blueform

Just to reiterate, in my opinion if you elect not to include square compositions in your coverage than you are seriously limiting you and your clients end product.

James

The problem with digital is the aspect ratio.

When i show a client a 8*8 print along side a 8*6 they always prefer the 8*8.

Assuming the majority of digi shooters are not using square sensors thier composition choices are limited.

I think its a nonsense to squeeze all the images into either upright or view, in my opinion it`s not giving the client a proper coverage.

I always explain this to clients and they see the benefits straight away. Big selling point.

So at the moment i shoot both

Just waiting until hassleblad prices come down !

James.

Still shoot weddings on medium format, just use the 7d for candids,

so can`t advise on photo shop.

Try a drop of a angel dust !

James.

Hi Robert,

i usualy use a Bronica sqa am + 80mm and 150mm, plus Mamiya 55mm 80mm 105mm.

The 105mm 3.5 is excellent for formal portraits,not as sharp as the 150mm but the 105mm just has a nicer look. Thats the point.

I think candids that are a little soft can add to the pics appeal.

Therefore fast glass, circular apertures,big money is not always the answer to better pictures.

It`s what works for you.

Reliability is another issue.

Regards Jim

Hi

at present iam using Minolta dynax 7d with a sigma 18-50mm 2.8 II for candids

at weddings, alongside my med format.

Its not long enough for tight portraits,so i am thinking of purchasing minoltas

budget 18-70 mm f3.5-5.6 lens.

Anyone had use of this lens and is it up to the job.

Thanks,

James

Thanks for the info.

Regards,

James

Has anyone used the 75mm to 300mm d f4.5.6 minolta zoom.

�139.00 seems a good price but does it perform well.

Regards,

James

Go buy it now!

I purchased a 7d back in August.

And shoot candids at weddings along side my medium format.

I coupled the body with a Sigma 18-50 F2.8 ex dc and so far have had no problems.

In my opinion it is the best 6mp on the market by along way.

It does not look or feel like it has just come out of a jeely mould and all the important bits are quick to access.

The kit cost me �900.OO back in August!

Dream machine, go buy one.

James.<div></div>

Take a look at the Y-pod.

James.

Just bought a Minolta Dynax 7 with built in stabilizer and coupled it with a sigma 18 -50 f2.8 ex d.

Total costs ?997.00.

I used it for candids at a wed last saturday.

Great camera, does not look like it has just fell out of a jelly mould, all the important bits at hand plus high key and low key settings !

2" monitor, spot meter, manual/auto focus at the thumb tip.

i looked at the 20d and felt the extra pixs were not an issue.

Anyone else using 7d at weds.

James

I always make sure i am on the grooms right side.

That way you are able to capture the brides expression, also get there before the video guy.

Remember possesion is nine tenths of the law.

James

Here is my answer to improve long lens stability.

Put a 7d on top of this and you will be shooting at 1 sec.<div></div>

I think the 7d is worth the extra regardless of the i s system.

Its just a better all round camera.

Ergonomics,style,function, innovation, the rest look and feel like they have come out of a jelly mould.

James

Hi Reuben,

if three photographers present their work to a client, assuming their work and prices are similer the guy with the selling /closing skills will always come away with the deposit and contract on the day.

Presentation and selling skills are a key issue maybe this might open an area of discussion that would benefit all.

Jmaes

When you look through a square view finder yuo have four options.

Square, landscape, Portrait, Circular.

The way i work is to visualise a implied line around the subject and then shoot accordingly.

By limiting yourself to landscape / portrait you are compromising your pictures and particularly in the case of weddings the customer.

James

Marc,

i think you should write a book on Photography, i`m sure it would become a best seller.

In the meantime for all those who are not familiar with the rudiments

and want to avoid ps for the right reasons, get a copy of Andreas Fenninger, the Complete Coulor Photograper.

I read this book 25 years ago,I think it covers pretty much of what is being discussed here and a great deal more.

James.

Dave,

forget about the fast lenses and technical issues.

They are going to be the least of your concerns.

Concentrate on the practical aspects and ask yourself how you could benefit from a tripod during a wedding shoot.

I am sure you could discover at least three reasons where a tripod would improve your wedding coverage.

Regards

James.

I am still shooting Bronica Sqa am for the formals and c330s with 80 and 105mm during the service.

Sometimes all on the Mamiya with prism + quick release, depends on the wedding.

I think the square neg is essential for the compositional options.

To shoot the whole wedding with the letter box format compromises

to many pictures.

I refuse to work for any studios that crop everthing to 6x4.5.

Its just not giving the client all the options and limits your own picture taking oppurtunities.

This view will no doubt raise a few eyebrows but i think it is a good talking point.

Regards,

James