BY MELISSA GERSTEIN
I have always envied those gorgeous photography shots of children in action. I am in awe of the light and the sharp looking images that grace the walls of many of my friends’ homes. I always ask about their images and how they were able to capture such beautiful moments and they have always said to invest in a good camera.
When my son was born I purchased a used camera, it was an old SLR camera, but I never learned how to fully operate it. Again, my shots were based on luck, most were dark and I was frustrated when I came home with the prints. I have tried for the past 12 years to capture my own children in those fast and full of life moments. I have mostly failed and every now and then I get lucky.
But these days, luck is not just on my side, I have new photo chops with the Canon EOS Rebel SL1. Not only is it light and small enough for my purse but it is also so easy that even a non- savvy photographer like myself can insert the battery and shoot! Not only have I had the best time capturing my kiddos, I am also learning to explore with light and film making too.
When you are a busy working mom of three running a company and running a home you do not have time to sit for hours and learn how something works. The minute I have to read up for hours of instructions or watch video tutorials, I check out. I need immediate action and this camera was the answer.
I find myself staring over and over at my new gorgeous action shots and completely regret not investing in a Canon 12 years ago. I have missed many baby and toddler moments that I can no longer get back. I guess it is a good thing that my mother in law is a camera expert, so I have been able to lean on her for some beautiful photography, however she likes front on smiles and I love all those candid moments.
But now, the future of photography is looking brighter for The Gerstein Family with my new Canon in tow. I am taking it out and snapping away on every occasion I can. I will just have to capture my children in surprise moments now and hide my camera because they all want to use it and join in on the #bringit to life moments with me too.