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A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

gheller
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

Aloha from Hawaii

I am a full-time destination wedding photographer (for almost 2 decades) and within a few years of retiring.

I absolutely love what I do and am thankful to work just about every day.

But, I am feeling a bit stale and need a new *spark* to carry me thru the final years of my career.

Thing is, my setup is *perfect* for my business. A pair of A73 bodies. One has the Sigma 85 f/1.4 DG DN and the other with the Tamron 28-200. There is no setup (for any amount of money) that I feel would do a better job for me.

So, with that said, I could just get a couple of A74 bodies, but not sure that would give me the *spark* I am looking for.

I know the mkIV would be a step up (AF, articulating screen, etc), but.....

Thanks for any and all input!

Nov 09, 2023 at 03:55 PM

DannyBostwick
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

I don't think the 74 is going to give you that spark. I'd try a whole different system for something fun. Maybe not jump ship fully, but get a Fuji or a Leica setup or an old film camera or something sort of "ancillary" to bring and experiment with as a third option. Different cameras will force different processes. Different process with yield different results. Work with that thing until you trust it and you'll start hitting homeruns again because it's new and exciting.

The other option would be to just keep the bodies and switch up the lenses a bit. Spice that shit up with a 50 1.2 or a 35 1.4 or something. Something that will give you a completely different look and force some new thinking!

Nov 09, 2023 at 09:03 PM

LeeSimms
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

Adventurous glass is what cures boredom — that and new lighting modifiers

They just announced the Voigtlander 50 ƒ1 for Canon RF - bwa ha ha

Nov 09, 2023 at 11:03 PM

gheller
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

DannyBostwick wrote:
I don't think the 74 is going to give you that spark. I'd try a whole different system for something fun. Maybe not jump ship fully, but get a Fuji or a Leica setup or an old film camera or something sort of "ancillary" to bring and experiment with as a third option. Different cameras will force different processes. Different process with yield different results. Work with that thing until you trust it and you'll start hitting homeruns again because it's new and exciting.

The other option would be to just keep the bodies and switch up the lenses a...Show more →

Actually very good suggestion. Only thing is, I don't want to lug around another lens (I like keeping it light and simple). Also don't want to be changing lenses in the sand / salty air environment I work in for countless hours each day.

I am beginning to think there is *no* antidote for my condition, haha.

Thanks!

Nov 10, 2023 at 01:34 AM

johnld
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

I think most photographers require some "juice" to break from the monotony that produces plain, perfect photos for wedding photography. I think every digital camera is basically the same in most regards, and it's the lenses that set apart the end result. I agree that f/1.2 lenses are a way of creating more mood or character, but only if the subjects are close on the FP. Different perspectives or lighting can also be fun. Although nothing new or innovative to wedding/portrait photography, we've come to love incorporating the low angles of the sun for key, rim, backlighting or to excite a flare. It wasn't our usual style, but it gave us a much needed boost to be more artful and deliberate. That being said, if switching cameras (I have a camera porn addiction to the Leica SL2) what would actually change other than the ergonomics or user experience? That might be enough though...

Edited on Nov 13, 2023 at 11:27 AM · View previous versions

Nov 11, 2023 at 10:19 AM

gheller
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

johnld wrote:
I think most photographers require some "juice" to break from the monotony that produces plain, perfect photos for wedding photography. I think every digital camera is basically the same in most regards, and it's the lenses that set apart the end result. I agree that f/1.2 lenses are a way of creating more mood or character, but only if the subjects are close on the FP. Different perspectives or lighting can also be fun. Although nothing new or innovative to wedding/portrait photography, we've come to love incorporating the low angles of the sun for key, rim, backlighting or to excite...Show more →

Great input, thanks!

Nov 12, 2023 at 12:15 AM

Ziffl3
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

To get real spark.... have some of your recent images reviewed/critiqued.
This is not the sexy way.... way easier to buy gear.

I other words... can you learn to see 'new' things at a wedding.

This all depends on your thinking and what you like to deliver.
And do you like to improve.

This could also include changing client level every once in a while.

Nov 12, 2023 at 11:23 AM

johnld
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

Agree with Ziffl3 about critiques and reviews. Peer critiques can vastly improve your perspective and be more objective to your own work. We shoot a lot of candids as they're the most requested style from couples. There's so many moments between moments happening here that great captures are possible in almost every scenario. Stealthy and unobtrusive yields the most genuine too. A 135 f/2mm might work nicely here. For inspiration, I love looking at old vintage wedding albums, especially the black and white. Those film photographers nailed it!

Nov 12, 2023 at 09:01 PM

gheller
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

Ziffl3 wrote:
To get real spark.... have some of your recent images reviewed/critiqued.
This is not the sexy way.... way easier to buy gear.

I other words... can you learn to see 'new' things at a wedding.

This all depends on your thinking and what you like to deliver.
And do you like to improve.

This could also include changing client level every once in a while.

It is a good suggestion, but when I typically only have 1 hour for my (destination) weddings ~ that includes the 20 minute ceremony, there is little room to explore and change it up.

Add that to the fact that I am the lead contracting photographer for this company makes me hesitant to make any significant style adjustments, if that makes sense.

thank you for the input.

g

Nov 13, 2023 at 03:26 AM

gheller
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

johnld wrote:
Agree with Ziffl3 about critiques and reviews. Peer critiques can vastly improve your perspective and be more objective to your own work. We shoot a lot of candids as they're the most requested style from couples. There's so many moments between moments happening here that great captures are possible in almost every scenario. Stealthy and unobtrusive yields the most genuine too. A 135 f/2mm might work nicely here. For inspiration, I love looking at old vintage wedding albums, especially the black and white. Those film photographers nailed it!

Thank you. If you see my reasons to his suggestion, you will understand why this may not be the best course of action ~ if I am to remain in my position contracting for this company

g

Nov 13, 2023 at 03:28 AM

johnld
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

gheller wrote:
Thank you. If you see my reasons to his suggestion, you will understand why this may not be the best course of action ~ if I am to remain in my position contracting for this company

g

That's a different scenario altogether. If you're just going continue your approach to maintain your position in the company, then I'm not sure any artistic input here is going to be useful. This seems more like cognitive dissonance for new gear!

Nov 13, 2023 at 10:24 AM

gheller
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

johnld wrote:
That's a different scenario altogether. If you're just going continue your approach to maintain your position in the company, then I'm not sure any artistic input here is going to be useful. This seems more like cognitive dissonance for new gear!

Probably so, haha.

It would be SO much easier to justify new gear if what I was using wasn't getting the job done *exactly* how it needs to be.

Just looking for something to give me that emotional boost for the next few years before retiring.

Thanks!

Nov 13, 2023 at 01:24 PM

paradisephoto
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

I am a part time wedding photographer, averaging 4-8 a year mixed in with my other types of work, and shot the A7iii for two years. Last year I moved to an A7iv with the Sony 24-105 (I prefer zooms to single focal length, just my personal preference). The A7iii didn't move for 13 months before it got sold. The A7iv simply runs circles around the A7iii. I am headed to a two wedding weekend (a lot for me considering I have a non-photography full time job) with the A74 sporting a new Sony 24-70F/2.8GMII, and a very slightly used A9ii with the Sony 20-70 F/4G. I've shot a few weddings already with the 20-70, and only the 20-70 on the A7iv. I have never been so excited to shoot a wedding as I am now given that it will be the first with the A9ii, and the first with the 24-70F/2.8GMII. So my 2 cents, maybe a simple gear change within the Sony system will be a spark. It certainly has been for me.

Nov 17, 2023 at 02:15 PM

gheller
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

paradisephoto wrote:
I am a part time wedding photographer, averaging 4-8 a year mixed in with my other types of work, and shot the A7iii for two years. Last year I moved to an A7iv with the Sony 24-105 (I prefer zooms to single focal length, just my personal preference). The A7iii didn't move for 13 months before it got sold. The A7iv simply runs circles around the A7iii. I am headed to a two wedding weekend (a lot for me considering I have a non-photography full time job) with the A74 sporting a new Sony 24-70F/2.8GMII, and a very slightly used...Show more →

Thank you for the valuable imput.

Thanks to the *screaming* deal I got thru the site: GrTo, my A7iv arrives Monday. I will wait to see what Black Friday presents, but will eventually add another (don't like shooting 2 different bodies, but for now a III and iv should be ok).

g

Nov 18, 2023 at 03:12 AM

A74me
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

How are you enjoying the a7iv ?

May 17, 2024 at 05:43 PM

stevez32
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

Sony cams are what I use too, I was shooting with A7III but switched over to A9 and it has been much improved in speed and the way I shoot (having a buffer I don't have to ever run up against).

That said, I don't think any Sony cams have ever sparked anything in me, they just feel so technical and proficient but they don't make me love using them like Fuji or even Nikon.

May 27, 2024 at 09:49 AM

gheller
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

A74me wrote:
How are you enjoying the a7iv ?

Really love it. Contemplating upgrading the other III to a IV at some time.

The speed formatting a card as well as the "chuncky" feeling on the shutter release are a big upgrade.

Also hate how it has to rebuild database if cards go back and forth between cameras

g

May 28, 2024 at 01:29 AM

ACHILLEAS-V
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · A7III (x2) ===> A74 (x2)? or ???

How about you do something else other than weddings?

Have you tried a star filter for that 80s MTV look? or a heart shaped bokeh with a custom cardboard?

May 28, 2024 at 05:19 AM


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