Celebrating {Everyday} Special Moments with #CanonL
Last year I was provided with an amazing Canon EOS Rebel SL1 camera which came with the 18-55mm STM Lens. Since that time I have worked hard to learn as many tips and tricks as I can to improve my photography. If you look back at some my posts from 2012 and 2013 you can see the difference that using a Canon DSLR has made. What’s really amazing is that I have never taken a single photography course, so if I can take professional looking photos, you can too!
I am thankful I had the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 from the time Ava was born as I have been able to capture everything in beautiful photos. I am so thrilled with the photos I have taken over the past year that I have started recommending the SL1 to new and expecting mothers! I only wish I had a Canon DLSR when Keira was born.
I was recently upgraded to the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens kit which has become my go-to lens for everything from food photography to special everyday moments with my family. It is an “L Series” lens that has really taken my photography to new heights. It is a Macro Lens which means it is able to capture sharp looking close-ups of tiny subjects.
The Canon L-Series lenses provide amazing optical imaging quality for stunning, professional-quality results whether you are an aspiring amateur or a professional. For me, I have found the Image Stabilization feature of the 100mm L-Series lens to be incredible as far as helping me to capture crystal clear photos at the drop of a hat. Parents often quickly grab their cameras at a moments notice to capture photos of their children. There is no time to setup a tripod and this often results in less than stellar photos. The image stabilization feature is able to easily compensate for shake and the ultrasonic focus motor (USM) provides super quick and really quiet auto-focusing so even first time photographers can capture clear photos.
The 100mm lens takes truly stunning photos in the outdoors. I headed outside with Keira and my husband to take a few quick shots after we had that snow storm a couple weeks back and ended up with some truly gorgeous spur of the moment shots. Each of then are crisp and vivid and capture the moment so perfectly I almost get a shiver just thinking about the cold!
The SL1 does feature a continuous shooting option which is really great for capture children who do not like to just stay still. I was actually able to capture these images in single shooting mode and was surprised with the clarity of each image which is in part due to the perfect lighting but largely because of the capabilities of this lens.
This shot is one of the worst of the series I took as Keira was running straight at me. Nonetheless, I think its still an amazing image.
A couple days later I went out on a mission with my 100 mm lens to see what it could do as far as landscape photography and wanted to take advantage of the recent snowfall. I captured some really great photos and even carried along some of my other Canon Lenses to compare the shots with later (my 15-55mm, 40mm, and my 55-250mm) and was blown away by the difference in quality. While the other lenses did capture some amazing photos the ones I took with the 100mm easily won out.
With a little editing of the original to de-saturate the photo slightly, I ended up with a gorgeous statement piece for my sitting room that looks as clear as life from my favourite shot taken with the L-Series lens. I have resized my photos but the L-series lenses are capable of life-size image reproduction. This means you can take your favourite photos and create large statement pieces that look brilliant.
Here is another shot taken during the same shoot to show what it can do with distance. I am really looking forward to experimenting more with landscapes, especially the next time I do some travelling!
I obviously do a lot of food photography and I cannot recommend this lens enough for those who are serious about their food photography. Whether you are a foodie who loves snapping shots for their instagram feed or a food blogger, this lens truly blows the others out of the water. It creates a wonderful depth of field and really zooms in and captures all the little details for photos so great looking you could almost just eat them up!
The key to good food photography is natural lighting, setting the scene appropriately and of course using the right lens. Many food photographers use the 50mm lens but I find the 100mm lens captures images even more stunning than the 50 mm.
The convenient 100mm focal length of the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens allows for a comfortable shooting distance which means I do not need to be right on top of the food to get closer up shots which can often cause unintended shadows or even reflections.
Instead you get crisp and beautiful magazine worthy shots! Other than resizing, I have not edited these photos in any way. What you see is straight from the camera. Pretty amazing, don’t you think?
Of course, as a Mom most of my photography is focused on my two girls. I love capturing fun moments like this one from our family Christmas dinner where my sister was strumming Ava’s lips. This is one of Ava’s favourite activities so its one of my favourite shots as I will never be able to forget that about her!
I seriously just cannot get over how easy the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens paired with the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 makes taking great photos of children. Looking back at the photos its almost as if I had hired a photographer to our family dinner. I do need to invest in external flash though as low lighting indoors during our Canadian winters make it a bit challenging to avoid grainy photos from using a high ISO.
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens is so versatile. the range of photos it is able to capture beautifully is stunning. Just check out this close up portrait of little Keira, I love this shot, it captures literally every detail of her precious face.
The Bokeh in this shot is really stunning, and bokeh can be difficult to get just right but I have found it almost too easy with the 100mm!
If you are a parent looking to up your photography game I urge you to check out all the creative tips found on BabyMoments.ca for capturing your baby’s most precious memories!
Oh wow, those photos are breathtaking.
BEAUTIFUL photos. You can’t go wrong with Canon!
Oh my goodness, those images turned out incredible! Sounds like I need a new lense!
Those are some great photos! I’m making the jump to a Canon 6D and I can’t wait for it to arrive so I can begin playing around and expanding my photography even further.
Such beautiful pictures, I wish we got snow like that here in Ireland. I only ever use my Nikon or Canon DSLRs for my pictures.
Awesome blog! This was just on time because first I was admiring your photos and I was happy to know you explained the lens you are currently using! I have a Nikon an old boyfriend gave me but I am ready for a canon and I love the lenses you describe. I bookmarked this and hope I can get this camera soon!
Keira is such a little doll. All of your photos really look beautiful!
My husband just got me a Canon EOS REBEL SL1 for our anniversary earlier this month. And after reading your post and seeing your gorgeous photos, I have this itch of getting that macro lens now. LOL. I’ll certainly check that out!
I have this camera/lens too! I am wanting to upgrade to the Canon 5D Mark III but it is so pricey. Maybe soon!
wow, stunning photos. Love that lens. I need to see what the equivalent to my Nikon is.
I love, love Canon and it’s amazing photos. Your little girl is beautiful.
I really enjoyed reading your post and looking at the beautiful pictures you took. I particularly love the outdoor shots in the snow; we’re snowed in right now. Ha! Also you reminded me of my macro lens which I haven’t used in a while. It’s a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens. At the time I bought it, they didn’t the IS version so that’s my next step. I have to admit that I’m spoiled by my lighter weight Canon and so I don’t always use my DSLR. I should use it more this year. 🙂
I am the world’s worst photographer. I am so jealous pf people who “get it,” and can take pictures like this!
I’m still working with either the camera on my smartphone or my Canon Powershot (point and shoot). But it’s a goal of mine to one day own a good Canon camera and really learn how to use it.
These are truly beautiful images. I have just a kit lens and a 50mm, but I totally want the 100mm one day!
Wow! I’ve got to check out these lenses! I’ve been looking for some new lenses for my Canon, and your pictures have sold me!
Omg what fabulously done photos!!!!! You did a really great job capturing the moment:)
Cannon has really great camera’s. The rebel is my favorite. You do really good work with your pictures, love the still lifes.
Canon is super awesome. Look at those shots – its super beautiful and they all came out so perfect too!
I am loving your pictures! I just bought myself a Nikon and am still figuring it out, but the quality of my pictures makes me extremely happy
I have a Canon Rebel and love it. My hubby bought me some cool lenses but I haven’t been able to find the time to use them yet. Your pictures are beautiful.
Pictures say a 1000 words and yours says that and so much more! Canon is definitely a great brand with awesome quality.
These are amazing photos. I have the same camera, but I need the 100 lens.
Your pictures are amazing! I have a canon too, and want to get a macro lens set!
These photos are totally amazing! What an awesome device!
These photos are totally amazing! What an awesome device!
If that last shot in the series (wearing purple) was the worst, you really did get a good photo run. That picture’s gorgeous. They all are, and I love that red dress!
These images are stunning! I’m always looking to up your my photography game so I’ll definitely be checking out BabyMoments.ca!
I always drool when I see your photos of food. Your photos are magazine quality and I bookmark your recipes to try!
What nice photo’s. You have a great eye! The baby is so adorable!
I go back and look at my photography from when I had a cheapie point and shoot, and just cringe. A good camera with good lenses is a must for quality photos. Yours are stunning!
You are a great photographer! These photos are blowing me away. The clarity is outstanding!
Those are beautiful!
I have a Nikon DSLR and am amazed at the different a great-quality camera can have on the pictures one takes!
I just bought a new Canon point & shoot camera. I’m still learning my way around it.
Oooh so pretty! I’m jealous! I want a new lens sooo bad! I’ll be getting a new one soon! #TeamCanon
Your photos are beautiful and the kids are gorgeous. I need a new camera so I can capture special moments more clearly.
I need to figure out how to take better pictures with my camera. I think I have options to take magazine worthy pictures but I just don’t know how to do it.
These photos are amazing. I love how clear they are. I am excited to get a new camera.
Wow, this lens is amazing. The pictures are absolutely gorgeous, not to mention the cuties in them.
I bought a great DSLR camera a few months ago an still haven’t gotten into using it. I struggle with taking great photos. You have inspired me
Yes I can see the difference between the Canon and my own camera – I do have an older Canon – and my hubby as an older yet Nikon – we used to enter photo contents regularly – so I enjoyed your photo layout
Great shots! Love the bench photo you printed and hung! It’s perfect!
Those are amazing pictures! That lens does seem to make a big difference! I really need to learn how to better use my camera other than just using the auto feature.
What beautiful photos, I love the moments you captured. So special, and I also want that lens!!
Those photos are fan-freaking-tastic! I mean, they are gorgeous. They’re crisp and clean, and you have such an eye!
Your photos are BEAUTIFUL!!!!! You are a great photographer! I’m still trying to improve in this area!
These pictures are so good! You are quite the photographer.
great pictures…really love them
Photography is one of my favorite hobbies. I love seeing other people’s great pictures.
These are some really amazing photos! I will have to look into buying me one of those lenses!
So fun for you to have a camera you love! We splurged on one a year ago that I have not fallen in love with. Saving now to buy a better lens. Thanks for showing me what you love about this one.
Those are some fabulous pictures. I think I especially like the one with the bench.
I NEED that lens. Man, why does it have to be so amazing? Your pictures are beautiful. I also loved that you were able to create your own wall art.
I have the Canon Rebel T3i and now a new Nikon, I need to figure out which one I like the best, so I can then upgrade the lens! I love Photography! Great Photos!
I just love the pics. Such great clarity.
Your pictures turned out fabulous. I really need a better camera. My blurry phone photos get annoying. Nobody can move or they come out junk.
All the pictures are wonderful. I need to look into getting a new camera. It will definitely be a Canon.
This is amazing information! I am about to embark on my first big camera purchase, so this post came right at the time when I needed it! Your pictures look phenomenal!
Wow! How gorgeous and clear are those photos! That’s incredible. I need a dslr
I’ve decided it’s an item I must get soon. This takes amazing photos!
Such beautiful photos! I need to get a new camera!
Wow! All that food looks great. Thanks for sharing. Awesome pics too!
I really want to get a Canon or Nikon this year. I think photo makes all the difference for bloggers like us. I have a nice camera, but not nearly the quality of this.
these are such amazing photos. I am sure the camera is great but you have an amazing eye.
Those are some great candid shots.. I like how the snow is taller then her.. oh wait i dont like snow like that.. lol.. its a great experience for them to see so much snow!
Omg I am so impressed with those photos
These are all such great photos. I especially love the food photography.
what amazingly beautiful photos!!! You also have some super gorgeous littles
… Just saying lol
What great photos! I’d love to own a camera of this quality someday.
The photos are turning out great! We got a new Nikon last year and love it!
I love Canon and I’ve been looking and wondering what kind of lens to get. I got the Rebel T5i DSLR for Christmas 🙂
I mostly use my phone for photos. I’ve been wanting to get a really good camera and lenses like you. Maybe for my birthday!
Beautiful pictures. Your daughter is beautiful. I really like the picture of the bench hanging on the wall.
Those really are beautiful, clear and crisp photos you took with your new camera! I can see why you would recommend it to your friends and family and all the other new Mom’s out there!
Everything is so crispy looking! The visual textures are well defined, too. I think a 100mm is next on my wishlist! 🙂
I have been wanting a DSLR and when I finally do get one, it will be a Canon.
You are making me want a new camera!! I have 3 of them but none of them do as great a job as yours.
I love your pictures of nature and especially of your sweet and pretty little girls. The Canon camera, in your hands, is certainly a wonderful way to make memories and even to add interest to your walls.
Thanks Elva!
Beautiful photos! The ones of you girls are just gorgeous. (And your statement piece turned out amazing… it looks awesome on your wall!) It’s my dream to have an L-series lens one day. 🙂
Thanks! They are definitely worth the investment.
Elizabeth, the photos you took are AMAZING!!! Love that you were able to create your own artwork for your living room, BEAUTIFUL shot!!! I must add that I LOVE all your food photography! You have such an eye for composition!
P.S. So happy you found a lens that’s perfect for you! 🙂
Thanks so much Christine! I really couldn’t be happier with this lens, its pretty much the perfect lens for me!