Buying a Camera

DAMARIS (QUESTION):
I’m really into photography and want to get into the field of photography and become a photographer one day. I was hoping you could tell me about a great camera I can purchase. I feel that I’m ready to actually hold a camera of mine and get out there and make special moments with just a click of a button. You inspired me a lot and I give you and thanks for everything you have helped us out with. I hope you will be able to respond back.
Love, Damaris

PHILLIP VAN NOSTRAND (ANSWER):
Nice to hear from you, Damaris! Thanks for saying hi and writing to me. I’ll tell you a secret about buying a camera: I buy ALL of my gear (cameras, lenses, computers, camera bag, etc) used on Craigslist. If you are buying a camera for the very first time, a Canon Rebel is a great first camera, and you can search for that on Craigslist. I don’t know how much you have to spend, but you can find a decent Canon Rebel for around $200-500 on Craigslist. The nice thing about Craigslist is you can try out the equipment in person, before you buy it. Bring along a friend who knows something about cameras to help you out if you are unsure about anything.

I love that you want to “get out there and make special moments with just a click of a button!” That should be your tagline. Talk to you soon- Don’t be afraid to ask me any questions at all, ever.

Pro tip: Search in a major city near you. Search daily. Great deals come to those who wait.

$$$ TIP:

If you are smart about your purchases, you can save yourself literally thousands of dollars when starting up your business, especially when it comes to buying a camera. I have a mentor whose biggest regret when starting his photography business was going into debt at the beginning by purchasing a ton of new equipment he thought he needed.