kevin_blow

Thank you to those who were able to respond. After a lot of deliberation, I have decided to go with a Sony A7R III and adapt my lenses using the Sigma MC-11, as I have some sigma art lenses and Tamron lenses. Depending on how well they work will determine on what, if any, Sony lenses I buy.

My low light urban is long exposure using a tripod at iso 100.

I currently have an 80D and an RP, both of which have and continue to serve me well. I am now considering whether to upgrade to the R8 or get a second hand  5DS R. I am aware that the R8 has plenty of bells and whistles, but, I am more interested in image quality,. I have heard good things about the 5DS R and can obtain one with less than 10000 actuations. I mainly do landscape and low light urban photography.. The camera would be on a tripod shooting at iso 100. Can anyone who owns the 5DS R advise re noise and detail in low light images taken under the conditions outlined?

It seems that people are referring to filters that screw in /on to the lens. I see no mention of the likes of Lee or Cokin (European) square/rectangular filters with separate filter holder with adapters for the various lens sizes. Filters can be both resin or glass, with the glass usually being the better quality. I picked up a Cokin Nuances 10 stop ND filter for £50 or about $65. Haven't tried it out yet, but will do when I am on holiday in a few days. These systems can prove cheaper in the long run if you are going to be using more than one lens. The Cokin filter system comes in 'P', 'Z-pro' and 'X-pro' sizes depending on the size of the lens.

<p>Thank you for your responses.</p>

<p>I am obviously having a senior moment or is that an intellectual overload? Lol! When selecting the film speed on the film back for the Mamiya 645 Pro TL (using the dial) for 160 iso, do I choose the second of the white marks (lines) between the 100 & 200 e.g 100, first white line = iso 125, 2nd white line = iso 160, 200. The manual seems to suggest that this is the case, but the way it is printed has caused me to doubt myself.</p>

Josh,

 

you do not indicate what type of wedding it will be i.e. Church or Civil - have you had a chance to look at the building

where the ceremony is taking place, get a feel for the light levels. If it is likely to be gloomy etc you may find yourself

upping the ISO to compensate for your 'slow' lense which can effect image quality. Have you checked out what is

and isn't acceptable where the wedding is to take place i.e. flash or no flash during the ceremony. Also, where you

are permitted to take photos from. Not knowing where you are based and what the weather is like where you are, is a

wet weather location i.e. indoors/under cover where photos can be taken if it is raining cats and dogs etc? As

a 'favour' I took the photo's for my nephew when he got married. Halfway through the service (Church) the heavens

opened and you could hear the heavy drumming of the rain on the roof of the church. The group photos had to be

taken in the church where space was limited and lighting not so brilliant. Fortunately the weather cleared and I was

able to use a local park for some B+G shots.

 

Depending on the size of the wedding and whether B+G want formal/informal shots you may need assistance getting

the groups together for the group photos especially if they are large groups. People can have a habit of wandering off

just when you need them for a group shot. Hope this helps.

The aim of the post was to find out what books/guides etc that photographers had themselves found most useful, which they thought 'first timers/newcomers' would benefit from reading etc. I know there are a lot of books out there, that is why I asked if they could only recommend just one book, what would it be? and why. The idea was that such a post as this could be of use to other first timers etc. I recognize there is no substitute for real would experience etc, but even that has to some extent be underpinned by theory/knowlege.

Ronald,

 

your equipment cupboard would be extremely bare if you chose to do a wedding with just the nikon equipment you

mention, having got rid of the canon equipment. Unless you bought/rented additional equipment to cover in case

something happened to your primary gear you could find yourself between a rock and a hard place. Not to be

recommended.

I recently posted a question, (Wedding and social evet photography Forum) in which I asked for some general advice

and guidance. I also asked if there were any

books/guides etc that anyone would recommend to assist me in the learning process so that I will be better

equipped to respond on the day? The following were suggested.

 

Stint Steve, Wedding Photography, 2nd Edition Art, Business & Style (2005); Lark Photography.

 

one of the best lighting books around is Light:Science and Magic.

 

www.planetneil.com

 

My question is (aimed at the more experienced photographer), If you were to recommend one book (resource) to

a 'newcomer' to aid their learning process/understanding, whether it be on e.g. flash, technique, exposure, style, etc,

what would it be and your reasoning behind it.

I am currently working my way carefully through some of the book suggestions that have been made - many thanks for them. One question that has come to mind regarding the use of flash is, what type of diffuser do you use? I currently have a stofen for one of my flashes, but not the other. Would I be better with another stofen or should I consider getting say a lightsphere (cloudy) or a demb diffuser. I appreciate that it can be down to personal choice, but I would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Stephen,

 

You do not indicate the kind of photograpy that you do/enjoy etc. Is it purely a hobby or is it more than that? is it a

source of income? Depending on what you are doing with your photography and its purpose will have an influence

on the 'tools' that you use. I work full time in the area of housing so my photography is a hobby and likely to remain

that way.

 

Medium Format photography requires a much more considered/slower approach. I use a Mamiya 645 Pro TL and

an assortment of lenses - bought second hand and in very good condition. I mainly use this for landscape

photography and b+w - for which I use a benbo tripod. I am currently doing my second year (p/t) of an 'A' Level

photography course in the UK. The Mamiya 645 is ideal for my needs and I have access to facilities to do my own

processing and printing. If I did not have access to facilities to do my own developing/processing, I could get a roll

of 120 film developed for the equivalent of $10 (no prints) at a local pro lab. I am aware of the costs involved of

using film and I am am willing to pay them.

 

The 645 would be lighter than the RZ and consequently a little bit more flexible. I also posess an Elan 7 and EOS 3,

various lenses and flashes. this equipment is sufficient for my needs. Whilst I recognize the value and flexibility of a

DSLR, I have no desire for one.

 

The Epson V750 comes with additional software over the V700 which make the V750 a better buy in my opinion (if

you need the additions). A recent test ( http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/interactive/Epson%20V750/page_1.htm )

showed that whilst the quality of scans of the Nikon LS9000 ED were better. However, they were not $1000+

better.

 

Rather than get bogged down by the film v digital debate. What do you want it for and will it deliver what you need

or are looking for? What additional skills (if any) will you need to aquire, depending on what choice you make? If the

system you choose delivers, does it matter if it is digital or film?

Again, thankyou everyone for your responses.

 

Just to clarify, it will be a civil ceremony (Registrar), which I understand will be taking place in the hotel, with the reception there afterwards. The groom will be suited & booted with the bride wearing an elegant outfit. Both have older teenage children from previous marriages, who will be part of the wedding party. I understand it will be a much simpler event than a more trad wedding.

 

Nadine, the aim of taking the mamiya (handheld) to the wedding in November, is to practice using the camera in that sort of environment (I will be taking my EOS 3 etc for use at the reception later). There will be no pressure on me at this event. It will help me decide on whether to use it in March or focus solely on the canons.

 

William W. Thankyou for your suggestion re processing. I am planning to do some portraiture at college and will process some of the film myself and send off a couple of rolls to a local pro lab that has a good reputation. That will help me evaluate their processing.

 

In respect of the Steve Sint book, is it the Oct 98 or the Jan 2005 book? - on amazon uk

Thankyou everyone for taking the time out to respond. It is much appreciated.

 

Neil - I was referring to the manageability of a smaller group over a large one (hopefully, I am not making too much of

an assumption). Had it been a large wedding party, I would have had to decline as I will be doing this with the

minimal of assistance.

 

I will be visiting the hotel (in plenty of time before the wedding day) where the ceremony is to take place to look at

layout etc and identify any potential issues inc lighting, particularly if it is raining cats+dogs or deeply

overcast/miserable on the day, which will make most of the photography indoors. Bad weather notwithstanding, there

are also other photogenic sites close by which could be used for photos of B+G, they have expressed an interest in

this. I will be discussing with the B+G exactly what they want shortly.

 

One area of weekness I recognize, is my use of and familiarity with flash. I will have the opportunity to use the small

studio at college to sort out general principles etc (no substitute for practical experience). Are there any

books/guides etc that anyone would recommend to assist me in the learning process so that I will be better

equipped to respond on the day?

 

I am due to got to a wedding next month as a guest (wifes cousin), so I shall take the oppotunity to observe and

make notes (as well as take photos). I would like to take the mamiya shooting b+w @ iso 400 ?push to 800 if

appropriate or even iso 1200 ?pull to 800. Would that be wise? It will be in a church with a hotel reception afterwards.

 

Although I am quite confident in my processing ability for black and white, would I be better served by sending them

to a pro lab (645 negs) to get them developed? - referring to wedding in March.

Nadine,

 

the ceremony will be during the day probably early afternoon with the reception probably late afternoon/early evening (I will have to check)

My neighbour (know reasonably well) is due to remarry in March 2009 . It will be a civil ceremony in a hotel (and

grounds) setting. He is aware that I am a keen amateur photographer (currently processing/developing/printing b+w

@ college p/t), doing my second year of an 'A' Level Photography course (UK qualification). He has asked me if I

would do his wedding photgraphy. Instead of going aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhh! and running a mile, I hesitantly

said yes. I have done a couple weddings in the past using much more basic equipment than I now possess. On the

plus side (if you can call it that) the wedding party will number about 10. I will be discussing finer details etc shortly

(no money as yet has been discussed).

 

The equipment that I have is a Mamiya 645 Pro TL (inc several backs), 45mm, 55mm, 80mm (standard & Macro),

150mm, 55mm - 110mm lenses. I also posess an Elan 7, Eos 3, Sigma 28-70mm f2.8, Canon 70-200 f4L & Sigma

105mm f2.8. I also have two canon flashes, the 420EZ and 540EZ. I have considered buying a Metz flash for the

Mamiya, but because my lenses are non leaf, I am limited to 1/60sec which seems a little slow. The ability to add

additional equipment is extremely limited due my wife expecting our first child. If I used 35mm, how useful would the

canon 50mm f1.8 be? .

 

 

Due to the size of the wedding party being quite small, the usual formals and some shots of the bride+bridegroom

could (in theory at least) be a little less demanding. I would also look to take informals as well. How practicable

would it be to use the medium format (I feel reasonably confident doing my own b+w processing) or should I limit

myself to 35mm. I would shoot a mixture of b+w and colour. Also, do you have any advice generally?

Thankyou for your suggestions. Unfortunately neither of the links show me how to change the actual focussing screen. I have tried google to no avail. I will email mamiya see if they can help. Thankyou once again for your suggestions.

I have recently purchased a waist level viewfinder and focussing screen(off

ebay) for my Mamiya 645 Pro TL. Unfortunately it didn't come with a user guide

and I haven't a clue on how to change the focussing screen. Anyone have any

links to an instruction manual/user guide that shows me how to do it.

 

Any help is much appreciated

Many thanks for your answers. I will go with the 13 minutes.

I have a roll of Ilford HP5 Plus 400 (B+W) which has been pushed to 800. I am

unable to ascertain what the dev time should be. Normal dev time is 9mins 45sec

for medium contrast. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks to all of your for you thoughts on the subject.

 

 

I am aware that it is quite a complex subject, that is why I have tried to narrow it down to one faith i.e. Christianity. I am a Christian and I am familiar with many of its concepts and ideas and will try to reflect it. I am also aware of the diversity in representation of these concepts etc by the various Christian 'traditions' and may try to juxtapose some of them. My initial thought is to consider the way buildings (structures) enclose and define the space within it and the activities that take place within them. I would also be paying attention to the way that signs/symbols within them, reinforces this understanding because they have been imbued with meaning. This meaning is familiar to many people whether or not they are of the 'faith' so to speak.

 

 

 

It is early days in my exploration of the subject and my hope is that my request may help me move from the general to the specific and generate a coherent body of work that can be assessed by the examiner. I have already done some research and identified a number of books/articles etc, just in case anybody thought (LOL) that I was trying to get out of doing any work myself.

 

regards

 

 

Kevin

Pete, yes I am in the UK (Sheffield).

 

John, my aim is not to copy someone elses work, but to look at how other people have approached the topic and learn from what they have done. In the process it may contribute to helping further develop and refine the ideas I already have.

 

There is also a necessity to look at other images, photo books etc on the topic, as part of the submission includes providing a 'board' of pictures/photos on the subject taken by other people. This provides the examiner with evidence and enables me to demonstrate that I have researched the topic and show what has encouraged/inspired me to pursue my vision/understanding of 'sacred space'. That is why I have made the request that I have.

 

Many thaks to all of you for the suggestions you have made. If you come across any more please let me know. Either post a response or email me.

 

Regards

 

 

Kevin

Forgot to add that I will be shooting the whole project in black and white.

I am currently studying part-time for an AS Level in Photography. As one of my

projects I have chosen to do 'Sacred Space'. I am looking for titles of photo

books that have tried to represent this. I am hoping they will act as a

creative spur to help me devolop my own ideas. My project will focus more on

the Christian respresentation of sacred space, but I am quite willing to look

at other faiths.

 

Any help in respect of suggesting book title(s) will be much appreciated. My

main interest will be the pictures with any accompanying text being secondary.

 

Regards,

 

 

Kevin

As an amateur (I live in the UK) who regularly reads the posts in the wedding

and social forum, my curiosity has been aroused by some wedding photographers

using the sole photographer clauses in their contracts to prevent guests taking

photos per se (I am not referring to celeb weddings etc). Alternatively, guests

can take photos, but only because I am (the wedding photographer that is)

allowing them too. I appreciate that the photographer has a job to do and needs

to do it with the minimal amount of fuss/interference, however it does seem a

little draconian to me.

 

It is also appreciated that the hiring of a second photographer by the bride

and groom who is unconnected with the first photographer can give rise to so

many problems. Also, just because they have a semi 'decent' bit of kit (some

guest(s) that is) think(s) they can do a better job and get in the way. Again,

I appreciate that this type of situation is to be avoided.

 

My questions are what purpose does this approach serve apart from avoiding some

of the issues mentioned above and is it good practice? I appreciate that the

last question will be subjective. I am just trying to elicit peoples views and

the pro's and cons of such an approach.

 

I look forward to your responses and your forbearance if I am asking a 'daft'

question.

Kimberley,

 

is the 35-80 the only lens you use? if so you might want to consider a slightly wider prime lense such as a 24mm or 28mm with a maximum aperture of f2.8 or better. This will enable you do deal with slightly larger groups and cope better with lower light situations. You may also want to consider having a 50mm 1.8 as one of your standard lenses. In terms of cost, canon lenses (new) are going to be quite expensive, so you might want to look at the secondhand market or consider an alternative manufacturer e.g. sigma.

 

As as already been mentioned, if you plan to stay with film for the present, I would suggest buying an EOS 3 (resonably priced second hand) as a minimum level camera or maybe an A2E (EOS 5 in UK) if budget is tight. Whatever camera you choose a back up body is essential.

 

If you decide to go digital, do give yourself plenty of time to familiarise yourself with the camera, and be comfortable and competent with it before you do a wedding. Otherwise you may struggle on the day. Also the demands of digital and the workflow are slightly different, so do plenty of research before you take the plunge.

 

Hope this helps

 

Kevin