Wondering what camera to buy?

I get questions about what camera to buy about once a month, and almost without fail at an wedding. I wish there was an easy answer. There isn't, because a lot depends on what you shoot, what you want to be able to shoot, how much you know about photography, and how much you want to spend.

For SLR equipment, I shot Nikon when I was a film user. I have been with Canon since I switched to digital in 2005. I think today, the two are more balanced and either is a great product.

Lenses are more important. In general, I think the body you buy is not as important as the lens. Once you decide on your brand, get the very best lenses you can afford. You may upgrade the body several times over the years, but a great lens can be forever. Canon makes a nice 24-70mm F2.8 which is a great all around lens, particularly for travel. It is not great for portraits. I like to shoot with 85mm or longer for that purpose.

I like the Canon Powershots for pocket sized point and shoot cameras, though I recently switched to a G10 for more control. Eason's Panasonic Lumix is very impressive as well.

I was a very loyal customer of my friend Steven Kay at Lens & Repro on 17th St., NYC since 1988. He has been in business for 41 years and is a true pro. He now sells rare and hard to find cameras, and high end digital for pros. I love these kinds of things, but they are not for everyone.

My best advice: Call Allen in Delaware . I was introduced to Allen, of Allen's cameras near Wilmington several years ago. I like Allen for modern equipment because he knows the cameras well and you won't pay sales tax on your purchase (unless you live in DE). He also has a good range of used equipment, which I buy from time to time. He always gives me good advice, he ships quickly, and I like his prices. He is still building his e-commerce site, so you have to actually call to order.

A MODERN ROMANCE WITH VINTAGE CARS

I always notice a special car at a wedding. Not only are these cars beautiful, but they create a very special space and frame for newlyweds. Far from being just another limousine or a way to get from point A to B, each one of these cars added a little fun and character to the wedding. The point here is all about enjoying the journey, not just the destination. There is something magical about traveling around Paris in a vintage Rolls Royce, Manhattan in a classic Checker Cab, Capri in a racy red Fiat taxi, or the Bahamas in a decked out golf cart! Most of the drivers own the cars, and they, too, are full of amazing stories to tell. I am always grateful if I can hop in the front seat for a ride and take a handful of photos during these intimate journeys.

BOUQUETS FOR BRIDES AND BRIDESMAIDS IN THE HAMPTONS

After hundreds of weddings over two decades, I have never seen the same bouquet twice. This is a tiny selection of beautiful bouquets from May through October weddings over the last couple of years in the Hamptons.

September in Southampton. White roses for the bridesmaids, gardenias for the bride. Flowers by Ron Wendt Design

August in East Hampton. Pink peonies in East Hampton. Amagansett Flowers by Beth


July in East Hampton. Flowers by Ron Wendt Design


October in Bridgehampton. Amagansett Flowers by Beth

Two bridesmaid bouquets. June in Bridgehampton and May in Quogue. Flowers by Ron Wendt Design

Goodbye January?

Where did January go? I have been so busy at the computer and behind the lens that I didn't notice how quickly the days passed. I have redesigned my entire website (only 10 years after putting up the first site!), I have created a new Facebook fan page full of photos, learned all kinds of new photo and computer tricks, and photographed a few fun portraits and events. This Christening took place in the first week of January. Baby Poppy didn't seem to mind the freezing temperatures and was pretty cheerful all day. Her lovely parents Cecilia and Tim are the same couple you might have seen in my Paris wedding photos. I was honored to photograph brother Freddie's Christening last January, so of course I love the continuity of capturing Poppy as an infant as well. I also appreciate the loyalty of Tim and Cecilia, and their continuing support and endorsement of my work. It makes me so happy to see my photographs scattered around their apartment, and to know they will be adding a few more after this event.

Hardly a tear during her Baptism.

Poppy during the service.

Kisses and giggles with dad.

Poppy makes everyone smile.

A little love from bunny and big brother.