So I'm moving into year 2 of doing wedding pictures, and I've been doing fine with my d200 (and yes I have a back up), and mainly using my 35-105 1.8f sigma.
now I have a bunch of really happy brides, and a bunch of extra cash, and I'm going to go shopping... so what are the top 10 things I should consider buying? what are the things you you have that you can't live without... or what are the things that you have that you thought were great but never use. For the sake of argument, let's say that money is no object (it is... but let's pretend anyway)
Right. Give us some more info. (Take it you want to learn from our mistakes - stuff we never use; from our successes; and from our fantasies - money no object. But if you have bunch of happy brides, well, keep em happy and just give them the money).
My 85mm f/1.8 is the best investment I've ever made. I love that lens at weddings. Good fast glass is the best place to start.
Flashes and umbrella/stand kits for the formals is a good idea. I take both a wireless flash setup and studio strobes to weddings with me, Just incase.
According to your profile these are the lenses you currently have:
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro for Nikon
Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 Aspherical for Nikon
Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX VR 55-200 f4-5.6 G IF-ED
Since you're a wedding photographer I would probably recommend one or two good prime lenses to shoot portraits. Although, I probably shouldn't say anything since I just got my first SLR camera like two months ago.
So I'm moving into year 2 of doing wedding pictures, and I've been doing fine with my d200 (and yes I have a back up), and mainly using my 35-105 1.8f sigma.
now I have a bunch of really happy brides, and a bunch of extra cash, and I'm going to go shopping... so what are the top 10 things I should consider buying? what are the things you you have that you can't live without... or what are the things that you have that you thought were great but never use. For the sake of argument, let's say that money is no object (it is... but let's pretend anyway)
Where in the world does one buy a 35-105 F1.8 lens at? I'd like to have one myself thats gotta rock for low light and have a zoom to boot.
let's see stuff I have... well you can see my lenses and camera's in my profile beyond that I have a large 5-in-1 reflector a small sliver/gold reflector. my trusty sb-800 (with stock diffuser), I've got a crappy set of 2 studio strobs that I wouldn't take pics of my poop with (on the plus side I have a full set of Alien Bees on the way... took the busy bee package)... I think that's it of note
depends on how much $$ you have to spend. I bought the 70-200 2.8 and it stays on the camera all day, along with a second camera with the 24-70 or 18-35.
the 70-200 is great for portraits with very shallow depth of field and close ups at the church when you are farther away... you do have the 70-300 4.5 mind you so perhaps this is just overlapping, but you could sell that one for the faster lens.
Given the choice which would be better an 85mm 1.8f or the 80-700 2.8 type lens?
I have both. They are both fabulous lenses, probably my two favorites. For people work, though, I tend to use the 85 the most, because...
1) I have a bad shoulder and can't handhold the 80-200 for long, so it spends most of its time on a tripod or monopod. I can handhold the 85 without much trouble.
2) I don't do weddings, mostly simple portraits, and I can zoom with my feet just fine.
If I were trying to shoot indoor weddings, and wanted the 80-200 focal length, I think I'd spend the extra $$ on the 70-200 VR instead, because the VR would be handy in the dark.
Fast computer, proper software (CS3 yes, but lots of other stuff too - winzip, breezebrower pro, FTP program, backup program, Fotofusion, ProSelect)
External HD for backup
Twin LCD monitors, the bigger the better, and calibration hardware (spyder pro 2 does multiple monitors)
Belt system if you change lenses a lot, or want to have everything on you at all times.
studio lights (alien bee, zeus, interfit stellar) and AB Vagabond, a big softbox or two
Pocket Wizards
Beyond gear....
Bigger better sample albums, or prints.
Better marketing handouts - letterhead on bond paper, envelopes, fancy folders, candy with your name/logo on it
In-home meeting space, studio space, display space type of thing to meet brides in
Large screen TV or projector for showing brides you work, selling larger prints.
framing - start doing it. samples ($70) and some tools ($150) and you sell an 8x10 for $150 instead of $30 (or less).
More advertising, better advertising - bring in better, richer brides
Have a lawyer look over your contracts and releases
Get insurance (if you don't already have it)
Join PPA or similar, or a local org and ATTEND the events.
Take a class - see PPA for such info. There are lots of week long schools that will blow your mind and open you up to a whole nother world
Attend WPPI or other national convention (see above)
Fast computer, proper software (CS3 yes, but lots of other stuff too - winzip, breezebrower pro, FTP program, backup program, Fotofusion, ProSelect)
External HD for backup
Twin LCD monitors, the bigger the better, and calibration hardware (spyder pro 2 does multiple monitors)
Belt system if you change lenses a lot, or want to have everything on you at all times.
studio lights (alien bee, zeus, interfit stellar) and AB Vagabond, a big softbox or two
Pocket Wizards
Beyond gear....
Bigger better sample albums, or prints.
Better marketing handouts - letterhead on bond paper, envelopes, fancy folders, candy with your name/logo on it
In-home meeting space, studio space, display space type of thing to meet brides in
Large screen TV or projector for showing brides you work, selling larger prints.
framing - start doing it. samples ($70) and some tools ($150) and you sell an 8x10 for $150 instead of $30 (or less).
More advertising, better advertising - bring in better, richer brides
Have a lawyer look over your contracts and releases
Get insurance (if you don't already have it)
Join PPA or similar, or a local org and ATTEND the events.
Take a class - see PPA for such info. There are lots of week long schools that will blow your mind and open you up to a whole nother world
Attend WPPI or other national convention (see above)
Done alot of the business end stuff... MOre advertizing is a good plan... thanks... anyone else?
