cliff_nj

<p>One thing I did was to send both bodies to Nikon for maintenance over the winter and got a PW TT5 and practiced with a new lighting style. I am also using an assistant with a lightstick, so practiced this a few times over the winter.<br>

Today is the big day and I am as excited as usual...yay!</p>

<p>yuk never</p>

<p>Your only question was open, so here it goes:<br>

You have plenty of nice gear, certainly enough to shoot a wedding. I like backup to be identical (triplicate actually) in body and various in lenses.<br>

If you want to get more profit, study marketing and business.<br>

If you want to get better at photography, study lighting.</p>

<p>I'm in a seasonal market so haven't had a wedding since late October. My first of the season is Saturday. Besides taking lots of test type shots with all equipment and charging batteries, does anyone do anything to help with the time off? I probably should shoot a HS game to help with timing.</p>

<p>Go FX...you will not regret it. I moved from d300 to d700 and am thrilled.</p>

<p>I hold my tokina 16-24 f2.8 (if) fx at 16mm over the dance floor late in the reception and also for a wide of the ceremony if time allows...just got it this summer so have only been experimenting occasionally at weddings. I would never use it for a group shot except with an 'edgy' couple and previously discussed with them. Good thread...hope to get lots of ideas.</p>

<p>Richard, I know what you mean about getting weird reactions on some forums...all around the internet. Personally, I'm upset at the "medical" forums on another website. Long-story-short, I have a bit of experience cooking and also hunting, so a friend asked me to perform a minor surgery on her older dog. So I go on a forum to ask a few "professional" vets some simple advice and POW....everyone is jumping all over me. Go figure some people.</p>

<p>Frankly, I suspect that your post is actually a marketing ploy. Call me a pessimist.</p>

<p>If you haven't set up your table on the same size for practice, do it. Arrive early. Dress professionally. Bring breath mints and use them. Bring lots of business cards, and make sure you have something like a sign with your biz name on it (I have a frame with a simple printed biz name inside).<br>

At the show, DO NOT sit behind your table...stand out front and interact.<br>

Prepare your 'shpeal'...your 'message'.<br>

Since I am a photojournalist, I ask people "have you thought about the style of photography you like? They almost always say "no". Then I ask if they like to pose a lot or a little? If they hate posing, I talk about pure photojournalism. If they want some quick groups, I discuss that. If they want tons of posed shots, I send them to one of the other photographer's booths!<br>

I wouldn't expect to get anyone signing a contract...and actually think that's a bit premature. I also would not give a sample contract at this point.<br>

I bring my computer for a slideshow but also bring a larger flat screen monitor. Bring some lights for your prints. One album seems very light...everyone likes to flip through albums.<br>

Most important, have fun and be nice and friendly. Good luck. Also, don't bum-out if no one hires you on the spot...most biz comes later. Remember, you are doing 'marketing' not 'sales'.</p>

<p>As a photojournalist, I don't set up any images for my typical wedding....unless requested specifically. Next time a couple asks for a ring shot, I'm stealing your idea! Great job.</p>

<p><img src="http://cliffevans.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/20111022-_raw0078.jpg" alt="" width="599" height="900" /></p>

<p>Baby laughing above just for fun....Brides dance with Dad interrupted for critique.</p>

<p><img src="http://cliffevans.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/20111022-_dsc75591.jpg" alt="" width="599" height="900" /></p>

<p>Best baby ever!!!</p>

<p>D700, 85mm f1.4 @ 1/160, f2.5, 6400 ISO<br /> <img src="http://cliffevans.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/new-table-7197.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="599" /></p>

<p>Pelican case locked to a table. I have an assistant, but she is too busy to sit and watch the equipment.</p>

<p>I always shoot in RAW and would never consider giving those files to anyone. Always jpegs to the client.</p>

<p>I use Collages.net and am happy. Nice quality, customer service, product line. Clients love the end product.</p>

<p>I know a video guy who works with them and is reasonably happy. They are low on quality control and pay little, but apparently pay on time and still get business.</p>

<p>I deliver on wooden thumb drive with my logo put in a velvet type pouch. Expensive but classy.</p>

<p>This Sunday, 9.18.11 from 12-4</p>

<p>I'm looking for a bag holder/lightstand holder for 4 hours =$50 for a beach wedding. No shooting or much speaking, just holding lightstand and saying "yes". Contact through www.cliffevansphotography.com</p>

<p>My wife and I have a regular routine. After a wedding, I walk in the door and she asks "How did it go?" I always reply, " Oh my God, I didn't get anything...Nothing...not a single good shot...I'm a complete failure" She laughs. I laugh and crack a beer, and begin the download. Withing minutes I am parading around the house pronouncing myself the Greatest Wedding Photojournalist Alive!<br>

Analyze that!?</p>

<p>Where are the people? I can only see the outlines!</p>

<p>It goes both ways, but Karma often arrives early.<br>

I just worked with a video guy from a large company who told me he'd be in the back of the aisle with a tripod, and then planted himself right up front and center, 4 feet from the couple. I worked around him, crawled through bushes, and made it work. I snarled at him after ceremony and he just laughed. He then proceeded to eat hors d'euvres and drink! The couple was so pissed at Mr. Video they sent him home early and paid me extra to stay late.</p>

<p>f14 for 1/20th at 24mm, d700, iso 800<br>

<img src="http://cliffevans.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/pnet-1.jpg" alt="" width="602" height="800" /></p>

 

<p>I would only slightly crop it to complete the symmetry. Beautiful venue and way to show it in all its' glory!<br>

<img src="http://cliffevans.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/my-try1.jpg" alt="" width="290" height="649" /></p>