The Best Way To Practice Taking Pictures With Your DSLR

After about 6 months, when I had decided I was getting pretty serious with blogging, I went out and dropped too much money on a brand new Cannon Rebel T3i. I think a lot of bloggers (like yours truly) go out and do this without realizing that they have no idea how to use the camera. I would imagine many people get frustrated with their new camera and it no doubt begins to collect dust, transforming into a very expensive paper weight. 

Since I first made the purchase I've taken several classes, but if we're being honest, I can't say that is the number one thing that helped my photos. It was changing out the kit lens that helped more than anything

Now it's obvious that I'm not a professional photographer, and I'm pretty sure that if I had to teach someone else how to use a camera, I'd fail at doing so. I do know what has helped me the most along the way though, and that was switching to the Cannon 50mm f/1.8 lens. This lens is actually relatively inexpensive compared to every other lens out there, and is a miracle worker for transforming your photos.

The first time I went out and tried to practice my photos with that new lens, it made a world of difference that I couldn't even believe. The beauty of being a blogger is that you can turn your camera practice adventures into their own blog post. This is a major pro for me, seeing as I seem to go through dry spells on what to post about. I've done posts like this in the past with recap trips to the Dallas Farmers Market and the Botanical Gardens.

You're in luck this time of year though, because you don't even have to leave your house to practice with your camera. The best subject you could possibly practice photographing is sitting in your living room right now... your Christmas tree!

Practice focusing in on specific ornaments, and getting that bokeh in the background from the glow of the lights on your tree. Practicing your photography skills by shooting your tree is a great way to get some beautiful practice shots under your belt, and generate a blog post with several instagram worthy photos too!

Last night I busted out my camera while I was waiting for a pot of water to start boiling.

I only shot for about 15 minutes, but I think I got some cute pictures out of it! Heck, it might even be cute to print pictures like these out and hang on the walls during the holiday season. You could make a cute gallery wall in just a day using the pictures you've taken. 

Tonight, while you're waiting for the water to boil, whip out your camera and practice your photography. I'd love it if you'd tag me on instagram, and use the hashtag #HeresMyTree if you decide to practice on that beautiful tree of yours so that we can all see your work!

Because, what's the point of taking photos if you don't show it off to everyone, right??