natalie_l

<p>Many of you may have done photography since you were able to ride a bike, or drive a car. Others may have gone to school, studied extensively and always knew that this is what you wanted to do with your life. <br>

Was there a defining moment that stands out when you knew this was it?<br>

...<em>I love photography and feel blessed to begin my journey doing this professionally. </em><br>

Natalie<em> </em></p>

<p>Thanks Nadine!!! I appreciate your feedback (on all my posts)<br>

=)</p>

<p>I realize that's important... I've been looking at the <strong>Arca-Swiss</strong> <!-- needs styling --><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=469077&is=REG">Monoball Z1 sp (Single Pan) Ballhead with Quick Release </a><br>

What are your thoughts?</p>

<p>Diane - did you buy the 40d or 30d? Are you getting the sigma?</p>

<p>How about asuka book? Though not exactly inexpensive...</p>

<p>This site is incredible... images are really beautiful. <br>

I have a few thoughts:<br>

The brides hands are up when she's putting her gown on, but the fingers are in your logo, I dont know if that was intentional, but my eyes were drawn up. <br>

I think I might look at the image with the bride and groom (where he's dipping her) with the blue lights in front of the band light, I see several other images I would place ahead of this in the site.<br>

There's a scene with a large lake, the horizon seems like it needs to be adjusted clockwise 2-3 degrees. *** I love the teary eyed bride, LOVE IT! <br>

There's harsh lighting on the mothers face (shes of indian descent), perhaps that could be adjusted a bit. The photo is underexposed and needs a bit of tweaking.<br>

The wedding w/groom and bridal party in white suits, in front of a green building should possibly be adjusted because the text interferes with the grooms head.<br>

The pic of the B G under the boardwalk is very overexposed, perhaps a small adjustment would great. It just appears a little too bright.<br>

The bride walking the dog has her head in the logo/company name.<br>

These are just a few thoughts in my humble opinion. Great site!<br>

Best of luck - Natalie</p>

<p>I love the 24-70mm f/2.8 as a great general purpose, portrait and wedding lens. In the future, I'd recommend investing in the 70-200mm f/2.8 (not the 4.0). You may need a good telephoto for this next shoot. Consider renting the 70-200mm f/2.8 at a local shop.</p>

<p>Frank - thanks for that input! I didnt realize that all the lights may not be on. Thanks Allan, it's good to know that the lenses will work well as a set.<br>

Does anyone use a 35mm f/2 on a full frame? Just curious ... </p>

<p>Hi everyone,<br /><br />I'm shooting my first baptism in a low light/no flash church (little ambient light). I've never done this before (restricted flash) and would love a few recommendations for prime lenses.<br /><br />I have a canon 5d MK2, 50d as backup, with a canon 24-70 f/2.4 and canon 70-200 f/2.4, a canon 50mm f/1.4.<br>

I would like an 85mm and 35mm and I'm not sure I want to budget over $1,000-1850 per lens (yet). I was looking at the 85mm f/1.8 and the 35mm f/2. I saw recommendations on the digital picture.com for both lenses and the 35mm f/2 was NOT recommended on full frame cameras. My concern is that putting a 35mm on my 50d would basically create another 50mm, which I already have. <br>

Does anyone own either the 35mm or 85mm "L"s ? Is it worth the leap or are the other more affordable options good for "now"?<br /><br />Any tips and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This shoot would be at 3pm on Sunday in New York. Also, this shoot is for a friend and there is no stressfully high expectation placed upon me. However this shoot will enable me to practice in exchange for prints.<br />Thanks in advance,<br />Natalie</p>

<p>Hi everyone,<br /><br />I'm shooting my first baptism in a low light/no flash church (little ambient light). I "recently" purchased my canon 5d MK2 and need a better tripod. I have a 50d as backup, with a canon 24-70 f/2.4 and canon 70-200 f/2.4, a canon 50mm f/1.4. I'm planning to purchase another prime lens.<br>

I'm looking at the Arca-Swiss ballheads, Gitzo carbon tripods and the bogen/manfrotto tripods as well. My budget is a combined $500-1000. I dont necessary want to spend a $1,000, but this is also an investment. I'm flexible. I see that I'll need to buy the plate separately.<br>

I see the Arca-Swish for instance have single or double panning. For an extra $100-200 is it worth getting the double panning? I plan to do mostly wedding/event photography & portraits. I will need to pick up a 2nd tripod in the near future. Does anyone like the flip lock quick release versus the quick release. I'm just curious.<br>

Should I invest in a monopod? I realize that will take time to use well.<br /><br />Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.<br>

Thanks in advance,<br />Natalie</p>

<p>Thanks again for your responses today. In the past, I would refrain from going above 800/1600. I've had the 5d mkII for 3/4 weeks and have yet to see the higher ISO in action. I thought experimenting in a church would not be ideal, however, the majority of recommendations support iso's up to 3200. I feel a bit more comfortable now. <br>

Conrad - I just picked up the 5d mkII, my prior work was mostly studio portriats, etc... but I plan to pick up the tripod this week along with another prime. The recent upgrades have certainly stretched me a bit but I try to pick up and upgrade equipment when I can manage it. Thanks everyone!!!</p>

<p>Thank you ALL for your feedback. I have a 50mm f/1.4, but I may need to invest in the 35mm in the near future. If I rent one, should i get the 35mm over the 85mm?</p>

<p>Thank you David - 3200 is unexpected, but again I've only had my 5d the last month. I will look at the bogen, thank you again.</p>

<p>Hi everyone,<br /><br />I'm shooting my first baptism in a low light/no flash church (little ambient light). I've never done this before (restricted flash) and would love a few recommendations to ensure this is a successful shoot. I've been practicing in my studio with low light situations, but obviously the ceiling height will be dramatically different and hard to duplicate while I practice.<br /><br />I have a canon 5d mii, 50d as backup, with a canon 24-70 and canon 70-200 f/2.4, a canon 50mm, a tripod. Should I invest in a monopod? I'd also like to upgrade my tripod with a ballhead (bogen/manfrotto?). <br /><br />I would prefer not to raise my iso above 800/1600. What is your experience with ISO and managing low light situations? I'm generally a big flash user.<br /><br />Any tips and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This shoot would be at 3pm on Sunday in New York. Also, this shoot is for a friend and there is no stressfully high expectation placed upon me. However this shoot will enable me to practice in exchange for prints.<br>

Thanks in advance,<br>

Natalie</p>