My New Camera: a Nikon D5000

We finally did it! I was long due for a new camera. I dreamt of a flash since my house does not receive a lot of natural light. Plus, I often take food pictures when I am cooking dinner. I never developed the reflex to make actual shooting session, probably because I did not have the proper equipment. I do not aim to become a professional photographer. I simply want to create pictures that look great for my blog.

With the trip to Japan, it seems like the right time to upgrade. My husband got his new lenses and I got my flash. I want something that is fairly easy to use and not too heavy. This is why we opt for the Nikon D5000 with a SB-600 flash. When we got home, we found out that the camera has a Food scene setting.

First step

I took this picture to test the food setting while I cooked dinner last night. I am glad that I see a definitive improvement. The colors are more vivid that what I used to get with my old camera.

But there is a lot more that I need to learn to produce stunning food pictures.

Next step

Styling and photography is the ultimate frontier. I know that I am not alone who would like to improve their skills. To get you started, explore the tips and techniques provided on

• A great photography blog called The Still Life
• The Food styling tips that Beatrice Peltre (La tartine Gourmande) shared at BlogHer
• See how I can make my own home photo studio as Helen of Tartelette showed us on My Cooking Hut and the Part 1, Part 2 from Matt of mattikaarts.com – via Decor8
• And do not miss Helene Dujardin’s styling and photography Web site

For one thing, I will see how I can set up a small photo studio in my home. And do not forget, practice makes better.

SOURCING:
+ Digital SLRs at Amazon.com