coffee-black
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 p.1 #17 · Could I be a second shooter? | |
Deb Brundage wrote:
coffee-black wrote:
This is all really great advice. I spent ~$850 on a workshop (Almost Alone with David Williams) and a bit more on the One Light Workshop DVD. I highly recommend both. I was planning on going to the Shoot with Beckstead Intensive workshop in Birmingham next week, but I can't swing the funds. Really wish I could, esp since most of the workshops in 2009 will be out of the US. I think the technique I have learned from both workshops (well, the DVD is like a workshop) have helped me tremendously.
You need enough equipment to get the job done -- so make sure you have enough backup stuff. That's important. 2 camera bodies, lots of memory, a few flashes, etc. But beyond that I know quite a few togs on the board that do weddings without extensive lighting. I, for one, want to master off-camera lighting, but I'm trying to do it "budget style" - so I purchased a few lightstands, some cheap ebay triggers (will get two PWs asap), and I am using strobes. Master natural lighting first -- There are a few primarily natural light photographers who I admire a LOT. They use light to their advantage. Then work your way to supplementing that light. I'm terrible with it now, but having some fun!
As far as equipment goes, cover your bases at a minimum -- I started with an 85 f/1.8, 70-200 f/4, and 28-75 f/2.8 Tamron. Not enough for low-light photography, but I could cover every focal length I needed. I upgraded to the 70-200 f/2.8 IS and have a 28 f/1.8 and 50 f/1.8 to cover low light situations. I'd love to get the 35L and 135L, but those are unnecessary as of now. In your situation, however, you could forgo the 70-200 and maybe get the 135 -- that would give you a good low-light lens at that focual length. But if you are primarily second shooting, you don't need as much equipment.
One thing I need to work on is my PP skills. I'm updating my LR to 2.0. I need to get PS, but I guess that's something I can get later (since I have a very old version on my husband's computer). Investing in skills and business is definitely teh right way to go. Just don't forego having enough equipment to cover yourself in an emergency.
Off camera lighting is really nothing more than studio lighting done in the field. The most important thing with which to concentrate is not the light, but the shadow. Look at some of the older techniques of the 30's and 40's--really dramatic lighting styles which are made much easier with today's technology. Again, it is nothing new. It is simply being done more now and being labeled catchy things by younger photographers.
Don't underestimate equipment rentals. There are a lot of places doing this now. Weddings provide enough lead time that scheduling rental lenses, slaves, etc is easy. Before I spent money on a back-up body, I would seek out a rental company to rent one.
IMO, pass on the LR2 if you have one and save the money for other software if you need it. LR1 is extremely good. LR2 has advantages, but if you're building a kit, the money can be put to better use.
Lastly, if you are already getting some bookings, forget the letter to other photographers. It is time to get out on your own. Spend the time an energy getting in front of B&Gs rather than more photographers.
Best of luck
>rw
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