rt_jones

<p>This has got to be one of the most interesting threads I've read in a long time.</p>

<p>Thank you William for walking us through your experience. I for one have learned from it.</p>

<p>Yes, I too have the "no batteries" dream every now and then. I wonder what the heck that's all about?</p>

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<p>I'm 'torn' because I have a genuine concern for those who rely on non-professionals to photograph their Wedding,</p>

 

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<p>No offense but I think you place too much importance on what you do. If you truly cared you'd do it for free, but that's not going to happen so your concerns are misplaced.</p>

<p>Most couples that chose these friends/photographers to do their wedding have good reasons for it and their expectations are commensurate with that choice. The fact you don't like it is your problem, not theirs.</p>

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<p><em><strong>I would counter this notion by suggesting that you never shoot a wedding for hire without first serving an apprenticeship of some sort as an assistant and/or 2nd shooter for at least a season.</strong></em></p>

<p>Couldn't disagree more and this mantra gets a little old. Especially in this era of economic recession. Nobody is taking on 2nds. At least those main shooters worth their salt (and why would you want to work for anybody else?)</p>

<p>Edit: I see now you say, "for hire". Perhaps we're on the same page then.</p>

<p>Totally disagree about contacting the pro. You're a guest. Just be wary of the main shooter and avoid flash if at all possible. Honestly, I would rather deal with somebody like you who seems to be somewhat concerned with the potential intrusion then a lot of the crazy-a$$ed P&S folks I encounter.</p>

 

<p>And do some of you guys really care if somebody shows up with a bozooka mounted to their DSLR? I really don't understand all these assumptions or how it would effect your performance. I suspect this has more to do with intimidation and ego rather than anything else.</p>

<p>If your fiance is a wedding photographer he must have a <strong>desktop</strong> computer, right? Assuming it's a PC, you'd probably want to stay with the Windows platform in a laptop.</p>

<p>Personally, I dumped all my PC gear years ago for a mac.</p>

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<p>He won't answer any calls...I think we should...I could use a nice trip to So. Cal :)</p>

 

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<p>How does he know it's you?</p>

<p>And concerning the thievery... how is this guy getting your stuff without watermarks?<br>

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<p>Add the 1.4XMKII and you have a 189mm f/2.8 lens when you need it for the ceremony.</p>

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<p>Or... just stay in one spot with the 70-200 and don't worry about being confined to a fixed focal length - adjust to suit. I had a 135L and dumped it. Great piece of glass but far too limiting for me.<br>

 

<p >It's all a matter of personal preference and depends on way too many factors to discuss here. No such thing as a killer lens. </p>

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<p>Lest we all forget "who works for whom", you guys can tout your exclusive rights clauses all you want but chances are, the OP is going to do as the B&G asked.<br>

 

<p>I don't know why couples do this but they always do.</p>

 

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Raihan, at the very least contact the hired photographer and discuss what you're being asked to do. Tell him/her that you won't turn over any images to the the couple for xx weeks. He/she will instruct you from there.</p>

<p>The 70-200 depends on your venues. If you do nothing but beach weddings then the f/4 is fine. f/2.8 gets you indoors BUT... lack of IS requires other methods to shoot a slow shutter speeds.</p>

<p>Against a lot of well intended advice, I finally broke down and got the 70-200 f/2.8 with IS. (Used for $1400 - not the mark II). I just needed the reach and use it a lot. I also feel my kit is now complete. I don't think I couldn't say that about the f/4 or, the f/2.8 without the IS.</p>

<p>And I just don't trust Sigma's lenses - or at least their quality control. It seems people pray they'll get a good copy and then send it in multiple times for calibration when that doesn't happen.</p>

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<p>The issue that I'm running into lately is clients that are asking, "Hey, can you just shoot the ceremony?" or "I just want you for the ceremony and the reception, </p>

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<p>It depends on how badly you need the work. Smaller packages and shorter sessions usually command a lower price. Personally, I wouldn't carve out a whole day just for a low priced booking. It's not like I can do 2 weddings in the same day. Instead I'd want to be available for somebody that books me all day and pays me accordingly for it.</p>

<p>Agree with the "no strap" defciancy for this thing. I'm a Klutz.<br>

Plus, I'm getting fat and my drawers would sag.</p>

<p>Yes, The healing and cloning brushes in LR2 really suck IMO. But the other brushes and masking abilities pretty much negate the need to use layering in PS. (At least for me anyway).</p>

<p>The more I use LR the less I delve into PS.</p>

<p>I'm not a gal but regarding the all "black" attire...<br>

I just don't see that color as being neutral and never understood it. Nobody I see at a wedding is wearing all "funeral black" and a photographer dressed that way really doesn't blend in with the crowd - at least not in my neck of the woods. <br>

Male photographers IMHO generally dress like slobs.<br>

I think the ladies have a lot more latitude in this area and their choice of attire is much more forgiving. Maybe you females scrutinize each other more than a guy would. (If our socks match and fly is zipped, we're pretty much good to go).</p>

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<p>I don't understand. If you can afford to buy one outright then you can afford a deposit (which you'll get back).</p>

<p>Dan's advice is sound but when I shot with one body and rented the 2nd one, I always rented something I was considering buying or upgrading to down the road. Kind of killing 2 birds with one stone. </p>

<p>I don't think age is a factor in this industry.<br>

I'm 52 and by no means consider myself to be "hip". But I do think young couples feel anyone over 40 is a geezer. At least that's what I thought at their age.<br>

Now, a DJ at my age is quite rare. I do work with one who is about 60 and even though he's a great guy he really looks stupid doing the cha cha slide.</p>

<p>I think every possible position has been discussed. You can only go so many places. But I would hope some of you would not do what you describe if a videographer was also recording this.</p>

<p>I like the exposure. It only augments the fact she's looking out a window through blinds that are limiting the incoming light and that's exactly what she's supposed to look like. Same thing with David's sample.</p>

<p>These types of photos just "make sense" to my eyes.</p>

<p><strong><em>Well, if you want to get picky about equipment, some photographers (perhaps I'm one of them) will scorn anyone trying to work without a decent handheld light meter.</em></strong></p>

<p>I have one and every time I pull it out I never know if the battery will still work. I found that it only reaffirms what my camera meter has already figured out (within 1/3 stop in most cases).</p>

<p>That being said the incident meter really shines when trying to shoot in high contrast situations where something will screw with the camera's meter. Assuming of course you get a chance to use it.</p>

<p><strong><em>While I have pointed out to her that the camera doesn’t make the camera man, she is adamant she wants to make sure they have the, ”right equipment”</em></strong></p>

<p>So this bride asks you to help her pick a photographer and then throws your advice in your face and continues to base her decisions on her own misguided criteria?</p>

<p>At this point, I'd be done advising this bride. It sounds like she values some silly-assed checklist she clipped out of a bridal magazine more than your input anyway.</p>

<p>I doubt you'll get a "silver bullet" answer to this. You just need to build a bag around your gear. I use a $140 Tamrac 5612.</p>

<p>It's not too bulky and holds 2 DSLR's, 5 lenses (including a 70-200), one flash and plenty of pockets/pouches for the ancillary things.</p>

<p>Bags are like garages. The bigger they are, the more stuff you'll buy to put in 'em.</p>

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<p><strong><em>Networking and setting up plans with several conacts is essential...</em></strong></p>

<p>Yes. I shoot 2nd for a few photographers that have agreements like this with each other. I'm on this list as well. It's really weird because they compete with each other fiercely but they all know this could happen so some kind of peace is maintained.</p>

<p>I think the 85mm should be in any kit - FF or crop. The f/1.8 in particular focuses very fast for me. Sure can't beat the price for what it does.</p>

<p>I also own a 28-135 but never used it for a wedding. I have used it for outdoor senior shoots and performs very well.</p>

<p>Nadine, you need to write a book.</p>

<p>I have a video background and while I can see advantages to continuous lighting for photos it can really kill the mood at dark receptions. As a videographer I hated to use it but there really was no choice. At least flash allows you to preserve some of intended ambience.</p>