Again, I'm going to start this FAQ post off by saying that this is only my opinion and these answers are based on what has worked for me up to this point in my business.
Reader Question:
What camera equipment do you have?
-Canon Rebel XSi camera body*
-Canon 18-55mm f/3.4 lens*
-Canon 50-250mm f/4 lens*
-Canon 35mm f/1.4 lens (Edited on 03.07.2011)
-Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens
-Macro lens/Wide angle lens*
-Canon 430 EX II flash
-Tripod*
-Reflector
-3 camera batteries
-4 8GB memory cards
The ones with a * beside them are from the original kit that I bought off Ebay. And I never have all of these things with me at the same time! (Except for weddings.) The flash has been lent to me from my mom and a few of the other smaller items I've purchased off Ebay for almost pennies.
Reader Question:
What lens do you use for Portrait Sessions?
My go-to lens right now is my 50mm f/1.8. I bought that lens off Craigslist about a week after I got my camera kit. I knew the style of photography that I wanted to do and the kit lenses just wouldn't get me the same result. The f/1.8 is very reasonably priced for a wide aperture prime lens. I've had a few issues with mine but I bought it used so there could be some damage to it that I don't know about. But overall it's been great! I also bring my 18-55mm f/3.5 lens with me incase I want some wider angle shots.
Reader Question:
For weddings, and any kind of shoot for that matter, do I need more then one camera?
I currently only have one camera body. There's no way I could afford to buy another camera right now (the next one I'm buying is over $2000! It' s the Canon 5D Mark II.) For weddings I can definitely see the plus side to having a second camera body on hand so that you can have 2 different lenses mounted at the same time and just switch back and forth (especially for during the ceremony). But that's not a feasible option for me right now.
For Portrait Sessions you would only really need one camera. At least for me. So I make the couple wait 30 seconds while I change my lens? No big deal. So far, none of my clients have rolled their eyes at me in annoyance for taking time to switch my lens!
One thing that has been great for me is renting lenses. I did this for the last 2 weddings that I shot and it was a great way to get a feel for the lens and to see if I like it or not before investing a large amount of money in buying one. I've rented from both Beau's and Leo's in Vancouver.
Having done this (renting lenses) I have now come to the conclusion that I love the Canon 35mm f/1.4 lens. That will be my next photography purchase for sure. I love the wider angle to it and the wide aperture. It was the main lens I used for the last wedding I did and I loved it. Perfect for low light situations. I'm not where I want to be in my camera/lens collection yet but I realize it takes time. This is not a cheap industry. But with time, and more bookings, I'll get there!
So, in conclusion, get what you can afford and practice as much as you can with what you've got until you can upgrade.
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"practice as much as you can with what you've got until you can upgrade."
ReplyDeleteThis is my daily mantra! Of course it is great if you can afford the better stuff, but I learn so much more when I focus on being better photographers instead of buying better gear.
Then, when I finally get that better equipment, I can really use it and use it well.
Exactly!! Being a good photographer doesn`t mean you have to have the best of the best equipment.
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