On Making Big Purchases and Investing in Yourself

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Sorry to have been oh so dramatic and mysterious about the big new purchase I posted about a few weeks ago – in case you haven’t already guessed – it’s a new camera! I decided to finally take the plunge and invest in the one I’ve been wanting for years, a Canon 5D Mark III. It’s less of just a “new camera” and more of a foray into a new world of photography, because I made the jump from a crop sensor to a full-frame camera. The difference has to do with the size of the sensor and therefore what the lens is able to capture – this article gives you an easy to understand explanation. My friend Kate (who shot my first home tour and who is the most talented photographer in the world, I am convinced) was encouraging me to do this wayyy back when, and of course now I completely understand why. As my other friend Will (another crazy talented photographer) said, it’s a game changer! (Well to me it is, possibly no one else can even tell the difference :).

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In addition to the new camera, I’ve made the switch from using a zoom lens to shooting with prime lenses, which are lighter in weight and produce higher quality images (I shot the photos in this post with my 50mm and I also have a 35mm for wider shots). I’ve also switched from shooting in JPEG to now shooting in RAW (which gives you more control over editing). So I’ve made a lot of changes and I couldn’t be happier about hopefully taking my photography game to the next level.

Before this I was shooting with a Canon Rebel, which is a great starter camera and one that (silly as it sounds), I feel a little sentimental to see go as it went everywhere with me for the last few years! I’m selling the kit on Ebay at half retail if you guys are interested in a starter camera – I especially loved the lens which was very all-purpose (RIP, my friend!).

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This is a really exciting upgrade for me but it took me a long time to feel like it was the right thing to do, even though I’ve been doing photography for years now. The truth is, I always felt like I couldn’t spend the money on a full-frame camera unless my blog got “big.” Because if my blog was “big,” I would somehow be justified in having the best equipment. Almost like how a wedding photog is justified in having the best, because that’s their livelihood. But I think there’s a flaw in that logic. What was I really saying to myself? That because my blog isn’t “big,” I don’t deserve to have the best equipment?

Randomly enough, it was a brunch with my friend Will that changed my mind. He asked me about what I shoot with, and I told him how much I’ve always wanted to upgrade to full-frame….and he of course (like Kate), was like, you totally should! And as we talked something just clicked in my head – I don’t even know what it was, but I just realized, I could do this. I should do this. I’ve wanted to for so long…maybe all of the things that were holding me back don’t actually matter as much as I thought they did.

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I was still hemming and hawing a bit, and it was a conversation with my Dad that really made me feel good about going ahead with making such a big purchase. He reminded me that I’ve been doing photography for a long time, and it’s obvious that it’s not some fleeting thing that I’ll be losing interest in anytime soon (or ever). He told me I deserve to have the camera I want – which is something I had trouble believing in or telling myself. 

To be honest, sometimes I do feel guilty for all the money I’ve spent on my blog – the redesign, the backend stuff, the social media scheduling apps, the camera equipment, the hosting fees…blogging is expensive! But if I really think about it, that’s probably the best money I’ve spent over the years. My blog is the only thing I have that I’ve built, from the ground up, and I’m really proud of that. And as my Dad reminded me, you do need to invest in yourself and what you love, and you are justified in doing that. It really really meant a lot to me to hear that from him.

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When I did finally make the decision to upgrade I thought about getting the Canon 6D, which is Canon’s less expensive full-frame option, but then I decided to just go for it and get the one I really wanted (the Mark III). The reasoning behind that was that I feared after a few more years I’d want to upgrade again, so I figured ya know what, just avoid that and get the best one now (and it’s not even the actual best camera out there…I mean you can really go nuts on camera equipment!). Have you guys ever done that thing where you try to get the less expensive version of something, and then later you wind up just buying the one you really wanted anyway? Yeah, I’ve done that too many times so I decided to follow that old adage of just buy quality, buy once (not that the 6D isn’t quality, but you get my drift).

The minute I got my new camera I knew I made the right decision – I practically ripped the box apart I was so excited! I felt like a little kid on Christmas – honestly can’t remember the last time I was that psyched about something I’d bought…and once I started shooting with it I knew without a doubt that I had done the right thing. It’s an amazing camera and such a pleasure to shoot on a full-frame.

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On a related note, I’ve gotten a few photography questions lately from readers (a few of which I will be answering in tomorrow’s Blogging Behind the Scenes post) and wanted to let you guys know that I’m available for photography sessions and lessons if you’re interested! I’m happy to do in-person teaching sessions if you’re local in NYC, or Skype sessions if you’re in a different location.

So if you just bought a DSLR and you’re looking to learn how to use it, or you’re looking to learn about different types of lenses and cameras in order to figure out what to invest in, or you need to know about photo editing and how to use Lightroom – get in touch because I would love to set up a session with you! Additionally, if you’re in NYC and need images shot for your blog (interiors, portraits, outfit photos), I’m available for that as well and would absolutely love to work with you – and since this isn’t my full-time gig, my rates are very reasonable ;).

Have you made an investment in yourself or your business? Was it nerve-wracking or an easy decision to make? I’d love to hear from you guys!

photography by Jacqueline Clair 

Leave a Comment

  1. Hi! I love this post. I feel the same way about making big purchases — even if you know it’s worth it, it’s easy to go back and forth on it for a while. I recently replaced my nearly six year old computer that was big, clunky and slow. I had been thinking about it for months and randomly took the plunge one weekend. I’m SO happy I did it — it’s lighter, works better, and is just much better suited to my post-college needs. I hope you LOVE your new camera, it’s the best when you get something you really love (and know you’ll have forever.)

    I actually have a question on full frame vs. zoom. Do your old lens from your rebel work on this camera? Or does it need new lenses that are full-frame specific? (I have a Rebel too!)

    Love the post! x Diana

    Published 9.27.16 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      I hesitated for a long time to replace my computer too, and now I can’t imagine not using a Mac…talk about a good investment!

      Great question about the lenses. So when it comes to Canon, anything that’s an EF lens will work on both full-frame and crop sensor, whereas EF-S lenses will ONLY work on crop sensor (like the Rebel). So if you think you might upgrade to full frame in the future, it’s a good idea to just cough up the extra money for an EF lens. My 50mm happened to be EF and was the first I bought for my Rebel, so I’m still using that. My zoom lens was EF-S which is why I’m selling it! So I at least didn’t need to buy a new 50mm, but I did buy the 35mm for a wide angle option. Hope that helps!

      Published 9.27.16 · Reply
      • So helpful! Thanks so much (and loved your photography tips post from today!)

        Published 9.28.16 · Reply
  2. Ali wrote:

    Good for you!! And great pic!!

    Published 9.27.16 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      Thank you!

      Published 9.27.16 · Reply
  3. Congrats on your upgrade! I love that you said “you do need to invest in yourself and what you love” because sometimes I feel guilty about spending money on my blog stuff too.

    Published 9.27.16 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      Thanks Krystal. I definitely feel guilty at times but then it also gives me extra motivation to keep going and working hard on the blog, so that’s something to keep in mind too!

      Published 9.27.16 · Reply
  4. Hi Jackie!
    Congratulations on your Mark III. That is what I shoot with too and it is an amazing camera. I see this photo you took of the Flatiron building…so I will be purchasing that and the other print from your etsy shop!
    You totally deserve it! Have a great day!

    Published 9.27.16 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      Thank you Melissa! You inspired me to get out there and try my hand at shooting the Flatiron building 🙂

      Published 9.27.16 · Reply
  5. Dale Howard wrote:

    I’m so glad I read this today! I love your lifestyle Jackie! You TOTALLY deserve EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL!
    I’m having trouble believing I deserve certain things myself. I’m getting to know people who are life affirming like you, and it’s been a tremendous help for me breaking out of old mind patterns.
    Keep on loving yourself and keep us informed with this terrific blog!

    Published 9.27.16 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      So nice of you Dale, thank you!

      Published 9.27.16 · Reply
  6. Jackie, so happy for you and your new purchase. Good for you for investing money in something that your are truly passionate about . It’s definitely worth it! and your pictures look better than ever!

    Have fun using your new camera!

    I might take you up on the lessons over skype. 🙂

    Published 9.27.16 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      Thank you Maria, I really appreciate you saying that! Let me know if you’d like to work together, would be so fun! xo

      Published 9.27.16 · Reply
  7. katie wrote:

    Jackie, LOVE this post! The photography and lighting is excellent. You clearly have a ton of talent, and you should be proud to invest in yourself! Of course, I was also so glad to hear that your blog design is one thing you’re glad you invested in ;]. Thanks again for all your help this weekend! XOXOXO

    Published 9.28.16 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      Thank you so much Katie! Excited for you 🙂 xoxo

      Published 9.28.16 · Reply
  8. Cara wrote:

    Good for you, Jackie! How exciting!! You should be very proud of your purchase and your blog 🙂 I have followed your blog for years and just love it!! I’m a nursing student and find it encouraging how you still have made time to enjoy everything else you love (sometimes I used to feel guilty for indulging in my other interest like fashion, books, etc. and not all things school related) but you have a created a beautiful outlet and that is so inspiring 🙂 Enjoy your new camera!

    Published 9.29.16 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      I’m so glad you enjoy the blog, Cara, thank you. It’s great to have a creative outlet – never feel guilty for that! Good luck with nursing school!

      Published 10.3.16 · Reply