jeff_harper3

<p>First of all, I'm a videographer, but have been through this many times before.<br>

The primary thing to remember is nothing done for free is appreciated. If you do it for free or next to free, it has no value to the recipient. It also shows a lack of respect for yourself.<br>

I told my own sister I would videotape my niece's wedding but it would still be half price. I never do free. I have been burned by ungrateful friends a time or two as you were and I just won't do it any longer. </p>

 

<p>Really love the support here, you guys are the best. Booray, love your list of specific gear. I was really hoping for just that here.<br>

Funny thing happened to me the other day. A young man called me the other day asking for help with video editing. He didn't know me, but he found my web site and called asking for assistance. I went to his house to help him and it turns out he is an extremely popular wedding and sweet 16 photographer for the Latino community here. He has shown me all of his gear and is more than happy to assist me in any way he can...Funy how things work out, isn't it?</p>

<p>What was interesting is he uses only ONE lens for his shooting. Now truth be told, he is clearly not high end or artistic in any way, but what he does is exactly pefect for his market. <br>

Anyway, when I have more time I want to discuss his business model here. </p>

<p>Best Regards, Jeff</p>

<p>Thanks David. I'm already there ...That is where I got the ideas for the lenses I mentioned in my previous post ( thought I'd mentioned that when I said I'd been to begginer pages.)<br>

Great stuff there. Thanks again.<br>

I have more than enough info to go from here unless someone wants to throw out something more. I've got 8 books now, the beginners pages, and good basic equipment recommendations. What more could I want?</p>

<p>Nadine, I looked at your ranch wedding photos. They are wonderful. I like the honesty of your work.</p>

<p>Nadine! Thanks for the generous tips! I will check out planetneil.com etc. <br>

I am amazed at how many photographers do not use tripods any longer. Even some of the "better" houses send people out without them. Apparently they don't need them, but I couldn't imagine doing the formals without one. Of course I can't imagine doing formals or anything else wedding related with a still camera for a good year or two. In the meantime I am so excited about taking photos!</p>

<p>Thanks for the recommendation. Budget is limited initially, I was looking at the 10mm - 22mm and the EF-S 17-55mm recommended on the beginners page. Those lenses certainly won't hold up agains the L you recommend, however.</p>

<p>Apparently the 28-135 lens that come with the camera is more than adequate for learning intitially. That's where I will start.</p>

<p>Found the equipment for photogs link, thanks</p>

<p>Thanks David for the link. If anyone has recommendations on essential lenses to go with camera I would love to hear them. </p>

<p>Library has no copies of Bryan P's book, it appears they are all lost. That is a sign that it is a good book. Often the best titles get "lost".</p>

<p>My first response didn't show up, I'll try again.<br>

Thanks David. I'll look for the Peterson book at the library and put a hold on it. I brought home several books last night and enjoyed them. Particularly interested in a mention about zoom lenses and how they are often used for portraits. <br>

We have an old-fashioned camera store downtown and that also will be a great place to get started in a conversation. They might be able to steer me to good classes. I'm not sure if I should look at the community college or where, but they might know. </p>

<p>My packages are named "The Essentials Package" "The Classic Package" and "The Elegance Package". Details are listed on my website and are also available via downloadable PDF and MSword doucments from my website, which I also attach during intitial e-mail correspondence.</p>

<p>I am a full-time event videographer. I have become bored with video. This is despite the fact that I just ordered two new HD videocameras. <br>

I work with photos from pro wedding photographers that I mix with my video, and I absolutely love photos and working with them. There is just something about photos that I can't explain.<br>

I just ordered a Canon 40D to learn with. What do I need besides the lens that comes with the camera? Is that lens of any value? <br>

I know nothing about photography. I likely will not know how to turn the camera on until I read the manual. That being said, I am committed to learning the camera. Do I need a Light meter? Supplemental flash device? <br>

Which basic lenses do I need? I'm guessing I need a wide angle, a telephoto, but anything else? A lens comes with the camera, but I don't know what it is good for. <br>

I'm already searching for classes, but I want to have basic equipment to start with.<br>

I can already imagine the variety of responses this post may receive since I spend much time in my videography forum already, so I'm looking forward to hearing from you!</p>