AzDavid

<p>I recently purchased a Canon EF25 II extension tube and really love its capabilities. Canon states in its own literature that the EF25 II works with image stabilization. Others here have already confirmed that claim. Whether you have Canon equipment or not, I think an extension tube would be a great way for you to explore macro photography. Depending on what you buy, it's likely to be a cheaper option than obtaining a dedicated macro lens. Don't forget that your personal experience will vary depending upon the equipment you pair with whatever extension tube you get. And remember that focus is key! Use anything that helps, whether it's IS, a good tripod or a remote shutter switch. Good luck! </p>

<p>Very frustrating! My suggestion is to make sure you are selling yourself and your professionalism as completely as possible. There's a lot more to the business than putting nice photos on a disc. A professional who runs a business should have many important qualities (reliability?) and should offer many benefits (long-term archiving?). Make sure your Web site, social media posts and other promotional materials tout everything you offer.</p>

<p>Mario:<br> Canyon de Chelly is a wonderful place to visit and photograph. December will be cold, though! If you are hiking, there is one trail (White House Ruins) you can use on your own. Additionally, you can drive along the rim without a guide. But every other way of exploring in the canyon must include an official guide. Luckily, there is no shortage of tour guides. The link below offers an official National Park Service list of authorized guide companies. When I toured the canyon a few years ago, I just asked at the nearby Park Service headquarters and was directed to a spot where individual Navajo guides were available for hire. We negotiated a price and had a great time. It worked for us because we had our own 4-wheel drive SUV and the guide simply hopped in and drove us down into and all around the canyon, stopping wherever we desired. A safer bet, especially if your time at the canyon is limited, would be the aforementioned list of approved guide companies. A call to the local park service headquarters to inquire about average conditions in December would be advised. They can close off access to the canyon if there is bad weather, flooding, etc ... <br> http://www.nps.gov/cach/upload/CDC_2015.pdf</p>

<p>Welcome to photography, Robert! It sounds like you are off to a great start. One thing you didn't mention in your list that I've always found helpful is a good, sturdy camera bag. It's nice to grab such a bag knowing that all your stuff is inside and you'll be ready to shoot wherever you're going. There are lots of sources to check for bags. Even new ones can be affordable ... I just checked Overstock.com and they've got many choices in the $25 to $50 range. Good luck!</p>

<p>William W offers very sound advice. And it looks like you've already figured out that it's a good idea to charge a minimum commission ($2,500) for "up to six hours." That will protect you from future customers who sign agreements and decide they only need you for, say, four or five hours. <br> All that said, I would approach the couple and have a conversation. They seem reasonable in that they allowed you to keep nearly $800 as a retainer fee. You could spell out your situation to them as you did in your forum posting here. See what they say. It's possible that they don't realize the financial hit you face by the reduction from 8 to 6 hours. Again, I agree with William W and would hold off on trotting out the "No" unless you decide you really can't work for these people.<br> Also, can you re-book that same date with a higher paying client? If not, it's always better to stick with the customer you've got rather than risk not making any money that night.<br> Finally, it's entirely possible that if you find a way to work with these people they will reflect upon that once the dust from the wedding settles. They will realize how many hoops they made you jump through and yet you still came through for them and provided wonderful photographs of their important occasion. These are the customers you want telling everyone else in the world what a great guy you turned out to be. It's possible you will reap big rewards through their referrals to other family and friends. <br> Hope this helps. Good luck!</p>

<p>Ian ... if you have a baby on the way, my first advice is to get as much as you can done now. My wife and I have two sons and when they entered our world, my photography hobby took a back seat. Beyond that, a sink is great to have although my first darkroom did not have one and, like others who have commented here, I used to bring developed film from my darkroom space in the garage to the bathroom on the other side of the house for washing. I agree with an earlier comment about ventilation. Proper ventilation is important with all those chemicals and will help keep the dust down and off your film. Good luck!</p>

<p>It's interesting to run across this conversation. I've been pondering the whole "how much post-processing is too much?" question a lot lately. I don't have any problems with changing things around as long as we're not talking about photojournalism. With art it's Ok as long as those viewing the results of post-processing are made aware that, for example, the bee on a flower was added after the photo was taken. What's got me wondering, though, is why so many photographers today utilize significant post-processing without any concern for the impact on truth and consumers. It seems as though the days of "photographs not lying" are over! What do you think? </p>

<p>You can dig into the specs, but basically the PRO-100 runs about $399, the PRO-10 jumps to $699 and the PRO-1 is $999. All print 4800x2400 dpi and (I think) all produce up to 13x19-inch prints. The more expensive models have more ink cartridges that, presumably, give you more accurate color representation. I have a PIXMA PRO-10 that works very well for my purposes. It really depends on what you want to do with the prints. In my opinion, if you have been printing with a standard desk-top printer/copier/scanner, then jumping up to the PRO-100 will give you lots of satisfaction and amazing prints compared to what you are used to getting. Don't forget, though, that feeding these babies higher-end paper and ink is expensive. </p>

<p>I've had the 5D Mark III for several months now and just love its capabilities and the results I get. If you want one prices are certainly falling. Check out the link below. If I'm reading it correctly, you get the camera, the 24-105 lens, a PIXMA-PRO 100 printer and a lot of other stuff for $2,749 after rebates. Sounds like a deal to me!<br> http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1129622-REG/canon_eos_5d_mark_iii.html</p>