-Proper Focus
-adequate depth of field
-Good handholding technique/IS
-faster shutter speeds/higher ISO
-the use of flash
-use of quality optics
-increased recorded resolution
1. Focus issues can be improved by using single AF points to ensure that you are selecting exact area you want in focus. The center point is typically more accurate on most cameras, but using focus-recompose can lead to back-focusing especially noticable at wide apertures. If your technique has maximized the AF capabilities of your camera, then considering an upgrade to a 1-series camera may help here.
2. Depth of field selection is vital for clear images. Using selective focus can be a vital tool for artistic compositions, but one needs to be cognizant of how much DOF one needs both A) To ensure all subjects are in focus and B) to ensure that in a questionable AF situation that you are increasing your margin for error.
3. Good handholding technique is vital. Certainly, tripods/monopods are ideal, but failing this, using a good solid body position in crucial. If available, propping on a table, chair, wall, etc can improve stability. IS lenses can also help to eliminate camera-shake but not subject motion.
4. Faster shutter speeds can help keep images crisp. Fast lenses (if focused properly and providing adequate DOF) can stop subject motion. Higher ISOs can also enable faster shutter speeds at the expense of grain.
5. Flash can be used to lower ISO, gain DOF, and stop-motion. Off-camera flash and bounced-flash are generally considered to provide the most aesthetically appealing results for flash use. This is not to say that flash is required for clear photographs: flash is simply one ingredient that can be used to achieve clarity.
6. If you have maximized the capabilities of your equipment, high-quality lenses will ensure that maximum resolution is achieved. Typically, better quality lenses also offer better AF than their lower quality siblings (exceptions exist!).
7. Finally, if you are maximizing all of the above, then increased camera resolution can give you the ultimate in clarity. MF & LF will give you amazing clarity, assuming that your technique is flawless.
An argument over "keeper rate" seems to have carried over from another thread. This is irrelevant to the OP's question. The fact that she is trying to improve on her 80% keeper rate is admirable, and whether other photographers are achieving a higher or lower rate has nothing to do with the OP's goals.
Regarding your listed equipment, you do not have an adequate gear set to responsibly shoot a wedding as the primary photographer. A backup of every essential piece of gear is mandatory, and failure to ensure that these backups are present could lead to a nasty or potentially even legally actionable situation if the worst happens.
Evan thank you for the info most I am aware of but this is what I was looking for. and yes I do have back up gear for weddings. After assisting for another wedding photographer I have an abundance of other lenses and a camera I borrow for back up the equipment listed is what I own personally and I am slowly adding to it but funds are low. I am lucky enough to have a photographer friend that loans me their camera and extra L series lenses. I am not sure why everyone thinks I did not have this I must not have mentioned it sorry I thought it not necessary. your info on hand holding techniques and depth of field were the two other items I was thinking of, and then I have CS3 for editing on my Mac at home. Ok thank you Evan this was exactly what I wanted to see
Hiverson wrote:
..I have an abundance of other lenses and a camera I borrow for back up the equipment listed is what I own personally and I am slowly adding to it but funds are low. I am lucky enough to have a photographer friend that loans me their camera and extra L series lenses. I am not sure why everyone thinks I did not have this I must not have mentioned it sorry I thought it not necessary.
I don't regard that as backup equipment. What happens if your friend has a conflicting job or moves to Florida?
Also, since funds are low, what happens if you drop his 70-200 2.8? Can you cough up $1600 to replace it if it's irreparable?
Reread Evan's last paragraph. He's gently warning you that you can find yourself in a world of hurt if you're not adequately equipped.
We're not trying to rain on your parade. We've been around the block a few times (I'm guessing my older son is at least ten years older than you). We don't want you to get hurt.
I didn't see insurance mentioned here so i thought I would bring it up. At a minimum, you really need liability & equipment insurance. Liability is for when Aunt Bobbette trips over your light stand and brains herself. Equipment is for when you leave your lens on a table for "just a second" and come back to find a miracle - it's grown legs and trotted off.
It's irresponsible to shoot a wedding without some type of Errors & Omissions insurance but there are people who do it. E&O covers you when your card corrupts, is stolen or you otherwise loose the images. *Knock on wood* that it never happens but it is not unheard of to go to court and have the judge decide that you should pay to have the entire thing re-staged (flying relatives in, re-renting tuxes, new cake, flowers, etc).
I know this discussion was just about gear but having proper insurance is just as important as having a backup camera. You hope you'll never need it but will be very happy you have it if/when that time comes.
Knowledge and practice. There is no technical answer. It happens over time and the more you know your equipment and how it reacts in different situations, along with how you react in different situations..
I appreciate the concern Again this is my very first year of starting along with another year of prepping. I am borrowing yes, I want to buy my own yes. I have someone I am working with right now for legal and insurance and all the other stuff. I also will not shoot a wedding with out a contract nor borrow equipment with out a contract. I am very aware of the risks and great full for those willing to help but I have not forgotten to watch my back I just had no idea one question would lead into my life story as a photographer. many of these wedding are friends or family and I am slowly adding the equipment I need. Again appreciate the concern but it has only been 6 months since the official start of this business and I am working on it so don't think that I am not aware of all that needs to be done. it is a process that is slow and steady.
Thank you for everyone who is concerned but this is stuff I have been slowly working on for a year too and I appreciate all the input.
