Like all other photographers in the world, at some point in my journey to becoming a photographer, I started getting asked what kind of camera I use.  I’m going to be real with you now and let you know that asking a photographer that is kind of the most annoying thing ever.  Also, it’s the wrong question.  

I know that when I’m asked that, it’s really a complement.  I try to remember that as I’m biting my lip. My friends know it's annoying and it's become a running joke now that I have such an awesome camera.  What it really means is that you like my pictures.  I am honored and flattered that you do, I just wish you’d given me the credit and not my camera.  I wonder if anyone ever asks Chef Gordon Ramsay what kind of pots he uses, hoping to buy those pots and become a five star chef overnight.  

But anyway, since you asked:

I shoot with a Nikon D7100.  

I like it.  It's not the best and I'd love an upgrade but it's a good camera and a big upgrade from the Nikon D3100 I shot with for years.  But, if you've never used a DSLR before, and you aren't already into photography, you'll probably hate it.   So I wouldn't recommend going out and buying it unless you are pretty into photography already.  

So, now that I've answered the question, I'm going to tell you why it's the wrong question to ask if you are truly interested in making your pictures look better.  Actually, a picture is worth a thousand words, so instead of telling you, I'm going to show you.

My husband used my really awesome camera to take this picture.

My husband used my really awesome camera to take this picture last fall of me and my friends.  Do you like it? Yeah, me neither.  I just kept it because it's funny.   Look how nice and sharp that little girl in the pink dress is!  And I love how the tree is growing out of the head of our lovely photo bomber.  

Anyway, so my point is....a camera does not make a picture, a photographer does. I have a long way to go and so many things to learn, but the main point is that I've spent a LOT of time on this.  It's my passion.  I love it and I work hard at it.  My camera is a great tool, but it's just a tool. 

So, what are the right questions to ask if you want to take better pictures of your kids and your life?  Here are a few I can think of off the top of my head. 

• How long have you been shooting?  (I got my first DSLR when my youngest was a baby, so almost seven years.  I pretty immediately fell in love with capturing my kids childhoods.  My pictures sucked though. )
• What is a great book for introductory to photography and just learning how to operate my DSLR?  (Anything by Scott Kelby is great.)
• What is the number one easy thing I can do to take better pictures of my kids?  (Don't shoot down from your normal standing position...get down at their level and fill the frame with their world.)
• What is the best thing I can do to make the most of my families photo session?  (Don't yell at the kids or give cheesy grins...just be real).
• What's the best time of day to take outdoor pictures of my kids? (Just after dawn or just before dusk. Or anytime on a cloudy day.  Harsh sunlight is the worst and causes unflattering shadows.)
• What's your favorite lens?  (I love both my 35 mm and my 85 mm prime lenses).  
• What do you edit with?  (I use Lightroom for 95% of my editing with some occasional photoshop thrown in.  Learning Lightroom is an entire skill on it's own so expect to have to learn it if you are serious.)
• What's a great place to learn more if I am falling in love with photography? (I am falling in love with Clickin Moms University and would highly recommend it.)

I hope I've educated you a little and maybe saved you a little money if you were ready to rush out and buy an expensive DLSR.  Not that I'm saying you shouldn't do that...but only do it if you are really interested in learning. 

And even then...sometimes you don't need a fancy camera to really enjoy shooting.  This is one of my favorite pictures so far this year, and it was taken with my Iphone. 

Not my good camera