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The Joy Blog

BUDGET Photography Gear SHOOTOUT | ft. Chelsea Northrup | Ep 9 (2022)

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Wildlife Photography

As a photography enthusiast, I was excited to take on the challenge of the Budget Photography Gear Shootout, where experienced photographers like myself would be given entry-level or outdated gear to see what we could create. The challenge was organized by YouTube's Chelsea Northrup and sponsored by Canon Printers.

I was given the EOS Rebel 10D, a camera I had bought over a decade ago, and a 400mm f/5.6 lens, which is light and sharp but not stabilized. It was a hundred-dollar camera and I was up against photographers with much more expensive gear, but I was ready to see what I could do.

We were given free rein to shoot to our heart's content, and then it was time to edit and print our photos. The audience would then determine which photographer's photo they liked best. Our first subject was wildlife photography, which was definitely out of my element.

Despite having a slower frame rate and buffering issues, I was still able to capture some beautiful images of birds, including a golden bird that stood still for a minute, giving me the chance to find a nice composition. The experience wasn't as stressful as I thought it would be, and it was even more engaging than I had expected. I found myself completely absorbed in the moment, despite having ADHD.

In the end, I was excited to see the results of my photos and to hear critiques from my fellow photographers. Even if I didn't come out on top, I learned a lot about the power of creativity and the ability to make something beautiful, regardless of the gear you have in your hands. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I can't wait to see what other challenges the Budget Photography Gear Shootout has in store.

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Vanessa has been photographing weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle for over 20 years.

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