james arnia photography

<p>Hi Jeff,<br>

I had a simular issue with them but the albums did take the six week as they promised. They took my credit card number down incorrectly and it seems you have to chase them to ensure it is right.<br>

However, once it was clarified it literally took them a day to get them albums to my door - and they were gorgeous.<br>

Michael</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hi John,<br>

I use Scott Kelby's <em>'</em><em>The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book for Digital Photographers' </em>as my companion when using the workflow in Lightroom. </p>

<p>It may not be your cup-of-tea but he knows all these little tricks such as creating 'sets' within your photo files i.e. you have an ablum called 'Jenny & Bruce' and then you can create a 'set' collection within that folder for each client and complete their printing requirements within each individual set.</p>

<p>I hope I haven't confused you but it does work. Another way of explaining this is when you have your complete music list on iTunes and you can create individual playlists from that main list. However, if you delete music from the playlists it doesn't delete the tracks from the complete music list.</p>

<p>Michael</p>

<p>Dear Neil,<br>

<strong><em>How do you recognise a mid-tone in equivalent light and then use that as the basis for your metering?</em></strong></p>

<p>Thanks Raymond & Rich.</p>

<p>Rich would I be correct in saying that I drag and drop each film in succession into the 'Video TS' file?</p>

<p>Also, what is the best size/resolution for the photos I will used.</p>

<p>Michael</p>

<p>Hi There,<br>

I have just shot my Sister's wedding and during the interim of ordering her album I want to create a photo DVD. I have done a bit of research on how it can be done without the need of purchasing new software.</p>

<p>I will be creating 'movies' with Picassa Move Maker but I need to know if it is at all possible to split the wedding into four seperate 'movies' and burn them onto a DVD, via Nero, allowing my Sister the choice of a 'main menu' to choose which 'movie' she would like to watch i.e.</p>

<ol>

<li>Getting Ready</li>

<li>Ceremony</li>

<li>Reception</li>

<li>Party</li>

</ol>

<p><strong> </strong><br>

Can that be done with Nero's software?</p>

<p>For the record my Nero does support DVD burning though I am unaware of what version is installed (bundled in with my laptop) - I think its version 7.</p>

<p>Thanking you in anticipation</p>

<p>Michael</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Thank you Nadine.</p>

<p>Thank you Cathy & David Bock.</p>

<p>In fact thank you all. I am now going to be a studious student and create a little guide of all matter discussed and use it to guide me on the day.</p>

<p>You are all stars.....Thank You.</p>

<p>Michael</p>

<p>Hi Neil and Ambrose,</p>

<p>Thank you for all your answers you have given me a lot to mentally chew over but I have learned a few alternative techniques which I wasn't aware of prior to my post - which is a good thing.</p>

<p>I have several other responses to my query with various approaches to answer my question - it's like studying Psychology with all the competing perspectives. But in the end, as Neil put it, <i>'there aren't any'</i> specific settings - it's down to the photographer on the day and what they are comfortable with.</p>

<p>...and Neil the answer to your question is yes and no. Yes this will be my first wedding with this camera but no I have completed three previous ones - as stated in my orginal post.</p>

<p>Thanks again.</p>

<p> </p>

<p><strong>Raymond:</strong> If I were not in control then I would have proceeded to do the wedding without taking any advice beforehand. You know, the I<em>-did-a-wedding-and-I-wanted-to-do-blah blah blah-and-my-pictures-are-terrible-help</em> post. But no, I thought I'd ask the experts on this site who would appreciate I'm asking beofre I proceed. But thanks for your commnets anyway...I'll keep them in mind.</p>

<p><strong>Nish:</strong> Thanks for the reminder...I'll sort that out.</p>

<p><strong>David:</strong> Thanks.</p>

<p><strong>Iikka:</strong> Once again thank you for the tips and clarification regarding backlight. I sort of knew a bit but its always good to hear another viewpoint. It's all about the planning. With regards to the flash advice I have bought<em> '</em><em>Minimalist Lighting: Professional Techniques for Location Photography'</em> by Kirk Tuck which I have found quite useful and informative.I will use your advice to compliment Jeff Ascough's 2007 article (<a href="../photographer-interviews/jeff-ascough/">http://www.photo.net/photographer-interviews/jeff-ascough/</a>) which gives me a lot of insight.</p>

<p><strong>Elliot:</strong> Please be aware that I photographed three weddings without flash before and the bride and groom were happy and I used these portfolios to attract the bookings of my future weddings. However, this question was posed because of my upgrading to the D700 and though I do get a lot of practice through commisioned/voluntary work I figured I could get a little more advice (thanks Iikka) from this community. Thanks for the reminders.</p>

<p><strong>Tom:</strong> This is a forum is it not? Like, you ask questions and people answer them? So I may be asking <em>basic stuff</em> but I'm asking a question on a forum......geddit??</p>

<p><strong>Paul:</strong> Thanks for the advice and the picture.</p>

<p>Michael</p>

<p> </p>

<p><strong>Andrew:</strong> Thanks for your ironic response regarding using flash. Did you read my question?<br>

As I'm being assisted with a friend on both days it gives me the option to experiment thus my question. For the record the couple were happy with my approach when I showed them examples of my work (with the Panasonic).</p>

<p><strong>Iikka:</strong> Thanks for all the advice especially the available light and metering modes. Could you clarify what you mean back backlight? Thinking of it actually I do have another question:</p>

<p>How do you set the camera when the sun is behind them?<br>

If your in a position to co-ordinate people into another position should you aim to put the sun behind yourself as the phtographer?<br>

Michael</p>

<p>Hi There,</p>

<p>I will have been booked to photograph two weddings in May and June and will be accompanied by a friend. I have shot three weddings with my previous camera (Panasonic FX7).</p>

<p><strong>I now have a D700 with a 50mm & 85mm 1.4s and a 17-35mm 2.8 and a SB-800.</strong><br>

<strong></strong><br>

<strong>My friend has a D300 with a 18-200mm and a 35mm DX 1.8 and a SB-600.</strong><br>

<strong></strong><br>

The first wedding will be in Nottingham, England and the couple to be wed are mixed i.e. Afro- Caribbean and White. The second will be in London where both the bride and groom are Afro- Caribbean.</p>

<p>I'm not really a flash fan and I was wondering what are the best settings for my camera to get the best results in terms of candid photography. My friend is into all posing stuff so I can basically mill around capturing moments.</p>

<p> I have been made aware that due to the potential extreme contrast that the neutral picture setting is the best for post production but I was wondering if there is any other settings you could recommend apart from wacking up the ISO and shooting wide open?</p>

<p>Exposure compensation? Shutter? Aperture? Light source?<br>

I'm after any advice and tips really.</p>

<p>I do have a website for you to look at my work, which includes the weddings, but as per the rules of this website I think you need to request the link.</p>

<p><strong>Michael James Ellis</strong><br>

P.S. This question will also be posted on the Wedding Forum.</p>

<p>Hi There,<br>

I will have been booked to photograph two weddings in May and June and will be accompanied by a friend. I have shot three weddings with my previous camera (Panasonic FX7).</p>

<p><strong>I now have a D700 with a 50mm & 85mm 1.4s and a 17-35mm 2.8 and a SB-800.</strong><br>

<strong>My friend has a D300 with a 18-200mm and a 35mm DX 1.8 and a SB600.</strong><br>

<strong></strong><br>

The first wedding will be in Nottingham, England and the couple to be wed are mixed i.e. Afro- Caribbean and White. The second will be in London where both the bride and groom are Afro- Caribbean.</p>

<p>I'm not really a flash fan and I was wondering what are the best settings for my camera to get the best results in terms of candid photography. My friend is into all posing stuff so I can basically mill around capturing moments.</p>

<p> I have been made aware that due to the potential extreme contrast that the neutral picture setting is the best for post production but I was wondering if there is any other settings you could recommend apart from wacking up the ISO and shooting wide open?</p>

<p>Exposure compensation? Shutter? Aperture? Light source?</p>

<p>I'm after any advice and tips really.</p>

<p>I do have a website for you to look at my work, which includes the weddings, but as per the rules of this website I think you need to request the link.<br>

<strong>Michael

<p> </p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hi Eric & Ed,<br>

Thank you for your suggestions and photos. I must admit it has been an education with all you and the other folks suggestions.</p>

<p>I've previously only been using Aperture Mode but i see that your recommendations (as well as ones I have received from DPReveiw) all recommend manual mode so I'll be practicing tonight (by the way I'm based in the lovely city of Nottingham in the UK).</p>

<p>This is my plan:</p>

<p>Set up near the entrance so when they arrive i can take formalish shots and hopefully catch everyone - using the 17-35 with the flash and slower speeds etc...</p>

<p>Then I'll pack on the 50mm and collect candid shots without the flash with a Auto ISO set to Hi.</p>

<p>Then I'll put on the flash and get proper portraits.</p>

<p>Then I'll make the rest up as i go along.....</p>

<p>But once again thank you all for your suggestions...</p>

<p>Michael</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hi Matt,<br>

Thanks for the advice. I can't afford another flash at the moment...but here's my idea.<br>

Put my SB800 on a lightstand with the Whale Tail diffuser (and gels if required). As its a single light source where would be a good place for positioning? Behind me? Off-centre? What strength do you recommend the flash be at?</p>

<p>Do I still crank up the ISO or leave it at the recommneded 800 as per the diffusers instructions?</p>

<p>By the way does the fact that the party crowd will be mainly Afro-Caribbean (African-American) affect the lighting set up? i.e. darker skin requires another adjustment?</p>

<p>I don't ask much do I?</p>

<p>Michael</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hi There,<br>

Matt: I intend to do mainly posed stuff as I'll be charging for immediate prints 9Canon Pictbridge). Though I will be doing candid shots if i can. I do have a light modifier - if that's what Gary Fong Whale Tail is...<br>

With regards to the background do I need it...if so should I use the black or white background?<br>

Juergen - Would it be right to assume that I should just use the wide-angle and the 50mm only?</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hi There,<br>

I have just been requested to take photographs at a fancy dress party on 7th March 2009.<br>

I have done something simular before (this is how i got this referral) but that was a child's christening party. Do you kind folks have any tips with regards to technique and use of equipment? For the regcord mine is as follows:<br>

Nikon D700, SB800, Nikkors: 17-35mm 2.5, 85mm 1.4 & 50mm 1.4G.<br>

I also have a background with black and also white fabrics.<br>

Last time I set it up with a black background and mainly used my 17-35mm - but i was wondering if there is something really creative that i could do?<br>

i have no opportunity to visit the club before the date though it is to be held in the lounge room so lighting may be more ambient.<br>

Thanking you in anticipation.</p>

<p>Michael</p>

<p> </p>

Hi Paul,

I have just ordered a new 17-35mm. I was going to get a second hand one but it's brutal out there in Ebay land so I just swallowed hard and bought a new one. On Ebay the market prices for these lenses are fluctuating and seem to be increasing. I was about to buy one and the dealer increased it by £50.00 overnight and another one has follwed suit with a £7000 increase.

Over here in the UK not on the 'major' players seem to be selling them new as proved by the fact Amazon is going via Mrket Place to see them. I feel the lens is being discontinued and if I were you I'd go in search of one before they disappear as the 14-24 2.8 though sharper is less versatile and cannot take filters.

Michael

Rene, James and Ronald thanks for your answers.

Just one more question if you don't mind.

As I am a tight budget and can really only afford to purchase one software package which represents the most value for money in terms of features. LR2 or NX2?

Michael

Hi There,

I am about to purchase a D700 and I have been unable to clarify if it is compatible with this software.

As you are such knowledgeable folks you could you also throw in any suggestions of other software I could use?

For your information my field is wedding photojournalism and social photography using minimal flash.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Michael

Hi There,

This isn't really a question just thought I'd make you aware of the beautiful pictures that can be found on this I

Japanesse site (I think).

You get samples of both the A700 and A900 with the same 135mm CZ lens and you can see the difference. I'm not

technically minded but the A900's seem flawless.

Anyway, have fun.

The link:

http://forum.xitek.com/showthread.php?threadid=534112

Thanks Greg...much appreciated.

I will now peruse, ponder and decide.

Michael

"Why do people venture opinions on the Internet about equipment they haven't used?"

Paul Miller.

Because they can....Besides why not? How did you make your decicion on what system you were going to invest in?

People learn about things in different ways, I learn from reading and advice before i make a purchase. If I go to a retailer then their opinion can be commercially weighted to bias a certain make or as I have found I seem "know" more about the product I'm querying because.....I've read about it. Forums like these allow you to cut through the BS and get a balanced opinion because the people who contribute have been where i am right now and can offer invaluable advice.

I can see that you may have a point and it is understandalble I may come across as a dreamer/troll/time-water but I've been saving, learning and querying for nearly two years now and before I make a jump I want to be sure. . I've learnt about apetures, exposures, crop factors, ISO, off camera flash etc...you've got to start somewhere haven't you?

Anyway Paul, thank you for pointing out the lens factor and i will keep that in mind when I make a decision.

Hi There Folks,

Thanks for your answers, advise and views. I must say that I found them very constructive and balanced in comparison to other sites...but I digress.

I suppose that as per Gerry's remarks I have to 'decide to decide' and move forward. Ine must not forget that it won't be just down to the camera system that i invest into that makes the final image it will also be me.

Godfrey your comments about my understanding of low light photography is correct, my view comes from the fact that they are reports how the 4/3 system seems to hunt more in 'low light' and as i wish to use available light instead I don't want to be in the position when I missing several shots.

I will look into the lens combinations mentioned and also play aroind with some cameras and see how they 'feel' and which seems the most comfortable on initial impression.

Finally, copyrite considered, does anyone know of have a weblink to a wedding gallery which uses Olympus gear? its just the ones I've seen seem a bit 'point and shooty' in the quality. You see a lot of naute pics with this system but i don't really see a lot of candid journalisimy shots.

Michael

Hi There,

I am about to make a decision in investing itno a system. My desired 'style' of photography is photojournalisim and

wedding photojournalisim. I intend to invest in a system and play about with it for a year or so and branch out.

I currently use a P&S casmera and know I have a lot to learn but I know that I prefer not to use the flash and use the

avaialble light to compose the pictures. I have been doing my research and it seems that the E-Volt system

produces the 'finest' images at low ISO (100 - 800). However, at 800 or above the quality is argued to wane in

comparison to other systems.

If you persuse the www.wpja.org you can see what type of photography and style I am aiming towards. I know

these are taken by 'professionals' but we all have to aspire don't we?

It seems to me that the vast majority of wedding photographers use Canon or Nikon is the Olympus system capable

of such photography?

Would I be wasting my money/time investing in a system that seems to be disadvantaged in low light photography?

Does the faster or wider zooms (F/2) equate to compensating for the sensor being smaller thus, in theory, pictures

at an ISO 800 with Olympus equate to another system at 1600?

You may ask yourself if I have all these concerns then why not flit off and invest into another system. May answer is

that I feel that the Olympus system has yet to reach it potential and is highly regarded for it lenses which have been

reported to be able to handle up to 20 million megapixels; eventually. However, would I be asking too much?

Please be gentle now.

Michael