brad_johnson10

To all,

Thanks for the help. I purchased a Canon EOS 5 D with 2.8 24-70, 2.8 70-200 IS, 8 hr battery & charger, and 580 speedlight. I will follow with an EOS 30 as a back-up when I practice more. My partner is a photographer in Dallas and he will carry our company forward artistically until, I gain the skills. I will handle the business side. I will continue to ask questions and learn, as long as you will have me.

I apologise if I sounded pompass. It was un-intentional.

Mike, I looked at your pictures and this criticism I welcome, as I appreciate your skills. I have not posted my work, other than a glimpse at my family candids. When I do, I would welcome your comments and advice. I love your style in photography.

I admit that having money does not equate to good photographic skills, but having skills in marketing can make up for the skills lacking, until I get them.

You are one that I wish would follow my journey and comment, although I do not agree with your humor. Your skills push that aside.

Bogan, Excellent points. I do have some of the glass left, but most was stolen. I parked a new Hummer at a 5 star hotel in Houston, after a shoot and felt safe. Ten vehicles were burglarized and they hit the jackpot with mine.

I may do a Nikon and Canon. I have Nikon film cameras, an Olympus and lenses, but nothing high quality in digital as a back up.

I just got a job, 20 minutes ago to shoot and sell the "88 Lambo" used in Cannonball run. I have to get a decent camera fast. I will purchase the 5D and lenses tonight. I'm getting a 100mm lens for studio but may change to an 85mm due to an earlier comment in this forum. I'm still getting the other two lenses.

For spending $7,000 on the above, I think I may be ahead of buying the 1DS MK II. After all I still need to get more practice and feel comfortable joining your ranks. I'm quite intimidated now, but due to the sales I have had, feel that I can learn and earn at the same time.<div></div>

The amount of excellent information gained in this forum is exceptional. I feel I am back in a study group in college. Thanks , again. As far as studio lighting, I am OK for now. I have a myriad of lights, filters, soft boxes,backdrops, props etc. I still have my Nikon Speedlight, and Stroboframe, but will invest in the 580 and sister slave. Most of my studio shots are done low light and soft light. When I shoot cars and motorcycles, I use large back drops to do most of the work, for background, and clean up with CS2.

I'm not as well read on this as I should be, as evidenced by your thorough replys. I made a little ove $50,000 last year, apart from engineering, part time, shooting items for sale and marketing them, so the jump is not a blind one.

Once I feel worthy, I will submit some of my artistic shots. Since the market that was purchasing from my deleted website had no interest in artistry, they are few. I will try to upload one I used to advertise for a dancer.

I can see that most agree that the switch to Canon was a proper move. It was hard to do as my first camera at age 16 (in 1975) was a Nikon.

I look forward to sharing my companies progress and the direction I have take by "Standing on the shoulders of those before me" from this forum.<div></div>

Thanks to all who have written. I think I will go with (1) 5D, 24x70 and 70x200 lenses. I have the backdrops and lighting.

To the fellow that critiqued my "Home Page" pictures, Those are just that, Personal home pix shot with everything from a Sony, Olympus, Nikon and instant. Most were while enjoying the parties myself.

I have shot over 5,000 nudes and that site does not allow nudes, so you did not see my work. Eventually I will post and cherish the praise that you give me. Just kidding, I really wasn't looking for a critic. I'm leaving a six figure income as an engineer to venture out into your world, and I'm nervous enough.

I thank all of you for the help. Starting with only $250,000 saved up, means I have to make good decisions to enable me to replace my income, not to mention insurance. This site is wonderful, and the help you all have given is well recieved.

I am an advanced ameteur photographer who is about to turn pro. I am replacing

a stolen Nikon with a Canon. Any help on which one? I am looking at the EOS 5D

and the EOS 1Ds MK II. Both have the full frame sensors. The varience in cost

is huge. Is it worth the money jump? I shoot weddings, reunions, sports,

portfolios and portraits.Any owner comments?