er1

<p>I'm shooting less weddings and more commerical work by choice. I've even turned a few down for 09. There is a flood of untalented so-called photographers out there now. Craigs list adds a new wave of poor talented, under priced shooters to the mix. I'm familiar with a photographer who has booked over 20 weddings so far for 09... However I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of one of his packages... pure junk. <br>

When I see a true artistic, creative photographer adding clients to his or her wedding schedule then I feel better for the craft.</p>

<p>Recession & competition are forcing prices down in some cases however more than enough work is there for me. <br>

I'm generous with my time on weddings, commerical and portrait work. I never have counted the minutes even with a locked contract.<br>

When you work for yourself, you are responsible for your future in every aspect which makes the list of questions posed by Mr. Martinez very important.</p>

<p>As a pro photographer, if I were to offer a wedding video of this quality with my digital images, I could seal the deal on any wedding package. However the editing alone on this video was very time consuming.</p>

<p>I've used the 24-70 since it was released in many different lighting situations without any hunting issues. I've got my 5D set up with the center AF sensor only.</p>

<p>Shooting to dual cards is the best piece of mind no matter what size the card is. Many of the functions and events I attend are one timers and there are no excuses or reshoots. Using dual slots has never let me down. </p>

<p>When Marc Williams and I shot weddings together, the very first thing we would do, was to copy/save every image in RAW. Then and only then would we convert any of those images. Pricing on processors & hard drives are so reasonable that it's the smart thing to do. <br>

If you are shooting Jpeg and your exposure is off you could end up with poor quality in you final product. <br>

Still not convinced perhaps you could shoot in RAW&LJpeg at the same time and keep the RAW on hand if you ever need them. </p>

<p>I'm looking forward to a few postings from your NYE wedding. <br>

With the addition of the 16-35 & 70-200 who could ask for more? <br>

Best wishes on your last two wedding shoots of 08.</p>

I suggest to target the wedding market seperate from other types of photography. Brides-to-be are not interested in seeing your band or wildlife images. I believe every good photographer should have several event specific web sites.

My first was a Stroboframe Press T bracket but I realized that to do it right I would have to design my own bracket. Marc Williams posted the base portion of my Titanium bracket a few years ago. I have been on many missions that require me to hand hold my Mark III for 6-8 hours without breaks so I added in a flip grip which allows me to steady the camera better than any bracket I have seen. I also have a quick release flash extention arm which lets me break down the flash in seconds. If I get the opp I'll forward over some pics to you. My best choice for you would be 'Custom Bracket' as they offer accessories that the others don't.

If you were a 2nd shooter I would say perhaps but in this case I would say no.

Its beyond risky to bring only one camera body to any event. My partner is the only one who has access to my equipment during a shoot, no exceptions.

Being the executive photographer for heads of state I am often required to adhere to specific dress codes. If it is a black tie affair then I am expected to dress in the manner as an invited guest. For high profile events with celebs etc. that do not have dress codes I always dress in solid black w/black sport jacket or black tie as to never draw attention but to quickly blend into the shadows when necessary.

I change ISO every time I change environments. About the only time I do not change the ISO is in a controlled studio setting (depending on a particular depth of field needed).

Amanda, Their support staff is excellent. I'm in the process of changing my smugmug site and they answered all my questions. www.ejr.smugmug.com

A remark on their printing services: They haven't let me down once.

Once any position becomes slave labor then it's time to make changes.

The photo opps will be limitless. Make this your best shoot ever and pull every trick out of the hat for this one.

Shoot in Manual, drag the shutter, 35/1.4 or 50/1.4 unless further DOF is needed,flash bracket w/large bounce card

(or a capped Fong dome), ISO 800 or higher.

wow that's a tough question... I enjoy the creative journalistic aspects of shooting weddings and when I hit the perfect image that is my favorite part.

Thanks David... good choices.

On occasion I check out other Photography sites even though Photo.net remains my favorite. Which sites do my

fellow photographers visit for technical info and advice regarding weddings, portraits and events?

You've got a great deal of catching up to do. The digital world has changed everything.

If you are pleased with the 28-105/3.5-4.5 then the 70-200 Lf/4 series will work fine for you. However if it were me I would like to have the 2.8 if it is in your budget. You'll find yourself shooting at 2.8 all the time in low light situations and loving it.

I would include the wheelchair in several of the settings and not in others but mostly consider the wishes of my clients. I have done a number of photo shoots with handicap adults and children and it seems that they mostly appreciated Not seeing the cruches or wheelchairs in the final image. One of my favorite images was very difficult to arrange and setup but it looked like the perfect family portrait with no hint of the fact that the mother was badly paralyzed... The family fell in love with that image I'm very pleased to say.

Even though I do not have any overseas experience I can tell you... when I was shooting road shows all over the USA for Ford Motor Co. my carry on baggage contained all of my primary equipment. Large items such as tripods etc and clothing were UPSed and received in advance of my arrival at my destinations.

 

In case you need a 2nd shooter in Hawaii I think I can open my schedule lol

I've directed the bride and groom before hand to have them completely forget everything. Down the isle for sure and don't forget the word 'recreate' because this happens to all of us from time to time.