2022 Camera Gift Picks for New Photographers – Missy’s Good, Better, and Best Picks

The holiday season is upon us, and I get asked every year which cameras are ideal for gifting. I pretty much universally recommend the Canon Rebel series, but this year I am making a change in my recommendation for the first time… ever!

The future of digital photography is in mirrorless cameras, and things have been headed in this direction for quite some time now on the professional level. In the past 1-2 years, there have been several new releases at the hobbyist (crop sensor/affordable) level, including a couple of options from Canon that I can recommend for a beginner. Mirrorless cameras are going to be more expensive, even at the “prosumer” level, but I think it’s worthwhile unless you are really uncertain how committed you are to learning photography.

Mirrrorless cameras have a few significant changes from your traditional DSLR: they incorporate features and technology that you will not see in a regular DSLR (particularly when it comes to focusing technique), there is a learning curve when coming from a traditional DSLR, and mirrorless camera bodies require a new lens mount, meaning your older lenses will work with your new mirrorless camera only with an adapter.

So, it makes sense to start your photography journey with a mirrorless camera since there are different controls and features, and most importantly, any lenses you purchase will be relatively future-proof.

My Picks for Cameras:

  • Good: Entry-level crop-sensor DSLR with EF kit lens (18-35 mm), such as the Canon Rebel T7 or T8i. Skip the two-lens kit with the telephoto lens and save up for a 50 mm 1.8 lens instead. Canon Rebel
  • Better: Mirrorless crop-sensor DSLR, such as the NEW Canon R10 with 24-105 f/4 RF lens and/or 50 mm 1.8 RF lens. Canon R10, my TOP PICK
  • Best: Full-frame mirrorless, such as the Canon EOS R6 with 24-105 f/4 RF lens and/or 50 mm 1.8 RF lens. The semi-pro option, Canon R6. (On a budget but want a full-frame mirrorless camera? Check out Canon RP.)

Companion gifts for giving with a camera:

50 mm (or 35 mm) 1.8 lens, an essential lens for learning photography:

Missy Timko Class Series

Take classes with me to learn all about your new gear! Click here for all the details about my custom, private photography classes.

Click on the image below to see my full range of beginner picks:


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https://kit.co/missytimkophoto/beginner-camera-kit-missy-timko-photography

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Baby James | Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer

Read more about the article Baby James | Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer

This was a very special shoot with baby James Michael, who was born in the winter of 2020. Mom and dad, Kate and Joe, were as hesitant as I was about shooting an in-home newborn session due to the rising COVID numbers in our area. We decided together that the best course of action was to essentially shoot two newborn sessions – one mini shoot outdoors in December and then a more comprehensive newborn shoot a few months later when we all were vaccinated, which ended up being April. This first set of images were shot in December:

covid baby newborn photography shot in front of home with telephoto lens

For the outdoor newborn photos, I used my Canon RF 70-200 2.8 lens, so I was able to maintain some distance from the family but also get those beautiful details on baby James. We lucked out with a somewhat warm December day. I was so happy we got those first days because look how much he changed from December to April!

Can you believe that adorable face? This little guy was so engaged and happy! Our shoot went very smoothly, and I was amazed at how much he had changed.

Below you will find Kate’s birth story and some details about life with a newborn.  

Baby’s Place of Birth: Magee Women’s Hospital

Describe your birth experience.

I think my birth experience was as positive as it could get. I went into labor on my own the day before my induction day at 40 weeks,5 days. It went from 0 to 60 very quickly…meaning I went from thinking I might be having contractions to timing them two minutes apart within 30 minutes.

I was fortunate that my favorite doctor delivered James (Dr. Anne Shaheen is incredible!). She was so supportive and reassuring throughout my entire labor and delivery. I felt like I was in the best care throughout the process and I have happy memories from it. The moment that James was born was an incredible sensation! I felt him leaving my body and becoming his own person in that moment.

Describe life with a newborn. How has your life changed since giving birth? Is it like you expected or totally different?

Life with a newborn was difficult! At first, it was difficult getting to know James and getting to know ourselves as parents. I felt like we had to start from square one and rebuild our lives. However, since we have settled into this process I think our lives are better than ever before. James helps complete our family!

Does baby have siblings or pets? Siblings’ ages? How did they react to baby coming home?

We are very close to my parents’ 12-year-old German Shepherd mix named Jack. Before we had James, he spent about 50% of his time at our house.

Unfortunately, he was originally afraid of James and uncomfortable with the new situation within the “pack.” Now that James is a bit older, he is very interested in Jack. He pets Jack and constantly is checking him out. Jack is starting to come around to James and licked his foot nine times in a row yesterday. I think he might reciprocate the friendship soon.

newborn baby outdoor photos with mom and dad pittsburgh

When did you book your newborn session? Why did you pick Missy Timko Photography?

I booked my newborn session in May 2020 after I exited the first trimester.

I picked Missy because I like her style of photos. I don’t like photos that are super artsy with props. I loved Missy’s natural ability to capture moments between a family. I also like the fact that we are practically neighbors!

How did you prepare for your newborn session? Any tips for new moms regarding newborn photography?
We did a brief newborn session outside right after James was born where I did my own hair and make up. I do NOT suggest this. I did this because of Covid-19 concerns. Get your hair and make up done and relax!

Do you have a favorite image(s) from this session? Describe the image and why you love it.
In our second newborn session when James was four months old, there is a photo of us on our bed looking down at James. This was just a natural pose that we fell into and Missy captured it. I love seeing the love that Joe and I have for James in that photo.

Baby James is a Baby Planner, so I get to see him again in a few months and then again for his first birthday. Looking forward to watching this little guy grow from a baby to a toddler! Learn more about our Baby Plan here.

Missy Timko Photography is a boutique photography studio located in Mt. Lebanon, PA. Missy specializes in children from newborn to senior, families, and adults. Missy’s style is simple, natural, and clean, both posed and lifestyle photography with beautiful natural backdrops, and Missy also has a gorgeous custom studio space in uptown Mt. Lebanon.  There are many session options, from full length custom sessions to quick & easy headshots, inside the studio or outside in a beautiful natural or urban location in Pittsburgh.  Contact Missy for availability.

Zur for Judge | Pittsburgh Family Photographer / Lawyer Branding

Read more about the article Zur for Judge | Pittsburgh Family Photographer / Lawyer Branding

We shot this session for this local DA who is running for judge. Please read all about his campaigns and see how he used the images from this session on his website: https://zur4judge.com.

Name and spouse’s name:  Lisa and Ilan Z

Kids names and ages: Ellie 7, Ben 5, and Jo 3

Describe your kids in 3-5 words, or one sentence each.

Ellie is the best big sister; she is silly and nurturing.

Ben is curious and smart, a sweet boy who loves to play with his sisters.

Jo is all personality and spunk–she makes us laugh every day!

Why did you want to do this photography session? Why did you select Missy Timko Photography?

We have never had professional photos taken until now. We really needed a few pictures of all of us together. As the Mom and usually the family photographer, I wanted a few pictures that I was actually in. I had heard that you were good for headshots (Maureen May) and we needed those as well!

How did you prepare for your family session? Any tips for other parents regarding planning a photography session?

I started with dresses for the girls that I already had. Then I found some coordinating dress shirts for Ben and Ilan. And lastly, I found something in my closet that I loved (the chambray shirt), and I added the leopard pumps.

Do you have a favorite image from this session? Describe the image and why you love it.

I love the family photos. We recently moved to our “forever home” so we really wanted a few pictures of us here. These memories are really priceless. I also love the candid photo of us leaving the Frick Environmental Center and the group shot with the leaves in the background. The colors are just so beautiful.

Anything else you would like to share?

This was a positive experience for us! I always worried about the kids and if they would cooperate while being dressed up, but they really seemed to enjoy it. Ellie loved having her hair styled!

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Missy Timko Photography is a boutique photography studio located in Mt. Lebanon, PA. Missy specializes in children from newborn to senior, families, and adults. Missy’s style is simple, natural, and clean, both posed and lifestyle photography with beautiful natural backdrops, and Missy also has a gorgeous custom studio space in uptown Mt. Lebanon.  There are many session options, from full length custom sessions to quick & easy headshots, inside the studio or outside in a beautiful natural or urban location in Pittsburgh.  Contact Missy for availability.