Beginner Photography Tips from Kris, Cult Leader of 'The Hood'!


One of the biggest misconceptions in photography is thinking you need the latest most expensive camera to take better photos. It's not always the latest technology that will get the job done best. You’ll get far better images investing in good quality glass (aka lenses) than buying the latest super expensive professional camera body with a crappy kit lens. Buy good glass!!! If budget is tight spend on the lens not the camera body!

The Big Lightbulb Moment in My Port Macquarie Women’s Only Photography Classes


In week one of my Get Off Auto Photography Workshops we learn the three core elements of photography:

  • Aperture
  • Shutter Speed
  • ISO

And this is where the lightbulb moment happens…We learn that Aperture — the thing that creates that dreamy blurry background goodness in images— is controlled by the lens, not the camera body! Suddenly everyone realises why their little kit lens struggles to create beautiful soft background blur.  By week two of my photography workshops I’m already hearing: “Kris I’m buying new glass!”

Young girl with snow on her face smiling outdoors in winter, wearing a dark fur-trimmed jacket.

It's not always the fanciest gear that gets the job done! Shot by Kris from Kristen Shaw Photography in Cambodia 2026.

The Lens That Changed My Life…ok a wee bit dramatic!


I started photography 18 years ago with a basic kit lens like everyone else. But very early on I invested in a ‘Nifty Fifty’ a 50mm f/1.8 prime lens and WOW it changed my life! I could suddenly create soft blurry backgrounds, shoot in lower light and get that dreamy look I’d been chasing. Same camera body. Same person behind the camera. Just better glass!


An older camera with a good lens will often create nicer images than the latest mirrorless camera paired with a kit lens. I occasionally shoot on my old Nikon D90 camera (my second ever DSLR camera) paired with a 17-year-old ‘Nifty Fifty’ (50mm f/1.8 prime lens) — and she still creates beautiful images with gorgeous soft background blur.  You could pick this camera and lens up now for under $350. I once betrayed my old girl and tried to sell her, I got 18 offers and refused the lot of them (much like the house in The Notebook). Turns out I’m too emotionally attached. It was the camera and lens that made me fall in love with photography! My husband seems to think I don’t need 9 cameras. What I don't need is...

A young girl runs joyfully down a lush tropical garden path, arms raised holding a ribbon, wearing a white romper.

I'm keeping the kid and the cameras...just kidding Rodgie I dont know how to mow the lawn. I need you! xxx

Photography Classes for Women — Without the Technical Overwhelm


One of the biggest things I hear from women joining my beginner photography class is that they’ve tried learning photography and ended up completely overwhelmed.  That’s exactly why I created this course! My women-only Port Macquarie photography classes are taught simply. No confusing camera talk, we are focused (see what I did there) on learning how to take beautiful creative photographs. There are no classroom vibes. Just a small group of women connecting around a long table, learning together in a relaxed and supportive environment with good food and a stunning tablescape. Is it even a workshop if it's not pretty?


You’ll learn how to go from shooting in auto, to semi-automatic modes where you have some basic control, right through to full manual mode where you have complete creative control over your camera. No more standard “tourist shots” on auto mode!

Elegant wooden table with white pillar candles, floral arrangements, and wine bottle shelving in a cozy wine bar setting.

Because if your workshop doesn't have pretty things to photograph is it even a workshop? Shot by Kris from Kristen Shaw Photography at Florence Jones in Port Macquarie 2026.

Want to Learn How to Shoot on Manual Mode in Port Macquarie?


My Get Off Auto Photography Workshop is perfect for ladies still shooting on auto mode wanting more creative control. I'll be releasing another workshop date soon. If you’re interested in nabbing a spot (limited to 8 people max), shoot me a message and I’ll pop you on the waiting list and send you the info prior to releasing the workshops publicly. More info on the workshops can be found here.

The Shutter Sisterhood


If you’re thinking about getting into photography, you love photography (even if you shoot on your phone) or want more creative control of your DSLR or mirrorless camera, join The Shutter Sisterhood or The Hood as we like to call it - sounds more gangster! The Shutter Sisterhood is a women-only photography community offering relaxed workshops, trips, creative events and a supportive space to connect with like-minded female photographers we have from phone photographers right through to professional photographers in the group. Follow The Shutter Sisterhood on Instagram, and if you’d like to hear about upcoming trips, workshops and events, you can join for free here and I’ll keep you updated via email.


Kris X

Kristen Shaw Photography 

Kris is a Port Macquarie Commercial Photographer | Kristen Shaw Photography


Kris is a Port Macquarie photographer and the owner of Kristen Shaw Photography. Based on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Kris specialises in commercial photography, business branding photography, boutique accommodation and Airbnb photography and food photography. She works with businesses throughout Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Kempsey, South West Rocks, Crescent Head, Forster, Taree and beyond, helping brands tell their story through natural, authentic imagery. Kris is also the founder of The Shutter Sisterhood, a supportive women's photography community, and regularly teaches photography workshops designed to help women gain confidence behind the camera.


Black and white photo of a woman presenting to a small audience in a rustic indoor venue with exposed brick walls.

Some of the Shutter Sisters - We have over 80 members and growing!

NOTE:


The information in this post is general advice and wont suit everyone. It will depend what you like to shoot as to what camera and lens is best for you. I would always recommend talking to the lads at Coffs Camera House (Port Macquarie doesn’t have a dedicated camera store) and seeking their opinion. Tell them what you are interested in photographing and they will point you in the right direction. The guys have a combined 100+ years of experience in photography retail and are all professional photographers. In my opinion, you wont find better camera advice anywhere! You can learn more about the lads in this post I wrote on What Camera Should I Buy?