed. The above picture is obviously edited (by my husband) but I like to show what I shoot straight out of the camera without any help with photoshop. I feel like if I can be proud to show my pictures just as I shoot it than I won't get lazy with my shots. Plus, another reason is I simply do not have time to post process all my images. That stuff takes time and time is a luxury I do not have! :)
#4. Can I get a Gilt invite?
Of course! Sign up here.
#5. Will you do a hair/makeup/eyelash tutorial?
Yes, definitely! I really want to and am totally intending to but I don't want to give you a crappy tutorial so I'm trying to find the right time and place to put it together. I promise you it will come! Thanks for being so patient with me. :)
update: here is my first makeup-eyelash tutorial.
So I think that's it! I'm not trying to deter you from asking me questions. I always love getting your emails so if you have other questions, please feel free to e-mail me tiffany (at) iamstyle-ish(.)com. (sorry for the stupid () spelling but you can't imagine the amount of spam I get when I write it out properly. it is insane. damn spambots.)
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