rm_pierce

<p>Just to add a little info that I wasn't very clear on. One wedding starts at 2:00 and she will do the pre-ceremony and ceremony and then I will take over at the reception, then the second wedding starts at 6:00 and she wants me to join her when the first reception is done because the second wedding is paying for a higher package that includes a second photographer (which she doesn't even have a second-photographer that regularly works for her so I'm not sure why she even made this as an option). Anyway, I will not be solely responsible for either wedding, just filling in the gaps. I do feel like there is slime all over the situation and the suggestion that put it in writing that the brides know about the situation before agreeing to anything is a fantastic on! </p>

<p>I'm just needing a little insight and tips on the world of being a second shooter since I already have an established business. I was asked by a friend if I could bail her out because she double booked two weddings on the same day. I would love to help her out and what she has offered to pay is very reasonable. I am a little hesitant about it but was wondering what the common practice was as being a second shooter. As of now the brides do not know about the double booking and she is planning on telling a fabricated story so they won't find out. My concerns are that I don't want the reputation of my business that I have built on honesty and integrity to be comprimised by working with another photographer that is not necessarily the same. She also wanted me to just hand over the memory stick after the wedding and then I wouldn't have access to any of the pictures I took (which concerns me). Is this common? Can I use the images that I take as part of my portfolio or since I'm working for her do they become hers and she can claim them as her pictures? I do feel like our photography skills are pretty different and that mine may be a little more advanced so I'm scared of her using my images and claiming them as her own (especially if I hand over the memory stick and don't know exactly what's on there). Should I have a contract with her to protect myself and business, if so what do I need to include in it? I'm just not sure how all this works since I have always worked on my own. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated for you pros out there that deal with second shooters all the time!</p>

<p>I have an opportunity to photograph teen siblings and this is not my specialty. I've done a ton of children young families, and senior pictures but not very many teens together. There is one boy and one girl and I want to really avoid them looking engaged! EEK!! So does anybody have any guides, ideas, and/or tips on how to pose opposite sex teen siblings??</p>

<p>Thanks for everyone's advice! I have finally purchased my camera and the winner is... the D300. The kicker that got me was somebody mentioned that you shouldn't buy a camera that you couldn't reasonably afford a backup should something happen to your camera. The D700 and ONE lens was going to eat my ENTIRE budget. The two lenses (although not great) that I do already have are DX lenses. I just didn't think that I would be able to put the D700 to it's top game with the rest of the equipment I had. Plus for my budget I was able to get the D300, 50mm 1.4, 18-200mm (yes I know some suggested different but I really wanted the lens and I went to a Nikon convention and the intructor talked about this lens the entire weekend), an extra battery, a second flash, flash bracket, and memory sticks- I'm also planning on getting a white backdrop and stand with one more strobe light. I'd say that I really feel good about the way I spent my money. The D700 is an amazing camera that I really wanted but I finally decided that there is a ton more to taking pictures than the camera body itself. Once I have all the basics down and it's time for another upgrading the D700 it going to be old hat and there will be a new and far more impressive body out there I'm sure!!</p>

<p>Tom- what would you call a proper lens if you think a 2.8 is slow? I thought that was a pretty descent lens for a zoom (something I desire to have so I don't have to always be moving constantly with the primes!)</p>

<p>you have some really great points here. I plan on using my D40x as backup at this point in time. Actually it's the camera that got me started and the camera that has kept me far busier than I anticipated- IMPO this tells me that if I'm able to have a legitimate business with D40x then there is something there for a strong future. So in those regards I couldn't be happier with my little D40x. It really does great quality work. Its problem is the lens limitation that I have run into. With the autofocus needing to be in the lens instead of the camera body it really limits lenses- (yes autofocus is important to me because when your dealing with children that won't sit for longer than three seconds you have to be fast and can't count on manual very well!!) This is also a reason my lens selection is not so hot right now. Also, I do have lighting stands and 2 softboxes that I didn't mention because mostly everything I do is on location so a studio setup in lighting is not really feasable (they basically sit in the closet except for a few times a year), although someday I would like to add more studio options. <br>

So I really appreciate the "shaking" about staying in my original budget. I do think I can reasonably afford the D300, 17-55mm, and a prime, and the extra batteries and memory sticks without going over. So now- only being able to purchase one prime now- should I go with the 50 or 85? Are ya'll getting sick of me and my million questions and up/down decision making?? HA HA- if you only knew me!!</p>

<p>shesh- I think I'm more confused than ever!! There have been so many good points for me look at and there are really pros and cons for either choice. I think I really need to see how much of a budget I really am able stretch. Now I'm beginning to lean towards the D700 because I think I'll regret it down the road for not spending the money and get the 24-70mm lens- it puts me about $1000 over budget but if I just book one more wedding it will pay for itself. Would this move get a thumbs up or a thumbs down?</p>

<p>Ok- after reading all your thoughts, this is what I'm thinking- the D300 with the 18-200 mm and the 85mm f1.8 lens- would you agree this is a good choice?</p>

<p>ooohhh- Brooks- good article- definately makes me think</p>

<p>I know that lenses are the more important way of spending my money and I think that's why I'm having such a hang up. Since I really don't have any "great" lenses I'm basically starting from scratch- that's why I'm having a hard time deciding between an FX and DX format. Obviously DX are more affordable and I can purchase more right now. I don't have the $5000 to spend like Shun suggested right now for the D700 (although I think it's great advice) but do I purchase the D300 with some great lenses now and upgrade in the future only to find that I invested into DX format lenses? I guess my point is that I'm worried DX is at it's prime and FX is only beginning- In your opinion will the FX format for lenses carry me further down the road even if I can't afford all of the bells and whistles at this moment. Did that make any sense??? I guess I'm with Chris when he says I'll always wish for the D700- but I just don't currently have the lenses to make it work at it's top performance.</p>

<p>Hey All,<br>

I just want to thank you advance for taking the time to help me out! I have been persuing a photography career and it has rolled a whole lot faster than I ever imagined. Now I'm in DESPERATE need of upgrading my equipment. Right now I have a Nikon D40x with 18-55 mm and 50-200mm lens, along with the SL600. I have been going back and forth between getting the D300 and the D700. I have read almost every review out there on both cameras, along with forums that were asking the same question but I'm still undecided!! Obviously I need to get some better/faster lenses as well. Budget is always an issue- when is it not? If I went with the D300 I would probably be able to afford two good lenses along with another flash. With the D700 I would probably only be able to get one lens and probably not another flash at this time. My main source of photography is portrait (mainly small children) and I do have an occasional wedding as well. I was also asked to do a local high school's prom and tennis banquet. I do hope to do more weddings as I get my feet more on the ground. Knowing this info- I'm seeking which route you would go because I want to do it right the first time. Is it worth spending the extra for the D700 upfront and continue to add to my bag along the way or do I just go with the D300 and get the needed equipment from the start? I know that either choice will be SOOOOO much better than my D40x. Also, your top lens suggestions for both bodies would be great to know as well!! I do not have a local store that rents so I haven't had a chance to get my hands on very much. Which adds another question to my list- would you trust purchasing off the internet? I really appreciate your time in helping decide which route to go!!</p>

I was in the same boat as you just a year ago and I went with the D40x. While I love my camera and think it takes

great shots and is user friendly, I'm kicking myself for not spending the extra money in going at least one model

higher (if not two or three) because of the lens limitations. Now that I'm comfortable with the DSLR I've been looking

into getting new lenses to continue to grow and learn. The D40x is very limiting on what kind of lens you can use

because the Auto Focus has to be in the lens as appose to it being inside the camera itself- which knocks out a

whole gammet of options. I'm still pretty new to all of this myself so maybe you can learn from my mistake! One

mistake I didn't make though was choosing a Nikon :)

I'm reading this a little late so you might have already done the session. Could you have the baby lay on her belly and/or side and the three-year old sit next to her and "straddle" the baby with her arm. You could also get one of those small papasan chairs (they make them pretty little now and not too expensive) and lay the baby in it and have the three year old sit on her knees and hold the baby's hand. You could also have the little baby laying on side/back/belly and sister looking over her and giving kisses on the head. Maybe those will help!

Here is a tutorial I ran across that I really like.

 

http://www.photoshoptalent.com/photoshop-tutorials/soft-glow-in-photo.php

 

It's several steps but I've used it so much that I can do it in 20 seconds now. I really like the way it looks. You do have to pick and choose the right picture though- not every picture looks good with the soft glow. This is at least what I think you are wanting but I may be off base- just trying to help! Let me know if it works.

Thanks so much on your feedback. I totally agree about the facial expressions all looking the same- they were extremely shy and I had a very hard time getting them to relax and have fun. I worked with them for about 2 hours and towards the end they finally started having fun. I went away thinking that they didn't respond well to me and then I get a phone call from the mom telling me that the girl had never produced such genuine smiles for a photographer before- hence the reason she wanted me to do the wedding. I had to laugh since I kind of thought the opposite but hey, I didn't know the couple and the mom does. Anyhoo, I appreciate the tips on the photoshop- I had never thought about adding noise back and in and tried it to a few- it did make a difference- the opacity in the layer helped a lot too- great tip- I'll keep that one in the hat. As far as the time of day- I started taking pictures just a little over an hour before sunset. In my past photoshoots that worked out great but it seemed to be one of those harsh west Texas sunsets that day. I'm still learning on all of that- I'll keep practicing- each time I do a shoot I learn something knew and I really do appreciate the feedback!

Casey thanks so much for the encouraging words. You are probably one of the nicest encouraging people that I have read on these blogs! I'm leaning towards taking the job even though I know I would be shot in public on these forums! HA HA! Bill, thanks for your comments as well- it just goes to show that photography is all subjective since George did not like the black and white at all! Kind of funny! I really appreciate your time and look forward to hearing more ways I can fine tune my skills and knowledge. Keep up the critiques

Hey Everyone,

A few months ago I did my very first engagement session. I did not know the

couple until the day of the photo shoot. I'm good friends with the mom. They

are a very sweet, very shy couple. In fact the guy has never

had "professional" pictures taken in his life (only those cheeseball school

pictures). Well, we had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the day. Well, after

they got their engagement order the couple loved them and were extremely

pleased and have now asked me to do the wedding. I have agreed to do bridal

portraits in a few weeks but have not agreed about the wedding yet. I'm

seeking some critiques on my pictures and some advice as to what I should do

with the wedding (after seeing my skill level I thought that might help your

advice too) I have been persuing photography for about 6 months and have been

doing all my own studying and training. So in other words I'm self taught. I

do want to do weddings someday but am not sure if I'm ready. However, I love

this couple and they have consistently said they aren't expecting much and know

I'm just starting out. I can't think of a better couple to do a first wedding

on. I know the best route is to intern under another photographer for awhile

but I've had a hard time finding somebody in my area willing to take me on. So

here is my link- Please critique away- I know there are a lot of misses

(especially lighting problems with shadows) but maybe you'll find a few hits

too.

http://www.PictureTrail.com/gid19107940