jvophotography

As always, thanks so much for the info. So far, I've only been shooting friends weddings and I've been doing it inexpensively enough so that the folks know they ar getting a bargain.

 

However, I do want to expand. I'm just usinging the interim period to expand my portfolio and get the equipment where it needs to be.

 

I do so appreciate all the advice.

 

Thanks for the advice on the insurance as well.

 

What I will probably end up doing is just ordering a D200 body and the 17-55 lense.

I want a better resolution. That's my primary reason for wanting a higher grade camera. Outside of that I also really want to be covered in the advent of a body failure. Right now I have no backup. I will seriously check into the 17-55 lense.

 

anything in the $500-$800 range that will work? Or should I just commit to the $1100-$1200 range for the 17-55?

Yes, I should have said somethign about the lenses that I have. I have several. The D70 Kit lense of course. A 70-300MM Nikkon, and the F1.8 50MM prime. I also have the SB-600. I will probably buy the SB800 if it works with the D200.

 

I have tons of Memory cards so no issue there.

 

I shoudl say that IF teh D200 just wasn't a good enough leap up in quality from the D70, then I'd have to just save more for the next level.

 

Hope that helps in the advice giving. ;-)

Looking at purchasing a new rig after the first of the year. I

bought the D70 hot off the press and have absolutely loved it. It

has taken my shooting to anotehr level and I'm looking to jump again

to a more professional rig. I don't have a LOT of money but could

see spending $2k - $2.5K for EVERYTHING. I probably won't need to

buy to many lenses or anythign along that line as I have my D70

lenses.

 

I am looking to get into more wedding photography and the D70 will

be used as a backup.

 

I have been reading up on the D200. It sounds really nice. Is it

enough of a jump or should I consider the D2X instead?

 

As always, thanks for any help.

Thanks for the thoughts guys.

Greetings all,

 

As some of you may have seen me posting, I am looking at studio

lights. Today I was at my local camera shop because my D70 died and I

took it in for repairs. :-( I was asking them about the AlienBees and

if they knew anything about them. After we talked a bit, the guy said

he had a pro set that a customer was trying to sell which he had

bought from them about 2 years ago and then never used.

 

The kit includes the following: Novatron 1600 (3 heads) 2 42" white

umbrellas, 2 9' stands, 1 6' stand, and an AS-15 Nikon sync with cable

and the hardshell case for the whole getup.

 

Asking price is $1,000 but the shop owner said it had been there for a

good while and he was told last time to get whatever he could for it.

I'm thinking of offering $750.

 

My question: Would this be a good deal?

So the "DigiBee" pack that comes with 2 B400's should DEFINITELY be upgraded to B800's? I'm on a tight budget and the $110 more for the 800's would be really tough but if it is REALLY worth it then I'll save up and do it.

so.. again, thanks for all the info.

James: "Go with the Bees and get your foot in the door, but try to outgrow the system in 2-4 years."

 

BINGO! That's what I was thinking so it's good to hear that advice.

 

Pawel: considering the above, you're advice is spot on. I just need to get setup to START doing some studio shots so that i can learn, grow, and make some more dough (so that I can start the process all over with more expensive gear.)

I too am in the same boat looking for lights. I have limited resources as well (roughly max of about $600-$700.) I keep seeing Alienbees and so I've looked at their site.

 

The kit I am looking at is the "Digibee" at $599.

 

http://alienbees.com/digi.html

 

My question is: Is it worth it to upgrade the B400's to 800's for an addition $110? I want to do children portraits in a home studio.

 

Additionally, do I need a softbox right away for that kind of shooting?

Thanks Tom. Let me clarify what I mean by #1 source (as you hinted at.) I understand that there are a lot of personal preferences going on and that's why the collective becomes my #1 source. :-) I read a lot. I enjoy researching something and it's all the little quirky suggestions that make for a wonderful, richer, range of knowledge. So many people have great little tips and it's excellent to store those away.

 

I'm currently reading the 30 something pages that I printed out that was reference by Gary that came in multiple parts. Very informative stuff. Now I have another link that you've given. :-)

 

All smiles here. I love to get every one's take. In the end, I'll probably get something that was a mix of suggestions or perhaps something completely different but it will be an informed decision none the less.

 

Again,

 

Thanks for taking the time and trouble to share some knowledge. It's a wonderful thing.

WOW! Thanks for all teh great info. It's a slow learning process for me and you guys are my #1 source. :-)

Thank you all for the info. I started checking out the AlienBee stuff. Are they worth the money? They have a kitt for $599 (I'd have to save) that looks worthwhile.

 

The thing I don't really understand is that you have strobes and then you have lights that are just on. These are called fills?? Do I need lights to light the subject with first and then use the strobes? Do I just use room light or available light and then the strobes?

 

I'm sure these are silly questions, but it's a total new area for me.

Hey guys,

 

You've always been such a help in the past and now I need some more

info.

 

I have a D70 and the SB-600. Works great for most everything I want

to do on the run. However, I'm wanting to get into some studio work

shooting pictures of children. I have 2 of my own and love shooting

them. I have had a bunch of friends ask me to do their kids but I

haven't the lights for it.

 

What's the best bang for the buck for a Nikon D70 lighting

situation? Do I need stobes or do I need just regular lights and

reflectors? Do I need a softbox? I know little about teh subject

and am just getting into it.

 

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Kari, I've been shooting with the D70 since last March and I LOVE it. it has been a fantastic camera. I highly recommend the f1.8 50mm prime as an additional cheap but great quality lense. I've used it for low lighting situations (concert shots. see shots at www.raerocks.com) and it has been excellent. I also have the 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 which was also cheap but I'm not very impressed with it. I should have just saved and gotten the 80-200mm F2.8 which is an industry standard.

 

Enjoy the camera!

Actually, Ian's type of use is exactly like the use that the majority of my friends who signed up. The only difference is his paying $25. Some of my friends occasionally uploaded images but most sporadically used and rated the site. So, I think his would be a target for having his ratings wiped as well.

Good Lord! Thank you Vincent. I was beginning to think everyone thought like Gerald. No disrespect meant - but if your images were being displayed without your consent or your ability to delete them Gerald, you might sing a different tune.

 

Just so you know Gerald, the images can't be viewed if you are just browsing the site and not logged in. Thus, my reasons for logging in and checking the status and keeping up with thoughts here.

 

Your analogy about the kid in the corner (while humorous) is not entirely correct. It would be more accurately stated to say that strangers are asking the kid questions and when the kid responds another stranger who has been observing the situation states that the time in the corner has been restarted due to the kids inability to not respond.

Jay and Richard, I appreciate your pointing me to some of the documentation.

 

Jay, I saw the part you posted. Specifically, "we reserve the right (but assume no obligation) to delete, move, or edit any postings that come to our attention that we consider unacceptable or inappropriate, of for any other other reasons, which we need not disclose, and which need not be reasonable." I thought about that quite a bit. It doesn't really seem to address blocking a paid member from deleting his photos because of a rule that I haven't seen anywhere. It seems to address their right to "move, edit, or delete" becuase of inapproriate or unacceptable... My work hasn't been delted, edited, or whatever, but I have been blocked from my work.

 

The part about being able to display someone's work indefinitely becuase they posted it here is really kinda scary. Does it seem right that if a user wants his work removed that they can say sorry... you posted it so we can display it as long as we like? I wonder how legal that is?

 

At any rate, I didn't want to not acknowledge your efforts in finding the material so thank you.

Thanks Gerald. The only account I was using was my wifes and as I said that was just to monitor the situation. My work account is for work only and I can't get any e-mail at that address so I'm VERY reluctant to use the account here but I thought it was better than using my wifes. At any rate, I'm neither submitting, critiquing, or rating in respect to the ban. I'm sure Jeremy will probbaly see this as further sign of my extreme rebellious nature but what do I do? My stuff is still displayed.

 

I agree that IF they are going to reinstate me that me photo's being displayed is a good thing. However, if they are not going to reinstate me, then my photos being displayed against my wishes is a very bad thing. I just hope that Jeremy, Brian, and whoever else has influence / power on this site sees that I'm not trying to cause trouble.

 

It has kinda floored me that without warning and without reimbursement on a paid membership or ANY form of communication someone can be banned. I've written e-mails and I've written here and have yet to be contacted. Eventually, if I can't get my photos removed and a reimbursement (or clear demonstration that the rules were in place and accessible BEFORE this), I'm going to have to start complaining to other sources. I REALLY don't want that. It's definitely not meant in some threatening manner, but what else do I do? I really dig this site and the people here and last thing I want is for something this small to get ugly.

 

At any rate... I'll be in the corner... attempting to be good.

Thanks for posting Richard. I signed up using my work account (which I can't use often here) just to see the information again. When signing up there is nothing about rules of any sort and under terms of use I found nothing relevant to this thread. Could you perhaps point me to something? I read a good deal of it and found nothing relating.

 

Even with that considered, don't you think that behavior that will get you booted from photo.net (especially when you have paid money to be here) should be clearly documented?