Yes! I personally love the 50mm (that's what I have) but I really want to get a 28mm or 35mm for something more wide out to play around with. Ask yourself this... do you want something that takes really beautiful, editorial shots or do you want more of a photojournalistic feel to it? If you want something more beautiful, editorial (with the dreamy blurry background) get the 50mm to start with. If you want something more photojournalistic feeling, go with the 28mm. Also, make sure you get a Canon FD lens. Those are compatible with the canon ae-1! DM me some photos when you start shooting if you remember, would love to see what lens you choose and what you make with it :)
Ohhh I'm so excited for you. Have you been shooting film regularly for your clients? When I used to shoot births I was always dreaming for that unicorn labor that would happen during the day time/natural light hours lol but alas, every time I was shooting film it was always at the hospital in the middle of the night. I found Kodak 3200 to be very helpful (and Kodak TriX disposables for when baby was born and everyone was more comfortable with a flash popping off)
My biggest struggle is that the moments I want to capture w my kids happen so fast there isn't time for this. If I pause to use the light meter (I was using the app), by the time I pick up my camera the moment is gone. These candid moments are truly what I love to capture so it's tricky!
I so get that. And it really is a challenge when you’re building muscle memory for your camera.. eventually you get better at it but it’s a skill working toward that. I just tried shooting with the canon ae-1 and I found myself quickly frustrated because I was missing cute moments (because I was so new to the camera and my hands didn’t have the muscle memory to focus quickly!) While you’re working up that skill, I’ve found it takes a lot of intentionally slowing down and knowing how to anticipate a moment! Which sounds odd when we think about capturing quick moments but so legit.
I have been shooting film for a couple if years now! But I am constantly trying to learn new things and improve my images (because like you said, it's too expensive to make too many mistakes!). I have been adding it to my offerings for clients as well which has been an exciting new venture!
Can you recommend a great lens for the canon ae-1? Thanks for all of your helpful tips!
Yes! I personally love the 50mm (that's what I have) but I really want to get a 28mm or 35mm for something more wide out to play around with. Ask yourself this... do you want something that takes really beautiful, editorial shots or do you want more of a photojournalistic feel to it? If you want something more beautiful, editorial (with the dreamy blurry background) get the 50mm to start with. If you want something more photojournalistic feeling, go with the 28mm. Also, make sure you get a Canon FD lens. Those are compatible with the canon ae-1! DM me some photos when you start shooting if you remember, would love to see what lens you choose and what you make with it :)
This is such valuable information, thank you! I’m a birth doula so being able to nail exposure in often very low light would be a dreeaaaam to learn!
Ohhh I'm so excited for you. Have you been shooting film regularly for your clients? When I used to shoot births I was always dreaming for that unicorn labor that would happen during the day time/natural light hours lol but alas, every time I was shooting film it was always at the hospital in the middle of the night. I found Kodak 3200 to be very helpful (and Kodak TriX disposables for when baby was born and everyone was more comfortable with a flash popping off)
My biggest struggle is that the moments I want to capture w my kids happen so fast there isn't time for this. If I pause to use the light meter (I was using the app), by the time I pick up my camera the moment is gone. These candid moments are truly what I love to capture so it's tricky!
I so get that. And it really is a challenge when you’re building muscle memory for your camera.. eventually you get better at it but it’s a skill working toward that. I just tried shooting with the canon ae-1 and I found myself quickly frustrated because I was missing cute moments (because I was so new to the camera and my hands didn’t have the muscle memory to focus quickly!) While you’re working up that skill, I’ve found it takes a lot of intentionally slowing down and knowing how to anticipate a moment! Which sounds odd when we think about capturing quick moments but so legit.
This is so helpful! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Oh I'm so happy!! Have you been shooting film already or thinking about getting started?
I have been shooting film for a couple if years now! But I am constantly trying to learn new things and improve my images (because like you said, it's too expensive to make too many mistakes!). I have been adding it to my offerings for clients as well which has been an exciting new venture!
Oh I love that you’re working up to shooting film with clients!
Thank you, really helpful Suzy!