christine_eadie

To answer your original post - It seems like you've made the right decision to get software. If you've just gone digital, it's a lot to learn. I would recommend reading a few books about the software you get, or take a course.

 

As for lights and backdrops. Look for used equipment, which is cheaper, or save up for something. Don't buy junk because it's a waste of money. You can purchase some decent flash units and play with those as a cheap alternative to buying studio lights. Here's an interesting link which has some useful information about using flash. http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

 

I would caution you about the paper you buy to use as a backdrop. Make sure it's a non-reflective, matte paper.

I would recommend paper from http://calumetphoto.com. A good size to start you off is only $27-$28 per roll and it will last you a long time if you're careful.

Here's a link - http://www.calumetphoto.com/ctl?ac.ui.pn=search.Search&query=paper%20seamless

 

I wish you luck! Let me know if I can answer any more questions.

My email is christine@eadiephotography.com

They were paid for their time by the designer, as you said. I agree that you could offer them low-resolution, watermarked images for their online portfolios and the option to buy prints. Technically you don't owe them anything, but they will appreciate the offer to have images from your shoot.

Back when I was shooting second camera at weddings, I got some great pictures of a jewish couple being hoisted

on the chairs at the reception. I was so excited because I knew they were great. The main photographer insisted I

give him all CF cards at the end of the wedding and he would provide them back to me the next day. I had another

event the following day, so as soon as I got the cards from him, I had to delete the images...since he had assured

me he had copies of everything and I trusted him. He's a good friend of mine. Well...he made a mistake and didn't

keep the images from that card anywhere. Talk about being disappointed! I understand that accidents happen and I

didn't fuss, but those shots were really good. It taught me a valuable lesson. I never handed over my CF cards again

after that. I would have him wait while I copied everything to my laptop before leaving and he didn't mind waiting. He

felt really bad about that incident.

I use a tripod on rare occasions. When photographing fireworks or when I'm doing a long exposure at night. Most of the time I'm shooting people in situations where the light is good enough and I don't need a tripod.