richard___7

<p>May your holiday be filled with peace, happiness and good cheer.</p>

<p>Best wishes for a safe and prosperous 2012.</p>

<p>Richard</p>

<h1>There's no such thing as an ugly bride...</h1>

<p>You obviously have not watched "Bridezillas" on WETV!<br>

"Ugliness" is not just a "physical" appearance, but a "spiritual" one. It has been said, "As a man (woman) thinketh, so is he (she)." It's very difficult to "disguise" your true self. If you're "ugly" on the inside, it'll express itself outwardly eventually. "Bridezillas" is a perfect example of this.</p>

<p>Outstanding! Proof positive that a lot can be done with so little!</p>

<p>Thanks for sharing,</p>

<p>Richard</p>

<p>I'd encourage you to check-out Will Crockett at SHOOTSMARTER.COM. He has some excellent camera/lighting info that speaks directly to your question, especially with the use of Quantum equipment. Much of what you'll need is FREE, but his DVDs are worth the investment (should you be interested).</p>

<p>Richard</p>

<p>Mark:</p>

<p>You shouldn't be angry; maybe a little disappointed. I can appreciate your wanting to capture the spontaneity of those singular moments, but the bride chose this church and should have been given instructions by the priest BEFORE the date and she should have communicated the "rules" to you.</p>

<p>Have you ever wondered why many ministers are so adamant about "no photographs?" I have asked and found "the enemy is us!" Photographers and guests have turned this sacred ceremony into a sideshow! One priest told me of a photographer actually jumping over the altar railing to "get a shot!" A rabbi lamented about a photographer intruding under the chuppah "for a closer look!" Often, we are our own worst enemy.</p>

<p>I always make a habit of informing the bride that "I respect and follow the photographic limitations of their officiant, whether I agree with them or not." My position is further confirmed in a letter I send to the minister, introducing myself as the "official photographer" for the couple. I reiterate this before the ceremony, if we have not met previously at the rehearsal, where I state, "What are your rules regarding photography? I follow them."</p>

<p>Has this approach proved beneficial? Without a doubt. One wedding coordinator commented to me, "I don't know who you are or what you said to our priest, but you are the first photographer he's allowed to photograph in the church in the years I've been here."</p>

<p>Some brides select "rent-a-churches", just for their opulence or lengthy center aisle. They may never return to that church and may have no meaningful relation with the minister. I, on the other hand, may be doing another wedding there next week! I want a "warm" reception by all concerned. I'd rather have the minister remember me fondly, than as "that jerk from last week's ceremony!"</p>

<p>Richard</p>

<p>Which menu settings give you the best skin-tone results, especially with speedlights (I'm using SB600)?</p>

<p>Thanks,</p>

<p>Richard</p>

<p>An outstanding capture! </p>

<p>Peter, I basically agree with your fine critique. However, a little tweaking isn't a bad thing.</p>

<p>My only "complaint," IT'S NOT MY IMAGE:-)</p>

<p>Thanks for sharing,</p>

<p>Richard</p>

<p>I've used only one bracket for 35mm shooting for the past 25+ years: the Jones Circular Bracket (Calif.)! As the youngsters say today, "It rocks!" And it's "rock steady."<br>

I now use it with my D200, but without the vertical/power drive attachment. It just doesn't fit.<br>

The beauty of this bracket is it keeps the flash 8-12" directly above your lens axis, vertical or horizontal; minimizing, if not completely avoiding shadows! Its circular design is smooth, the construction "indestructible" (25+ years and never a problem!), and because of its unique design it's a "conversation piece," not to mention its "professional appearance!" I've adapted mine with a Nikon pistol grip for further balance and ease of use.<br>

I don't have an address, but you can Google "Jones Bracket" for more info.<br>

Try it...I think you'll like it.</p>

<p>Richard</p>

<p>Even if I weren't a dog-loving, Yellow Lab owner, I'd have to give (though unsolicited) you 5:5 paw prints on your final CLS image! What a capture & canine! It's a real WOW (bow-, that is:-) shot!</p>

<p>As for the ode and sonnet, ruff ruff:-)</p>

<p>Thanks for the shot, info and the diagram; all very much appreciated.</p>

<p>Richard</p>

<p>You're not alone. <br>

I gratuitously photographed a neighbor's prom party, gave them an edited CD and slide show, and received a thank you note with one of the images of her daughter and her date enclosed. A copy was sent to all who came to the house.<br>

Richard<br>

P.S. The mother is an attorney!</p>

I've only used Tamrons with film cameras and they've performed admirably. They are definitely at their best at f/5.6 and higher.

However, Nikkor lenses remain my first choice for optical quality and build.

I recently purchased my first DSLR, a previously owned D200, but am concerned about dust accumulation from frequent lens changes.

Besides, shooting events/weddings just demands a second body.

Anyone using the D200 as their primary camera and something like the D60, D70 or D80 as their backup? Please share your experience

with such a set-up and or your recommendation for the second camera.

Thanks.

Richard

Definitely! Using it in the hot shoe can only yield less than professional/acceptable results, unless it's used for fill-light outdoors.

I've used a Jones circular bracket for over 25 years (yes, the same one! It's indestructible!). It keeps my flash directly above the lens axis,

10-12" (in vertical AND horizontal shooting), prevents red eye, practically eliminates shadows or at least pushes them down behind the

subject with insignificance, is easy to hold with my Nikon pistol grip attached and no one else seems to have one (making it a great

conversation piece!).

Richard

I'm about to make the "plunge" (get my feet wet) with the purchase a pre-owned D200. I have several zoom & fixed

lenses (Nikkor, Tokina, etc.) and various Nikon flashes and accessories. Anyone in a similar position who can

advise me on the compatibility of such equipment with the D200 or link me to site for an answer?

Thanks, in advance, for any & all help.

Richard