Back to Basics - Camera Lenses: A Mom's Guide to Capturing the Moment!
Hey, photography friends! 🎉 I vividly remember when I first stated taking photos how confusing the concept of camera lenses were. There are so many of them and they are so FLIPPING EXPENSIVE!
So today, let's talk about one of the most magical parts of photography - Whether you're chasing your little ones through the park, snapping their sweetest smiles, or capturing the quiet moments (those unicorn moments, right?), the lens you choose can totally transform your photos.
Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
1. The Standard Lens (50mm) - Your All-Around Bestie!
If you’re just starting out or want something simple, the 50mm lens is a must-have! It's often called a "nifty fifty," and it’s fantastic for everyday shots. It mimics what we see with our own eyes, so the photos look super natural.
Perfect for:
Capturing close-ups of your child’s face, hands, or feet (adorable!)
Everyday moments at home
Low-light situations like birthday parties or cozy indoor playtime
💡 Mom Tip: This lens is great for letting in lots of light, which means brighter, crisper photos of your kids without needing to use flash—ideal for when they’re fast asleep, and you don’t want to wake them
2. The Wide-Angle Lens (24-35mm) - Capture the Big Picture!
Got a big family gathering or a beautiful landscape in the background? Wide-angle lenses allow you to fit more into the frame. They're perfect for when you're trying to capture a whole scene, like a day at the beach or a picnic in the park.
Perfect for:
Group shots of all your kiddos (and fur babies, too!)
Family adventures in wide, open spaces
Taking in those gorgeous outdoor backgrounds (think mountains, parks, or beach days)
💡 Mom Tip: Since this lens can make everything look a bit further away, get close to your kiddos for some sweet action shots! Just be aware it might distort things a bit around the edges—sometimes heads look bigger and bodies smaller, which can be pretty funny for playful photos!
3. The Telephoto Lens (70-200mm) - Zoom, Zoom!
Need to capture your little athlete from a distance during a soccer game or your budding artist performing in a school play? Telephoto lenses have got your back! These lenses zoom in on your subject without you needing to move closer.
Perfect for:
Sporting events or outdoor activities where you're watching from the sidelines
Candid shots from far away (great for when your little one is lost in their own world)
Any moment you can’t physically get close, but you want that sweet close-up shot
💡 Mom Tip: Telephoto lenses can make your background look beautifully blurred, which is perfect for making your child the star of the photo! Just be careful—these lenses can get heavy, so a good strap is your best friend.
4. The Macro Lens - All About the Details!
Want to capture the tiny details—those chubby little fingers, wispy baby hair, or that proud display of glittery artwork? The macro lens lets you get super close and still keeps everything crystal clear. This lens is all about the details that often get missed!
Perfect for:
Tiny hands, feet, and baby curls (they grow up too fast, don’t they?!)
Nature walks where your little one is collecting flowers, bugs, or leaves
Craft time! Show off those intricate glitter-glue masterpieces in all their glory
💡 Mom Tip: Macro lenses work best when you're right up close, so it’s perfect for quiet moments or playdates when you can focus on the little things.
5. The Zoom Lens (18-200mm) - Your Do-It-All Hero!
Not ready to carry around multiple lenses? The zoom lens is here to save the day! It's super versatile because it covers a wide range of focal lengths—from wide-angle to telephoto. This makes it ideal for moms who want one lens that can handle a little bit of everything. Fun Fact - this is the first lens I ever purchased for myself✨💕
Perfect for:
Trips where you want to capture both landscapes and close-ups without switching lenses
Running after active kiddos and capturing them at different distances
Everyday use when you need a bit of flexibility
💡 Mom Tip: This is your perfect "day out" lens—whether you're at the zoo, the playground, or a birthday party, it’s ready for action. Plus, you won’t have to juggle multiple lenses while chasing after your little ones!
6. The Portrait Lens (85mm) - Picture-Perfect Smiles!
Want those dreamy, professional-looking photos with the soft, blurry background? The 85mm lens is your portrait pro! This lens is a little tighter in focus, meaning it makes your child stand out beautifully while blurring everything else. It’s especially great for those close-up portraits where you want their sweet face to be the center of attention.
Perfect for:
Birthday portraits
Sweet, quiet moments like reading or cuddling with a favorite toy
Close-ups that capture all the expressions and giggles
💡 Mom Tip: This lens works magic with natural light. Try using it in the golden hour (right after sunrise or just before sunset) for the dreamiest family photos.
7. the Fun Lens - Lensbaby Composer Pro with Optic Swap System!
Okay, mamas, if you’re looking for something to really add fun and creativity to your photos, let me introduce you to the Lensbaby Composer Pro with its Optic Swap System. This lens is a total game changer! It lets you switch out different optics (lenses) to create unique effects, like soft focus, twisty bokeh, or even a super dreamy blur. 🎨✨
This lens is like an artistic playground for photographers. You can tilt the lens to focus on one part of the image, giving it a really cool, out-of-this-world look. It’s perfect when you want to get creative and capture your child’s imaginative play, like building forts or twirling in a tutu.
Perfect for:
Creative portraits that look dreamy and surreal.
Storytelling moments, where you want to highlight the magic of childhood.
💡 Mom Tip: It’s like a toy for your camera, and who doesn’t love a fun toy?! You can change the entire mood of your photos just by swapping out the optic. It’s a must-try for any mom who loves experimenting with her photography!
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Lens for You
As moms, we’re always busy, and juggling a camera with little ones can sometimes feel like a workout. But having the right lens can make all the difference! Start with a lens that feels right for your daily needs, and as you get more comfortable, explore the different options.
Remember, mama—whether you’re using a fancy DSLR or just your smartphone, the most important thing is capturing those precious moments with your kids. So don’t stress about perfection; let your love and their joy shine through in every photo! 📸✨
Now go out there and snap away—you’ve got this! 💕