srrf

Hi Jeff,

I sent an email as well. Also- do you have a website of your own? The link from photo.net isn't working for me.

Thanks,

Shellli

Marc,

That's an interesting suggestion. I've been looking into buying used bodies, but have been discouraged of doing so by a few people. How can one tell if a used body is worth the price? New, of course you're paying for never used and supposedly in perfect working order, but is there a good way to be relatively sure that a body is in good condition?

Matt- I'm sorry to realize that you took my comments as "a swipe" or as "sarcastic." I truly didn't mean them in that way. I think it's very hard to truly convey a feeling through a post on a board, so if I came across in a negative way, my apologies. I was just trying to state an opinion

By the way- I did NOT include "shooting weddings with the rebel" in my original post- that was added by a moderator. My commentary in my original post was more geared towards the general photographer, and since I have found comments on this forum that have said that photographers that use Rebels are subpar, I figured it made sense.

Thanks for everyone's time... it was actually useful for me to hear these opinions- I'm reconsidering how much to invest in my business, and how to do so.

Russ- Your comment was:

If a "professional" photographer can't even make the necessary investment to get a professional tool that will give him/her more options, better control, more flexibility, and ultimately better images - then perhaps they really are not "professionals" and should consider another line of work.

Have you ever started out at something? Have you ever had to build up to something? What ever happened to "getting your foot in the door?" Since when do you have to be at the TOP of your profession to be a professional?

To me, there are different levels in every service industry- you pay for what you get- would you say that a McDonald's owner is less of a professional than a high end restaurant owner? They might not deliver the same quality of food, but you can't deny that they both own and run restaurants.

As long as photographers are open and clear about their qualifications with their clients, isn't that what matters? As far as I can tell, a client who can only afford $900 for 8 hours wouldn't have gone to the top of the line photographer anyway, so it's not like they're taking away any business from them. They're simply giving the business to those photographers who give that level of service.

I think that there are excellent points made here.

"If a low-end camera like the Rebel really was capable of producing the same results as a 1Ds Mark III, then why would anyone buy a 1Ds Mark III? Why wouldn't all the pros out there just save their money and buy Rebels? "

I completely agree that a 1Ds is a higher quality camera... does that make the person holding it a better photographer? No. However, once a person gets to the point that they are shoting weddings for high prices, that person should definitely have a reason for charging those prices- equipment costs, maintenance, insurance, marketing, etc.

The point here was NOT to discount the high level of work that pros who use high-end equipment put out. The point was merely to get people to realize that the person behind the lens is JUST AS important as the camera & lens itself.

If someone is going to ask for payment for their work, it should be comensurate with their level of experience, abilities, and costs.

Matt,

Thanks for the response... I'm actually not even referring to my own photography, because I agree that there is a level of professionalism that every wedding photographer should have-

I DON'T go to a wedding with one camera body, I always rent at least a 40D or 5D in addition to my growing arsenal and have multiple lenses. I agree that the higher end cameras are the best way to go, but if you can't get them, then knowing your camera and how to use it well is the next best thing.

I just have noticed that there have been a lot of comments throughout the past few months about the "Uncle Bob's" out there with their rebels. There is a BIG difference between a guy with a rebel that's just on auto, with no training or experience in wedding photography (or photography in general) and a photographer with a Rebel who HAS been training, practicing, working with other photographers to be a solid photographer.

I just have to put this out there:

Just because a photographer shoots with a Rebel or something similar does not

make him/her any less of a photographer. It usually just means that he/she is

not yet able to afford the wonderful, beautifully designed cameras that are so

often associated with "great photography." Whatever happened to "it's not the

camera, it's the photographer that makes the picture."

While I agree that a 5D and other cameras will result in crisper, more

saturated photos very often, I just can't agree that a photographer who uses

the Rebel or anything similar is any less of a photographer. It's such an

elitist way to look at things. Similar to the "how dare a bride try to get a

good price" mentality- if it's not your thing, don't do it, but that doesn't

mean you have to put down someone who does.

Sorry... I probably offended some here, but I just had to put it out there.

Thanks for the time to vent.

Hi Jeff,

I don't know the market well in Ohio, but your prices seem relatively inexpensive compared to where I shoot (Boston & New York). The pricing page makes it difficult to read- there are not bullets, bold headings, or even just headings at all. I think the packages are fair overall, if it's what the market can offer you.

One note- why would you charge for "photojournalism" if that's the type of photographer you are? Isn't that your style? I'm just curious, because I've never seen a photographer who charges extra for "traditional" if that's their style.

Lastly- on your "About Us" section- you never actually mention your name, and with the company name being Prizm, I only knew that you were the male in the photo because of your post here on photo.net, not because of any other reason. You may want to explain who you are, and definitely include your name.

Thanks everyone! Everything you've said is a great help!

William- I think that even with this being a website, many tried and true business practices will hold true. I've got a few of my favorites on the home page (no splash page- what's the point?!). And within each gallery, I'm trying to keep it simple- the best of the bunch, but still telling a story.

Robbie- I'm also hoping to start a blog... and I agree- it's definitely another method that works. Heck, I STILL look at my own wedding photographer's blog, and have sent it to friends looking for photographers! :)

Thanks again all!

Shelli

Hi All,

I'm finally getting my website up and running, and so I'm curious to know your

opinions on this subject.

I've got about 5-7 weddings that I'm going to showcase (rather than go by

"getting ready, details, ceremony, etc."). So, I've got more than the general

amount of photos that I've usually seen showcased in a website gallery.

What do you think is a good number to cut it down to? I'm figuring somewhere

around 30-40 to showcase a wedding from start to finish, but I'm having trouble

getting it down to that few.

I'd love your advice and opinions.

Thanks in advance,

Shelli

Jon, Jim, and Bob,

Thanks for the advice and critique. I'm hoping to take a few lighting and portrait-work classes sometime soon. I'd also love to invest in some lens hoods.

You've all been so helpful- Thank you!

Shelli

Wow. William- I do understand all of your suggestions, and agree with most of them. Thanks for the input. I'd just like to point out that you seem to think that I'm dismissing the advice based on one sentence. Be careful- often times, what's written cannot clearly convey every single emotion and feeling behind it. I absolutely agree with you that it will be helpful to talk to the couple next time about the clothes choice, the location choice, etc.

Conrad- Thanks for the advice on the lens- you're right, I don't have a lot of money, so I'm trying to work with what I've got. I've considered the 50mm 1.8, and think I'll go for it. My only concern is that on a 1.6 crop body, it will keep me at too much of a distance. But I'd like to try it. For portraits, I think it makes A LOT of sense! Thanks!

This is all great critique! Thanks William. I am definitely in the learning stages, and look forward to using all that you mentioned.

Unfortunately, I had no input on the wardrobe, since it was cold, and they wanted the shoot where they wanted it. Her overcoat was her only option.

I've also realized that I do the "tilt" too often, and am trying to focus on cutting back. Working on posing, as well as composing my shots a bit more might help.

Thanks again.

Hi All,

I've been off the board for a bit, but am hoping that a few of you wouldn't mind

giving me some constructive criticism on my first engagement session. These are

two friends of mine who are getting married in 2 weeks. It was a COLD day by the

Hudson River. The bride is taller than the groom, which hasn't been TOO much of

an issue, but I know them both very well, and know that they want him to look at

least her height in most of the pictures. She has a tendency to slouch around

him so that she'll be his height, but I tried to get them at angles where she

didn't have to worry about that.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/srrf/sets/72157603313355626/

My equipment was pretty meager that day... my rental place was out of lenses,

and since this was a free shoot, I couldn't afford to rent a body. I've got my

Xti and the kit lens (18-55), a 430ex flash, and a 75-300mm lens. All canon,

none L or IS lenses :(

If you have suggestions, commentary, or any ideas for me, I'd love to hear them!

Thanks in advance,

Shelli

I love this site! It's incredibly simple, strong, and easy to get through. Did you design it yourself?

I'm trying to find a way to design a website for myself, but without knowing much about how to do it, I'm at a loss.

Again- fantastic work!

Juliet,

Lightroom has been wonderful! I try to shoot my images as close to ideal in camera, and try to do only minor editing- Lightroom is easy to use, well organized, and a lot less expensive. Not to diminish photoshop's uses- they're incredible! But for a basic finish, I suggest Lightroom.

I can understand not using photoshop- either it is too complicated (for me right now, anyway...) or too expensive (also for me). Unfortunately, I've budgeted for my camera and lenses, and am not left over with enough for a $600 program.

I think that some of them are funny, some are cute, and some are just unusual. But they put a smile on my face, so that's good enough for me!

Thanks for sharing!

Shelli

Hi Everyone,

I shot another wedding as a second shooter last weekend. It was a great

experience. I've learned to take my time, position myself better, and use

available light a bit more carefully. I'm a lot happier with these photos than

with my last ones. Only regret is that I wasn't given the opportunity to pose

the couple or their wedding party. Cest La'Vie (or however it's spelled!).

Something that I noticed was that my pictures were incredibly vibrant in

lightroom, and then on the Flickr website, they look very dull. I viewed the

images on the same monitor (both in lightroom & flickr), so it's not my

screen. Any ideas? Thoughts? I'm learning photoshop, so suggesting that I do

something there might be a bit scary (unless you're willing to guide me through

it).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/srrf/sets/72157602920501390/

Thanks so much for your constructive criticism.

You all ROCK!

Shelli

Hi Mike,

I think that overall, your composition is pretty good. I loved some of the ceremony shots, but especially liked the party ones. I know that there are a lot rear curtain sync shots, but I think it's good to have a variety from which to choose. They'll choose the ones that they like. As long as you included alternative lighting shots, I think this is fine.

For me, some of the shots just aren't as crisp as I would like. This is something that I'm also working on. I shot my 5th wedding yesterday, and definitely focused on focus (hah!) so that I'd get really crisp shots. I also like tilting, but have realized (after yesterday's wedding) that it's easy to get carried away with.

Overall- well done.

Shelli

I'm definitely a newbie at this, but I have at least a general working knowledge of f-stop, shutter speed, composing a shot, and working well with a variety of people. These are the things I believe a first-timer should have. Even if working for free.

However- it's also important to remember the client-

Steve said: "I may sound like such an as**** but I'm not I just care too much I guess. Maybe we should blame the B&G for going cheap not paying close attention to people who have no idea what they are doing."

It's not up to US as to what the bride and groom want/can afford. It's important to remember that some people just want a decent picture of themselves on their wedding day- that they'll never know the difference between color tones, a good/bad crop, good/bad exposure, etc. Because of this, they don't make photography their top priority at their wedding, and so would not hire a $5,000/day photographer who had incredible skill. Maybe the b/g really love food- and will go all out on their caterer. So what?!

There's a market out there for everyone- and it's important to remember that every person, in every profession, had to start somewhere.

I appreciate the help on the computer issues, and I'll take them to heart, but right now- a new burner is not an option.

My sister-in-law is a techie, and she's going to come try to fix my computer for me, but at this moment, I'm in a bind, so will hopefully get it done at a place like the one Peter suggested (thanks Peter!)

Thanks to everyone!

Hi All,

I'm going to be burning the images from my past wedding to a CD for my

clients. Problem is, my burner has been going a bit crazy on me lately, which

means I need to send the images out to get them burned elsewhere.

Any suggestions? (Costco did a great job, but I'd like something that looks a

bit more 'photographer-ish')

Thanks in advance,

Shelli

While I'm pretty new to the scene, one thing I've found is that I've been good at gaining a rapport with the guests, bride, groom, etc. I like to smile at them as I'm walking around, when I take the picture, and even when they notice me taking someone else's picture. I chat with guests when they make eye contact- make them realize that I'm not some creepy person walking around with a camera, but a real, kind, down-to-earth person that's just trying to capture the happiness and moments of the day.

It's been helpful to me to tell the bride/groom "I'm going to get in pretty close for this one" or something like that, so that they're not freaked out by a huge lens in their face. After a while, they relax and just forget about me.

Great question, btw!