williamsquire

When submitting photos for critiques on photo.net dies it also

go into the rating system or is that separate? When I submit

images for critiques I details under reading it says critiques

only.

 

Thanks!

<p>Awesome thanks for all your input everyone. I have outsourced the card to "pro's" but nothing short of at least $299.00 to start the recover! I will go with a format (after I have tried File Scavenger) to see if I can recover them.</p>

<p>Much appreciate all your time and input!</p>

<p>Billy</p>

<p>I recently took a lot of photos on my Lexar pro 16BG 400x. I put the card in my pc compactflash slot and no response. I click on the drive and get an error something about invalid system file. I put the card in my card reader and plugged into pc and got a prompt "Card not formated. Must be formatted before you can use it"<br>

So obviously I'm in a sticky situation so here is some questions:<br>

1. What recover programs (paid/free) would you use to try to recover images? I tried 3 of them and they wouldn't work.<br>

2. If I format the card (last resort) will I still be able potentially recover files?<br>

3. Is this a common thing and after reformat card will be as good as new or can I expect this to happen over and over with this card?<br>

Thanks for your help!</p>

<p>Ok so I have finished editing the photos and have it down to 1298! Now on to the video!</p>

<p>Thanks Ian that was very informative. I am trying to cull it down as much as possible and very much like your idea of one folder for the best images and another with alternate images. 4000 is a lot and will never shoot that much again! I have several folders to go through and after day 1 and only through 2! </p>

<p>QUESTION!</p>

<p>If the bride has naturally dark eyes (around socks/bags) should I remove them or try to "mute" them a bit?</p>

<p><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=2223148">William W</a><br>

"Interesting comment.<br />On my reading of this thread I certainly do NOT note even close to 70% of the comments being "fear mongering and negative".<br>

We therefore must be interpreting this thread differently.<br>

And therefore, as our occurrence of the content and meaning of the comments in this thread are so vastly different, I submit that we each are viewing this thread from a different standpoint:<br>

i.e. we each bring a different bias to the interpretation of the words and meaning contained here." <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=2223148">William W</a></p>

<p>Probably the smartest thing I have ever read on a forum. And reading over my last reply I see that I was myself being negative and fueling negativity. I apologies to the forum.<br>

I also apoligies for not quoting correctly and would appreciate someone telling me how to :)</p>

<p>Billy</p>

 

<p>Sorry <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=6221458">Maira</a> for spelling your name wrong!</p>

<p>Thanks Maria and yes I know I need a price list to give me a far better profit margin. But I don't want to overcharge for something that I am begining in. I am confident in my skills as a photographer and want to charge based on my experience. Otherwise it just doesn't feel right. It was the same for my portraits and event photography. Start small build it up.<br>

I do have a facebook page and website and will be developing a new website for my wedding photography! Very exciting!<br>

As for the parents I was thinking that if they had the photos and the videos they would be eager to show their freinds. So now I would have both parents and the couple showing off. Plus I thought the couple would have thought that it was thoughtful to think about the parents and save them from having to make copies. What do you think?<br>

Also what is PPA? Sorry if that's a dumb question!</p>

<p>Cheers!</p>

<p>Billy</p>

<p>I just did my first wedding the other day. Never assisted, never was a second. Going into it I was nervous for 2 reasons<br>

1) It was my first time<br>

2) Fear mongering negative photographers on this site and in Henry's. When I go to Henry's to purchase equipment there are only 3 people out of the 10 that work there that i will talk to. The rest are know it all stuck ups. Reading through this thread I see the ratio still stands. Don't mean to be rude but honestly there is just to many negative and apparently angry photographers and it's why I almost always never post anything here or walk out the door at Henry's if my fav 3 are not working.<br>

The digital era brought an end to the darkroom and the specialized field of photography and made the market accessible to anyone who can afford a DSLR. After that it comes down to skill. Photography like any other art can be approached as many different ways as there are people holding a camera. The business side of it is an area that can lend great insight from many photographers. <br>

Thankfully there are just enough positive people on here who care enough to help not lecture people and be so painfully negative.<br>

Now coming out the other end of the wedding would assisting/seconding at a wedding help? Sure training always helps. Is it absolutely necessary? Depends on the person and their learning curve. If you are well prepared, know your equipment, have the right equiment, have great people skill and have done many portraits/events jump right in like I did and have a blast doing it! </p>

<p>There is no 1 answer or easy answer to how to go about doing it. The OP's post applies only to himself unless someone finds it useful.</p>

 

<p>Hey everyone thanks for the responses and insight! 4000 shots is a lot and I went for as many as possible because of my zero experience in wedding photography. I figured if I max out my shots I will have more photos to work with, edit and narrow down the best. I know that as I become more comfortable in wedding photography I will take less shots knowing that I did it right doing less which will give me more time for more poses.<br>

I understand the thought process of 1 photo per pose but it's always been my policy to give a couple or few of each pose to allow them to choose from. I shot everything in RAW and am editing in photoshop which has been an amazing tool.<br>

In the end I plan on giving the couple all the good photos from the day plus every photo will be in color and black and white with a special edit folder for a few custom pieces. Along with this the couple will receive a video montage of their day to show their family and friends as opposed to going through a photo album or slidehsow on the pc. Although I charged the couple for the wedding by the end it will come down to Ontario minimum wage or less. I want to spend that money to present to the couple a package and photos that will make them happy and present me in the best possible light to friends and family. To do so I am going over how to present the material. The video montage will be on a dvd with custom menu/imagery (I have plenty of experience here) incerted into a dvd case with custom incert. The dvd itself will be labbed with a custom piece taken from one of the photos.</p>

<p>The photos will be on a custom dvd like the video montage in it's own case with a separate custom insert. I was also thinking a small photobook (I get a great discount at a local print shop), card and a nice 8x10 frame. I was also thinking of presenting the parents on both sides with the same package minus photobook and frame so that they too have the images/video to share with friends to promote my business.</p>

<p>Any thoughts on this or other ideas?</p>

<p>Billy </p>

<p>Hey everyone. I started a new thread about the actual wedding day for a new discussion. Thanks for all the comments and support to those who constructivly took the time to read and reply with knowedge and a positive outlook! You know who you are!<br>

Billy Squire</p>

<p>Hellooooooooooooooooo AGAIN!<br>

I am back from my first wedding! First off I would like to thank all those from the other thread who took the time to constructively think about a response that would give me confidence, strength and insight to carry out the day. It was crewed up, absorbed and greatly appreciated! Now with that being said..<br>

THE WEDDING WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!! WOW! What a great day and a huge experience! I had a great time, the B&G had a great time and so did everyone else.<br>

On the interpersonal level, the people level, the connection level and the making everyone believe that I was the official photographer, it was a slam dunk. From the most important people it could possible count from I had nothing but glowing compliments. I was praised and praised without anyone seeing a single shot. And I mentioned that to them. I would say ``wait till you see the photos before you tell me I am great`` which was always followed up with ``No, you did great, the poses were awesome we know the photos will be great``.</p>

<p>On the technical side I did manage to maintain great exposure throughout the day. By checking my camera for every new shot and every other shot in-between I am confident in the exposures, DOF and overall quality. I wasn`t overly creative and stray far from standard shots. But that was the game plan. I didn`t want to get caught up in trying to be so creative that I used up all my time. I did get more shots of the groom and his boys than I did with the Bride and her girls which I wish didn`t happen but it was more a time thing (she arrived late). In fact there were a few things that I wish I had done differently and a few images I wish I had caught, but this was a learning experience and I knew going into it that coming out nothing would be perfect.</p>

<p>Anyhoot lets talk about the day quickly and if you are still reading at this point thank you for your continued interest.</p>

<p>I Arrived at the wedding for 12 to check out the decor and talk with the parents. The wedding took place on the brides parents property. They did a great job with the decorations and it has a nice country feel to it. There was a mash up of Christian and Jewish traditions. I cleaned up a bit and moved stuff around where I knew I would be photographing. There wasn`t much in terms of shoot spots. But there was this great small cabin, glorious blue wall and an amazing field behind the work shed that lead to the best photos of the day!<br>

I started with the groom and his men as the bride was late. We started around 1:10. They were more interested in starting to drink which thankfully the father in law came out and said ``NO``! We did shots infront of the barn and on the blue wall and stairs. Bride showed up around 1:50. Got her going with the girls at the barn and with the boys there was well. There was a great second level perch where I but the B&G with shots of the party below. I then went with the girls to the back field and we had a blast using that gorgeous landscape. The boys followed and we finished up there with the cliche but ever so fun oversized frames!<br>

After this it was time for the ceremony which was the part I was so afraid of as I have no control here over events. I had to react fast, plan ahead and not be so distracting. Luckily the woman conducting the ceremony was AMAZING. She made sure that everyone timed their walk so that I could get the photos. She would tell the couple to look at my camera when they were signing. It was almost like she knew I was a noob and was guiding me through the entire process.<br>

One thing I will say about photographing ceremonies. THEY GO BY FAST! Or maybe this one was the exception but it was no longer than 10-15 minutes. Had I known (we had previously discussed 20-30 minutes) I would have moved a hell of alot faster! But I got all of the essentials and am confident in the shots.<br>

After the wedding it was cocktail hour where I was just to float around and get photos of the different family members. The B&G with them and the candid shots. Candid photography is SOOOOOOO HARD! Def a learning curve there! We did 3 group photos 1. just the boys 2. Just the girls and 3. EVERYONE. Trying to communicate with a crowd is damn near impossible but I am confident from reviewing my camera I got the shot.<br>

The reception was the easiest part for me and wont go into too much detail. Photographed the speeches, which was fun but repetitive. First dance. There was no cutting of the cake. And the dancing afterwards. I finished up the night at about 11pm! Oh ya took some more shots of B&G and party at the reception. Some of my favorite shots there!<br>

In the end I took about 4000 photos, I hope this is enough!!!!! Thinking back I know it wasn`t perfect, I know I missed some shots and didn`t take enough of others. But overall I am very pleased with what did go down, the shots I did take and connections I made with all these great people. I was invited back for the trash the dress photo shoot and I am confident that if I present these photos well to the clients I can expect a continued photographic relationship and hopefully get a few more clients out of this.<br>

More importantly I have this experience under my belt now. I have great insight on what to expect. I made mistakes here and there which was to be expected but now I have those mistakes to learn from. I have the knowledge and the confidence to go forward knowing that yes I can photograph a wedding and I can do a great job. I had fun, my clients had fun and as long as my images meet there expectations- it was a smashing success for a first time wedding photographer.<br>

If you are still reading this THANK YOU for taking the time to do so. And thank you again for your interest in my story and your much appreciated insight, knowledge and support! Please feel free to ask me any question that can get me thinking more about the day to better understand and learn from this experience.<br>

One last thing... I NEED A TELEPHOTO LENS! Time to negotiate with the wife!!!!<br>

I will post photos in a week or so. I have too much editing to do!</p>

<p>Many thanks!<br>

Billy Squire</p>

<p>UPDATE: Today is the day! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NERVOUS!!! A couple things I didn't mention.</p>

<p>1) I have 2 hours before the wedding (1-3 wedding at 3:30) to take the photos.<br>

2) I have 20 minutes during the cocktail hour to take any additional photos.<br>

3) I have 1/2 hour to take even more photos at the reception before the guests arrive.<br>

4) Couple does not want any getting ready photos.</p>

<p>Ontop of that it is a overcast (not overly overcast) day. So unless this changes I wont be dealing with any harsh light as the ceremony is outside. Going to be leaving to get there for 12 to talk to people and help get things going for the 1pm shoot!<br>

Thanks for all your tips and positive responses. Wish me luck and I will post back at end of day to let you know how it went!!!</p>

<p>Billy</p>

<p>Hellooooooooo!</p>

<p>And thanks for the tips so far! Me charging the customers seems to be a hot topic and is irrelevant to my question. But yes I have charged for this wedding. No I have not presented myself as a professional but as a competent photographer building my skills. My clients understand this as they are looking for a budget photographer. But yes I agree with you Chin and if my skills does not exceed my confidence I will not ask my clients to pay in the end. But I agree with Naomi added $$ adds value. Plus it's nice to get paid even though all the money has gone towards new equipment.</p>

<p>No I have not shot as a second. Yes I know that this will follow with a few posts from some/all stating that "what the hell are you thinking?" I tried to shoot second but photographers in my area didn't care for it (or even ask to see my portfolio).</p>

<p>Fact is I am shooting this wedding tomorrow. I am confident in my skills and my knowledge of my equipment. I would also greatly appreciate anymore info on what you have learned on the job and thank you all in advance for it!!</p>

<p>I am photographing my first wedding tomorrw! YAY ME! So excited and terribly nervous as well. I have done tons of research and read the following: <a href="http://www.rokkorfiles.com/Wedding101-page1.html">http://www.rokkorfiles.com/Wedding101-page1.html</a> a few times!</p>

<p>I have my gear all prepped:<br>

‎5d Mark II with 3 batteries and 48BG of Memory.<br>

T1i with 3 batteries and 32 BG of memory.<br>

Card reader.<br>

16 eneloop rechargeable batteries with charger.<br>

Charger for both cameras.<br>

2x flash diffusers.<br>

Off camera flash shoot.<br>

Flash gun.<br>

Tripod.<br>

Lenshoods.<br>

Light bouncer.<br>

Notebook + pen (pose checlists).<br>

necessary cable for cameras.<br>

Laptop for dock station.</p>

<p>I am sure I am missing a few things but this is all I have and can afford. My wife told me that I can't buy any more stuff till I make some money!</p>

<p>Anyhoot....</p>

<p>Any last tips, some do and do nots are greatly appreciated!!!!!!</p>

<p>Thanks for the info. I think I will go for the 24-70 but now the 24-105 has my attention! WHy dont they just make the 24-105 2.8 with IS. I know it would end the 24-70 but they would stop confusing customers and make quicker sales!</p>

<p>Awesome thanks for the info everyone! Very helpful!</p>

<p><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3989561">G Dan Mitchell</a> I think you completely misunderstood what I was asking. I don't expect a super fast card to produce better images. I am asking if there is indeed a benefit to using better faster cards. Like transfer rates, life, reliability. Is it really worth the fuss the sales men make it out to be.</p>

<p>Is it better to go 8gb or 16bg or 32bg. Kind of a don't put your eggs in one basket question.</p>

<p>Hey there,<br /> So I'm upgrading to a 5d Mark II and which means I moving from SD to Compact Flash. My question is about the various speeds. Does a faster card really have a benifit or is it just a cash cow for sellers.</p>

<p>What is your experience in there area and what do you use!</p>

<p>One card I am looking at (as a secondary memory) is Patriot 32GB 266X/40mbs $69-$100</p>

<p>Thanks again for your time and answers!</p>

<p>Billy</p>

<p>ps HD Video recording is important.</p>

<p>Hello there,</p>

<p>I am upgrading my kit to a 5D mark II and am still debating on a lens. It's between 16-35 2.8L VS 24-70 2.8L. My bread and butter is Portraits and Weddings but I love landscape photography as well. Which lens do you prefer and if you have pro and cons for both that is appreciated.<br>

Also if there is an entirely different lens you have in mind I am open to suggestions.<br>

Thanks for your time!</p>

<p>Billy</p>

<p>@ <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=5990272">Jay DeSimone</a>. Couldn't have said it better myself. But I will add that it's up to the amatuers to convince the client that the only difference between us and the photographer is they caught a break and managed to make a career out of it. Because that's the first thing I have learned about being one is: Put yourself out there, wether it be free or not and make a name for yourself. If you are any good the paying jobs will come.</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>@<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=19592">Jeff Spirer</a> "It's not his job, or my job, to worry about what commercial photographers are making. This is a free market, there's no requirements. It's up to him, or me, or you, to do what we each want to do."</p></blockquote>

<p>Thanks Jeff! I couldn't agree more. So many photographers are so stuffy about the subject of photography. I'm not worried about any other photographers bottom line. Just mine. If I can make a career out of this WOOOHOO! But in the meatime taking photos is fun and the more experience the better!</p>

</blockquote>

<p>The photo is for a magazine not for the band. Someone from the magazine will conduct an interview and I will either 1. take photos during or 2. snap a quick pose after. I will know more if/when the magazine calls back.</p>

<p>I really don't have much info if any at all in regards to what is going to happen, time/place etc. All that will come to light if I get the call. What I need to know are other peoples experience with this type of thing.</p>

<p>Lastly I have no issues with doing this for free. If I get paid GREAT if not then this is a great opportunity to build off of. I am not in photography for the cash, my other business more than provides enough for me. I do this for the art and fun of it, paydays are just a bonus.</p>

<p>So I just recently bought tickets to watch Finger Eleven live at the Al House in Kingston Ontario. I struck up a conversation with the ticket seller and mentioned that I am a photographer. She then informed me that her photographer quit/fired/who cares, and they are looking for someone to take photos of the band after an interview for a magazine. She asked me if I would do it and of course I jumped right on it.<br>

So my question is what should I expect? I've never done this kind of shoot. Will I have much time? How many poses? These questions will be answered before the shoot but I just want a general opinion from someone who has "been there and done that" and their experiences.</p>

<p>Many thanks!<br>

Billy</p>

<p>Justin thanks for the input. You are right about the club photos and I will be creating a separate category for venues to place images away from family/portrait geared images.<br>

Although I disagree strongly with the tattoo right off the bat. First because the tattoo has a very powerful message and the image is embracing and full of love. Secondly because of the way society is going, people my age who are now buying homes, have/starting families are the tattoo generation whether you have one or not and will not sway many. I can't win em all and if I lose someone because they dislike tattoo then I am not the photographer for them and they are not a client for me.<br>

I don't see how it relates to immaturity but I do see the point or organizing my photos to keep certain images away from others. I also see now that this site isn't really where I need to get feedback. Not that the feedback is bad, it's all good, but I am seeing that there is an older way of thinking here based on old photo ideals that I can't seem to relate hence they can't relate to me. Your input on the tattoo is a prime example.</p>