everett_cavazos

Another problem with offering packages that are reduced compared to the a la carte offerings is it can make it hard for you to be flexible, especially when people start asking you swap certain products. You have to start justifying to clients why you have set your prices a certain way, and it just takes away from the look of flexibility. Instead of describing specific reductions, tell them the a la carte price and then give them a general discount from that. My two cents.

Why not offer these discounts to potential clients as an incentive during your consultations, instead of up front on your web site? You're losing money. Plus it starts getting confusing especially when potential clients start dissecting your packages to find out how everything adds up. You have to start accounting for all the reductions. I have packages but each item has its own set and firm value and everything adds up perfectly. That way when someone asks me "Why is this package this price, and why is that package that price?" I can do the math very quickly for them and show them itemized costs for each item. Then, and only when it's appropriate, I can "sweeten" the deal during the consultation and give them the discount as an incentive to go with me, and/or make it sound like I'm tailoring the package to suit them. It also gives you the appearance of being flexible. One thing I've learned is that clients LOVE when you're flexible...little things like offering 3 more DVDs for the family go a long way.

Oh and I have 14 weddings booked for the rest of '08 and early '09 so there might be schedule conflicts, but I'm looking for a pro nonetheless.

I'm looking to assist a pro in Austin Texas. I've shot around 10 weddings already but I'm looking to refine my

composition and fill-flash skills. Everettchristopher.com has my portfolio. Equipment is D300 and SB800, and D70

and SB600.

good pose on the 1st one, but watch the focusing.

2nd one: You definitely could've taken advantage of the reflection a little more. Would've liked a vertical shot here showing the entire structure in the background. would've like to have seen them kissing. Looks like this one wasn't planned. This one would be nice in sepia with slight vignettes annd maybe crop it to focus on the couple and the reflection a little more.

3rd one: I like.

4th one: I like. Might want to center the bouquet a little more.

5th one: I like. Can't think of any suggestions but I'm sure someone better than me could

6th one: I think it would've been nice to close up your aperture and get the castle in the background in focus. You made the effort to get the whole thing in the picture, so why blur it out? I think it would add to the scene.

If you need 100% coverage of groom and bride dressing room candids, and if you want to capture all the emotions from everyone during the ceremony as well as different perspectives, then you might consider a second shooter. After that, send them home and you take care of the reception. That being said, I haven't had a complaint from any of my clients however I have had to make trade-offs: for instance I would get the bride and groom walking down the aisle from behind but had to sacrifice getting them from the front. It's a lot of running around and that can sometimes be distracting.

One powerful feature about the D300 that some people forget: 6 shots a second out of the box, and 8 shots a second with the battery pack. The D700 I think is under 3-4 shots a second. This is important especially during rare moments like the groom dipping the bride, or picking her up, or any other action type shots during the dance. I think for action the D300 and FX-fast glass would be the better choice - the D300 is only around $1700 and you will always be able to sell it later and upgrade for a faster full-frame body: the D3!

 

As far as Bruce Stenmans' comment about the D300's problems with Autofocus - I've never had a problem and it's low light shooting capability is much better than the Canon 30D, as reviewed on most popular photography websites. I'm not sure where he's getting his numbers from, especially the ones comparing the Canon 30D to the D3. The D3 is in it's own class, at least for now: the 5D Mark II might compete on low-light ability but will still be a slower camera than the D3.

you can use a copy and rename workflow in Automater...free if you have a mac.

same thing happened to me, had to send it in to Nikon. They covered it since it's the Flash hardware that failed.

yeah they don't have a CF version yet though.

Really just looking for an expensive wireless solution for the studio: after I take the shot, I want it to show up on the screen. When I take the next shot, the previous shot goes away and the next shot shows up. That's it. Of course I would probably have to use Camera Control Pro...

 

I've had an idea for awhile for club/event photography that would be a hit, but it would definitely require the WT-4a transmitter so you could move beyond 30 ft. Bring my macbook and my projector and while I'm taking pictures of the crowd they are projected for everyone to see. Camera Control Pro can do this, from what I understand. So if you got a crappy shot you wouldn't have to send it. And if there was any idle time just set your screen saver to 3 minutes and point to the folder that all the images are in: viola - instant screen saver during any downtime for the crowd to enjoy. I wouldn't want it to be the focal point of the event, as I'm sure people would get tired of that quickly, but it would be a nice addition to an event.

 

I think it's a good idea but it's just going to be awhile before I can afford the transmitter and Camera Control Pro.

Anyone have an experience using a wireless usb hub for photo transmission. If

so, what were your thoughts/finding? I'm looking to it as an affordable

alternative to using the transmitter: my studio is small and I don't really see

myself going more than 30 feet from my PC.

 

DLink Wireless USB Hub: $84.99

WT-4a Wireless Transmitter: $729

 

Wireless USB Hub Range: approx 30 feet.

WT-4a: approx 590 feet for B and G networks, 850 feet for A networks.

I'm ready about channels and groups..and I just have this question. Can the

Nikon D70 control multiple wireless flashes (be them Sb600s or 800s) and

multiple times and at different exposures?

You can photograph a wedding with a D40. The body doesn't matter. Post-production these days can handle almost anything. I've just started doing weddings and just jumped into it with my D70, without any advice or suggestions or anything. Just freaking do it. everettchristopher.com if you want to see D70 results. lens 18-70 kit lens, $100 50mm 1.8, and $140 70-300mm 4.5. I'm getting a D300 for Xmas :), but I'll be using my D70 for backup. the D70 is bad ass, even still today. later.

Oh yeah, for those "movement" shots: Rotate your camera during the shot and you'll get a cool swirly effect. It's easy to pull off but people will think you're a genius. Also, if people come up for a group shot, just start snapping away as they're getting prepared: you might end up with some cool candid shots since everyone will be facing you (more than likely).

If you want cool shots with a sense of "movement" use anywhere between 1/2 to 1/13 shutter speed, wide open aperture like 3.5, high ISO (800-1600), with flash pointed at your subject. Your subject will be clear and the background will be blurred, giving a sense of movement. For still shots, bump your shutter speed up and if the ceiling is low enough bounce your flash off the ceiling. Bring business cards, put your photos on photoreflect.com, and make some cash off those kids' parents.

Just in case you wanted to see my portfolio...all taken with my D70.

<http://unrealentertainment.net/portfolio/>

I've used them both and prefer my trusty, original D70. The D70 is an amazing camera, arguably one of the best workhorse cameras around, and has the better feature set when it comes to IMPORTANT issues. The D40 is great but has some limits. Here they are.

 

1. D70 can use any Nikkor lens. D40 cannot

2. D70 can wirelessly control an SB-600 or SB-800, or use a Wireless Commander to control multiple wireless flashes. D40 cannot use any wireless flash at all.

 

If these are important to you, then buy the D70. If not, then go for the D40.

 

Check out this great article from Ken Rockwell about the D70. It's an interesting real-world take on the camera, including comparisons, prints and more. http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d70.htm