Official Misc Photography Crew, Part V "Do you even shoot?" - Page 70

07-12-2017, 06:23 PM

#2071

Lots of good advice in there, I also agree on the weekend warriors and everyone being a photographer these days… I've always, my entire life been an artist / creative minded person and for the past 20 years a creative professional in a lot of categories but the serious photography started only a couple years ago yet I knew what I was doing before then (I wasn't able to afford a serious camera and serious glass until the end of 2015) but there's always a lot more to learn and skill to develop so I'm sure I'll be learning until I quit ticking. I've wanted a high end camera for nearly 20 years, I did have a Sony F505V which was considered semi-high end for a digital camera 16 years ago but that was it.

I'm going to rent a second A7Rii for every wedding I shoot until I can afford to purchase a second body, it's about $110 for 3 days, by the time that happens I'll probably purchase an A7Riii and use my current A7Rii as my backup body… I only shoot primes right now but was also considering renting a zoom if I want to take a little bit of the pressure off for the first couple weddings until I'm more comfortable. Never been a zoom lens kind of person but I think it will save me on lens changes and missing any opportunities, I'd likely just rent the G-Masters for 3 days. I could rent a second body, 70-200GM and 24-70GM and play it super safe for about $250 but that seems excessive. I prefer to shoot with my 55 and 90mm lenses most of the time though.

Candid is actually my preferred style, I like to catch people acting natural and unaware their being shot most times… I think of myself as more a photo journalist type shooter, I also really enjoy going into public and shooting street photos and stuff like that, people are interesting. Posing and so on are definitely areas I am working on and still trying to absorb knowledge on since it's not my preferred way of doing things, hence the candid stuff but I know I gotta get those specific shots that most people will request so I'll always be compiling a mandatory shot list and working on nailing those poses at the very least.

It's a lot to take in and a bit daunting at first but I have confidence in myself and think after a few I'll be nailing it – That's not to say I don't think I'll get a lot of great shots on my first wedding too but I know I'll be intimidated somewhat… I do find that my camera being in my hand opens me up a lot and I get more sociable and friendly with complete strangers than I would if I was standing there without it… it's a crutch, in a good way.

Appreciate the advice!

Originally Posted By Dominik⏩

Years ago I would have said spend some time learning the ropes as a 2nd shooter but these days every weekend warrior and their dog is doing wedding photography and charging peanuts. Might as well just back yourself to deliver the goods.

The most important thing IMO is to have a backup camera. Even if you're doing it for next to nothing no one will want to hear your excuses if your camera stops working. Also a good idea to have a backup standard lens like a 50 prime which doesn't take up much space in a bag just in case your workhorse zoom smashes all over the pavement. And the usual extra batteries and memory cards.

Unless you're quite skilled shooting candids from a distance with a tele and still getting nice framing without people's heads in the frame don't be afraid to assert yourself on a paid shoot. Step in front of people dangling their phones in the aisle to get the shot. No one will care about their blurry low res hit and miss efforts — they'll want to see the pro photos. Group shots also require some planning so it's a good idea to get a family member or friend to help you there and get the largest group shot first before everyone leaves. Then go through all the combinations.

Lastly spend some time thinking about posing. Unless you want to make some brides look like a linebacker don't shoot them with shoulders square to the camera. Ditto for shooting subjects too low and accentuating a double chin burger. If the groom or his groomsmen don't know where to put their hands, tell them to put them in their pockets. Many wedding photos have that Weekend at Bernie's look with arms hanging straight down.

I could go on but I'm sure you'll figure it out. Just be confident and if you don't know what you're doing never let anyone know that. Try to think a step ahead so you're always giving clear instructions while still interacting with the B&G and keeping things friendly rather than constantly having your head buried in the LCD chimping and tweaking settings.

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Thread: Official Misc Photography Crew, Part V "Do you even shoot?"