sprouty

<p> My favorite wedding was the last one I did for a friend. For a few months I tried to steer them toward a real wedding photographer but they insisted. Anyway, I shot the wedding (for free, at my insistence), edited the prints and sent them the images...then nothing, not even a word for for two weeks. I really started to get worried. I was completely convinced I screwed up.</p>

<p> Finally one night I'm out for a beer with friends and suddenly I'm nearly knocked over by the bride as she grabs me in a death hug. Nearly in tears she told me over and over again how much she loved the images. I was so caught off guard by her emotion I choked up. It was a really wonderful feeling.</p>

<p>Very nice Brad.</p>

<p>If I was using the same three lenses for almost my entire life, I have a hard time imagining that I'd be happy with three new focal lengths just because I bought a new camera. So it would be a choice of 3 new primes or a zoom.<br>

I tried shooting with a zoom, just could not get used to the size and the loss of 2 stops. I ended up right back with a prime lens that best matched my favorite focal length (50mm), it was the Sigma 30/1.4. Once I went to full-frame I bought the 50/1.4. I bet money that's where you'll end up too.</p>

<p>Pictures? This site will show you all kinds of bags loaded with gear along with user reviews.<br>

http://www.cambags.com/</p>

<p>The interface is a little wonky but once you figure out the scroll panel on the left, you can check out all kinds of bags and see how people use them.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Technically your thirding the compliment.*</p>

<p>* just sayin'</p>

<p>http://www.planetneil.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/</p>

<p>Spend an evening reading this, practise for a for awhile and you will have better flash technique than 99% of the camera users in the world.</p>

<p>Sorry, I assumed USA for some reason.</p>

<p>As much as everyone loves a "what bag should I buy" thread, the unfortunate truth Andrew, is that there are certain things that are nearly impossible to buy without trying them: bags are one of those things. <br />Your best bet would be think about all the advice given here and from Josh's review, then collect all your stuff and head over to the local shop to try a few out.</p>

<p>Or, If that's not an option, call B&H or Adorama, verify thier return policy (I think B&H's is 7 days, you pay shipping) and order 4 or 5 bags. Load them up, check them out and send back the ones you don't like. <br />BTW after working out of a Donke F-2 for years, my everyday bag is an Artisan & Artist Sabastio's Reporter Satchel, it's the perfect bag...for me.</p>

<p><em>"I'll put the camera in the front pocket (and be careful)"</em></p>

<p>I dread the thought of being serious, but here goes: the Hadley is great bag and will last you a lifetime, but the idea of carrying a camera in an unpadded pocket in the front of the bag is something I'd never do. It offers the least protection, and is the most likely area for abuse: every single thing you bump into, and every time the bag tips forward your camera will take the hit. I think you really want to re-consider this.</p>

<p>Oh, and since we get to pick colors - I say black on black...</p>

<p>Nice shots Brad.</p>

<p>Which hand do you carry yours in?</p>

<p>Well, I've never seen anyone else cut them off so I'm sure it's me. Other than that I did really love the Domke.<br>

Nice article Josh, well done.</p>

<p>Actually, I'm headed to SF in Feb, we'll see how photo-friendly that place really is...</p>

<p>I say with full certainty that you sir, have the strongest thumbs on the planet.</p>

<p>I find if I keep my camera in my right hand and a gun in my left I have at least two different options.</p>

<p> <br /> Anybody else have any tips they want to share?</p>

<p>Here are a few more thoughts (as if you need any...)</p>

<ul>

<li>The canvas Domkes wear out faster than the ballistic nylon version, but they look a lot cooler. And despite what Vic says black is the best color (it hides well when you set it down and don't want it seen) </li>

<li>The clips on the Domkes are maddening, I cut them off and put two small carabiners on instead, life was good after that. </li>

<li>Tenba makes bags in similar sizes to Domkes but with more pockets, zippers and flaps and are better designed from a user aspect. Look at the Pro Traveller II series.</li>

<li>Think-Tank bags are defintiely stealth and are well made but have zippers, and zippers are great for keeping everything in, but suck for getting it out.</li>

<li>The Billinghams wear like iron, but are quite pricey and they look like man-purses. </li>

<li>Fogg bags also wear like iron, look like man-purses, but are even more pricey. In fact they are so pricey that it would be cheaper to hire a butler and have him carry your gear.</li>

</ul>

<p>Ok, I'm done.</p>

<p>Fogg is <em>like</em> Billingham, as is Carnier. All three are well built and incredibly expensive. I happen to prefer the <a href="http://www.artisanandartist.com/bags/gcam7000.htm">Sabastio Reporter's Satchel </a>by Artisan & Artist, equally well made (and over-priced).</p>

<p>Why am I still surprised by the people that think sharpness and resolution are the "most improtant things"? How is it possible to be so invested in a pursuit and yet still completely miss the point?</p>

<p><em>"Here is your flash and here is your two types of pepper spray..."</em></p>

<p>That's awsome.</p>

<p>Well there you go, quite a little new year's present. Enjoy.</p>

<p>Thread kill!</p>

<p><em>"...something you might want to consider when making a choice between the sigma 30mm and Nikon 35mm is the weight. The Sigma weighs twice as much."</em></p>

<p>This is true, as well as the fact that it's also twice as big with the hood on it. But then again it's also a full stop faster, so you pick and choose what matters.</p>

<p>Also, to those of you recommending the flash, can anyone post a body of work taken in intimate locations (pubs, churches, restaurants, etc.) in a country you don't call home? </p>

<p>(I predict there will be very few Bruce Gildens in the this little thread.)</p>

<p>I'm also with Matt, I used the Sigma on my D200 and loved the lens. It almost never left the camera body.<br /> Now that I have a D700 I use the last generation 50/1.4 and, as Matt mentions about the 35/2.0, it's a nice lens but it's noticeably louder than the Sigma was. It'll be up for sale shortly, to be replaced by either a Zeiss, Sigma, or newest generation Nikon 50/1.4.</p>

<p>My D200, and now D700, is my go everywhere camera. Rain, snow, rock climbing, pub cralwing, it goes where I go. The D200 was dropped twice (not by me) and had a full pint of water tossed on it, all with no issues. The D700 is equally rugged and sees just as much, if not more use (though so far no abuse). The upgrade is worth it.</p>

<p>The SB600 will be practically useless, not because it wouldn't be an asset in low light (it actually would perfect to use for bounce for fill), but because in the real world situation you're not going to whip it out and start blasting it in a pub full of strangers. <br /> Get the Sigma 30/1.4 and leave it on your camera. It will be perfect as a travel lens.</p>