Chasing Camera Bags, Capturing Couture and Finally, an Epiphanie


Finding a bag to carry my new camera in has proven more difficult than deciding which camera to buy. So many options to consider. 

Do I combine my purse and camera bag and carry one large bag? 

Do I keep them separate and carry two bags? 

Since camera bags are a little pricey, I thought I could buy a cute purse and use it as a camera bag. 

I discovered that the camera is surprisingly bulky and hard to carry safely so I decided I would need a bag designed specifically for cameras. 

But it had to look fashionable. I was looking for something chic.

My photographer friend Brittany accompanied me to one of Orlando’s oldest camera stores. I tried out the smallest women's bag they had and asked a salesman where a full-length mirror was located. 

“A mirror? I don’t think I’ve ever been asked that question before.” 

I found it hard to believe that this store had been around since the 1950s and nobody ever needed a mirror. 

“There might be a mirror in the ladies’ room,” he said. “But I can't say for sure since I’ve never been in the ladies’ room.” 

He was right. There was a mirror in there. I spent a long time staring at the bag from all angles but I just couldn't make up my mind. 

The salesman had a hard time understanding my issues. So I went back to searching the internet for a bag. 

After much deliberation, I decided on the Epiphanie Charlotte bag designed by professional photographer Maile Wilson. 

I held my breath, hoping I'd like it when it arrived in the big white box. I love it! 

It’s silver metallic on the outside with adjustable compartments in dove-gray fabric on the inside to fit my camera and lenses. It even has an adorable camera charm that hangs off the bag.





But I still felt that the camera needed a softer touch. 

Girls carrying a substantial camera always looked a little masculine to me and the black strap that said Nikon in neon gold that came with the camera didn’t help. 

So I found a girly camera strap at Capturing Couture

It's covered in hot pink fabric roses. When it arrived on my doorstep, it was even prettier than it looked online.


So. Now. Finally. I am ready to shoot amazing photos. 

I have my new very official-looking camera hanging around my neck on a roses-in-bloom haute couture camera strap. 

I have my fabulous silver camera bag slung over my shoulder. 

Now I’m just wondering how long it will take me to figure out what this camera can do. 

When I’ll remember what f-stop, aperture and white balance mean without consulting the instruction guide. If I’ll be plucky enough someday to turn the dial to “M” for manual to bravely set my own features instead of keeping the dial safely on “A” for auto. 

I want to take pictures worthy of filling the frame. I want to learn new photography techniques. I want to give this new venture my best shot. 

But I’m sure of one thing. 

At least I’ll feel fashionable trying.


Comments

  1. Oh my goodness - I am in love with both that bag and that amazing strap!! What great finds!! I have a DSLR camera as well but have no clue how to properly use it. Keep us posted on any great tips you might be able to share!! I would love to figure out how to "blur the background" in some of my photos. If you figure that out, I'd love a lesson. :)) - Shawna

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    1. Hi Shawna,
      I'm so glad you share my love of the bag and strap -- they are both so adorable! I am still learning how to blur the background -- I did buy a separate lens to do this -- and Brittany is giving me lessons. I'd love to share what I'm learning with you!

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    2. Hi Shawna,
      Try to place your subject far away from the background as possbile, depending on your lens and available light, (I stop down to 2.8) and shoot=BLUR/BOKEH. Depending on what type of lens you have helps with that but this tip works as well. You can blur out your background in PS as well but I rather do everything on my camera for less post processing edits.
      Have fun experimenting with it! ~rosa

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    3. Hi Rosa,
      Thanks for your tips! I have a lot to learn and I often have my subject too close to the background. Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. Great bag and strap - and camera! Looking forward to more articles and lots of pictures! Enjoy the adventures that will come with the new camera - can't wait to hear about them!

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  3. So excited about both of these!!! They both turned out so cute, and look perfect together. You really have an eye for camera accessories. Now it will be obvious that you a a professional photographer on the prowl for beautiful photos! I noticed that this was featured on the Epiphanie page! Clearly they are a fan of yours as well!

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    Replies
    1. If it weren't for my two photography consultants, I wouldn't even think of owning a camera! :) You both are gems!

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  4. I LOVE that camera strap! I want a skating dress with the same trim please. :)

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    1. Oh that would be beautiful in a skating dress! :)

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  5. I just love this camera bag and strap! You make everything look gorgeous! I don't know how you do it.
    Christy

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    Replies
    1. I certainly get a lot of expert advice -- I love it! :)

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  6. The "A" setting on a Nikon is Aperture Priority not Auto. Aperture Priority is a setting that you should not be ashamed of using especially if you are shooting in constantly changing light.
    Love your Charlotte bag!

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    1. I just love the Charlotte bag, too! Oops -- I meant the "Auto" button -- I am excited to try out the aperture priority setting you mention -- thanks for stopping by!

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  7. I just love the camera strap! I just took an online photography course to learn manual from a professional photographer. Check him out, he is a fantastic teacher! Nick Kelsh - www.going-manual.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Beth,
      Thanks for stopping by! I am just in love with the strap, too! Thanks for the recommendation on the course -- I will check it out!

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