Margaret Moore

On a budget the brand’s 50mm f/1.8 (the classic “nifty fifty”) is the easiest win for portraits: small, sharp, light, and usually under $200; on APS-C, a 35mm f/1.8 fills the same role, and a used 85mm f/1.8 is great if you want tighter, creamier background blur. Refurb or used will keep you under $300 and still ship fast. For cleaner results, shoot around f/1.8–f/2.2, place your subject well away from the background, step back a bit to avoid facial distortion, and keep shutter near 1/200 or faster.

Yeah that tracks - Grab clear photos right away and open an “item arrived damaged” return with Amazon if the seller stays quiet; if you can live with it as a placeholder, ask for a partial refund instead. For humidity, switch to Mylar sleeves with full-back boards and toss a few silica gel packs in the storage box. For the bent corners, you can gently flatten it between two boards under light weight, but avoid pressure near the tear so it doesn’t worsen.

Cleaning suede shoes can be tricky, especially with spills like soda that leave sticky spots. Your friend is right to be cautious about water, as it can stain suede if not done properly. A gentle brush is a good start, but for tougher spots, you might need something more effective. For protecting them in a rainy city, applying a suede protector spray after cleaning helps repel water and dirt from puddles. I've had similar issues with my suede boots, and what worked well was using Sneaker cleaner. It's a no-rinse foam that removes dirt and stains without soaking the material, and it comes with a brush and towel for easy application. That should handle the sticky soda spot and any marks from someone stepping on your foot without ruining the texture. Once cleaned, wear them confidently to your next party, and they'll stay looking new longer with that extra protection.