noah_maier

<p>I just bought some gear so I'm waiting a while for this, but I'm looking to replace my 18-55 (first series). Here is my kit:<br>

K10D, 50-135 2.8, 18-55 3.5-5.6, 400mm 5.6, 70-300mm 4-5.6, 135mm 2.8, 50mm 1.7, 80-200 f4.5, Lensbaby Muse (glass, 50mm), *ist DL, 360FGZ, Vivitar 285HV, Pocket Wizards, grip, and other stuff.<br>

I shoot mostly weddings and events, with some portraiture and food thrown in.<br>

Here are my options:<br>

10-17mm Fisheye (Love the effect!)<br>

12-24mm<br>

30mm 1.4 (Sigma)<br>

16-50mm 2.8<br>

28-75mm 2.8 (Tamron or Sigma)<br>

50mm 1.4 (Mine is manual focus)</p>

<p>Thanks in advance! And if you have any other suggestions I'm open to them</p>

 

<p>I would do the 70-200. I've personally never used it (not a nikon guy), but it is supposed to be one of the best. You don't really need something wider unless you do a lot of landscapes. 50 @1.4 is an excellent lens and inexpensive. If you have had blur trouble or like the look you may want to consider it. IMHO the 70-200 is the better choice, because zooming with your feet is hard at weddings. Many will disagree :)</p>

<p>Ok I am not trying to stir up trouble,<br>

but as my business expands I am building client relationships with gay couples. I know it is a matter of time before my first gay wedding. I am gay myself, so obviously it doesn't bother me. However, I was wondering if there is anything different that should be done posing, specifically in formal portraits. Any ideas would be most appreciated!</p>

<p>Also, I would be curious to hear if anyone has had a bad experience with a gay wedding, and if so why?<br>

I would like to stay away from moral prejudices here and focus on the weddings. If you don't like gay people you are entitled to your opinion but I'm sure there are other places for that.</p>

<p>Thanks!<br>

-Noah</p>

<p>@Leo,<br>

I've noticed the same thing, I hope they continue the current trend of new lenses in the more extreme focal lengths. However, I am very happy with the build of every Pentax product I own, even the cheap stuff. And the new DA* blows any lens out of the water. IMHO one of the best zooms ever made!</p>

<p>Well, by serious I meant anything within the 10-45mm range that has decent optical quality. 18mm is wide enough, but my kit lens is very soft optically. Don't get me wrong, I am perfectly content with my gear list. I know that at 18 to have made enough from photography to pay cash for a car, computer, three guitars, a snowboard, and all my gear (including Photoshop CS2, Photomatix Pro, and onOne PhotoTools) is really an achievement. I hope photography always stays fun for me! @Michael, I had forgotten about the 21 and the 15, that sounds like it might be a perfect solution. I think first I'll save up some more for college :)</p>

<p>This month was my 18th birthday, and I got some toys. <br>

First, from a friend, Quantaray 80-205 f4.5 (Not a bad lens for $10)<br>

Second, A brand spanking new Toshiba laptop and 500GB External Drive<br>

Third, A present to myself, Pentax DA* 50-135mm 2.8<br>

Fourth, A FREE Pentax A 400mm f5.6</p>

<p>It's been a fun month! And It's only half over!</p>

<p>Just to keep you updated, here's a gear list.<br>

K10D<br>

*ist DL<br>

18-55mm Kit<br>

50mm A 1.7<br>

135mm 2.8<br>

50-135mm 2.8<br>

70-300 4.5-5.6<br>

400 5.6<br>

80-205 4.5<br>

Lensbaby 2G<br>

Pentax 360 Flash<br>

Pocket Wizards and some other flashes and gear.</p>

<p>Now my question. I am lacking a serious wide angle. Any favorites? This won't happen for a long time, I need a new bag first....</p>

 

<p>Have confidence, if they trust you then that's all that matters. Stay true to you, don't run out and buy a ton of gear. Don't underprice, asking for too much isn't a crime and is always worth a shot. See if a hair stylist and makeup artist are on scene, if not try to get some. Make sure you keep all photo rights, and bring backup gear. That's all I can think of at the moment, but I'm sure more will come to me</p>

<p>Ditto Luis. You had to pay for college, don't undervalue yourself</p>

<p>It's always better to open it, fail, and learn something then to not open it and live a regret-filled life. I think you will succeed, but remember that this is a business. Write a business plan, budget everything, pay cash as much as possible, and don't worry about losing money the first year. <br>

Good luck!</p>

<p>1. You will find out within the first month, it's all up in the air at this point<br>

2. No, you are enhancing your magazine's readability and consumer satisfaction by having pictures<br>

3. They are her property, but you license them.<br>

4. For what? For the pictures? You should have a contract and both parties should have a copy. This is a one time deal.</p>

<p>I am at seven, with two more on the way. One is shipping, and one is getting picked up in NC. I have two bodies, two flashes, and I haven't even entered college. This isn't looking good...</p>