I have a list of things I need/want to buy this year. I realize that as a photographer I will never feel like I have enough equipment, so I want to be careful. Unfortunately I only have two weddings scheduled for 2009 as I haven't been in the game for very long. That, and I've had three requests for 04/04/09, so I've turned multiple clients down. I really want to prioritize and plan my purchases. Let me know, in what order, you think I need:
Two I'm not sure I need:
--Sekonic Light Meter -- Necessary? Can I live without it for a while?
--Expodisc -- I have a horrible time with WB and would love a tool that would make editing easier. I could go the pringles-top route. Does that actually work?
Decisions coming up:
--Ditch 30D and get used 5D
The colors are different and I need the higher ISO capability with my telephoto lens; I generally borrow my dad's 5D for weddings, but that was when I was doing just a few a year. If I book any more I want full access to two 5Ds. And there are some for just over $1000 right now. Then once I book a few more weddings, I could go for the 1D3.
--16-35 vs 135L?
I haven't felt the need to have something wider than my 28 on my 5D. But I CAN see the advantages. On the other hand, I regularly wish I had a prime that was longer than the 85, but not quite 200. I use my 70-200 when I need it, but it doesn't get that much use. Too heavy and large for portrait sessions. I will need to rent a 16-35 in March -- I'm wondering if I should just buy it instead.
--Extra 580EXII flash
I have a 580EXII and I regularly use a 550 as well. But I want another backup. Is this dumb? Should I go for the 430? I think I would regret it if I did. I could go for another 550 -- they're pretty hard to find.
--Extra PW(s)
I have two transceivers. My backup system is my cheapo radio triggers. They work better than my flashes do. But it would be great to have a backup PW. If I had two more I could do a lot more, but there is something to be said for working with just one light.
I know it's not about the equipment -- but how I use it. So I'm using most of our funds to do some workshops. I plan to purchase very slowly.
I also put some thought into what gear I would need to start shooting weddings like Tony, Sam and the other rock stars.
First on my list was talent. I'm working on that part. I found that it doesn't come in a lens, light or camera body. I have to do my part. Damn. I was hoping to simply buy some.
The rest of my list is very similar to yours. I went out and spent a boat load of money. I over spent a bit on some things that I really didn't need (hoodman pop up screen comes to mind) but for the most part, I'm glad I bought what I did.
I own a 5D and 1Dmk2n. I'm thinking of upgrading to a 1Ds mk 2 or 1D mk 3 and selling the 1Dn. I love my 5D so I'm keeping it but I love the fast and accurate focusing on the 1D series.
16-35L. I love mine but it doesn't get used but for a handful of shots. However, I would miss it if I didn't have it.
70-200 f/2.8IS. Wonderful lens. It gets used a lot.
24-70. I love this lens but like Tony says, it is a little soft wide open. At f/4 it really shines.
50 f1.4. Great lens. Wonderful tool.
85 f 1.8 My newest lens. I'm sure it will find more and more uses this coming season.
90 macro. Limited use lens but it's great for ring shots.
I carry two 580EX strobes. One for each camera and/or backup. I also carry two Sunpack 383's as my "off camera" speedlights. I use three pocket wizards (I actually have four but three is all you really need) to fire them. I like to have two off camera lights working on the dance floor and one on-camera light.
I also have a Sekonic meter w/pw module to fire the lights when I meter them. Not really necessary as you can always chimp but it sure helps to speed up the set up. I also use my meter for my studio work (I also own four Photogenics studio lights)
Anyway, that's my set up. It's a bit of an over kill but what the hell. Hopefully I'll never come up short.
for lenses, i'd go with the 16-35 since you don't have it covered at all right now-get the 135L when you can-it's brilliant but you already have that FL covered-first things first
another 5D would be sweet and would leave more money for a lens (though a 1D3 would be sweet), i'd buy glass over upgrading bodies like that-so, my vote is for used 5D
backup flash....sure, why not? never know what could break
for pocket wizards, if money's an issue, sell yours and buy the cyber sync triggers-they're reliable and you can buy one transmitter and two receivers for slightly more than one PW alone-again, if money's not an issue, just get another PW
hope this helps-have fun buying your equipment-i love doing that, myself
Deb, have you looked at the 17-40 L? I used to own it when I was a canon shooter and quite liked it. Sure it's F4, but, for the amount you would use it and the price difference between it and the 16-35 it might make a good option.
i create a table with 3 rows, hot warm cold
and place the equipment accordingly, its very easy to convince yourself that you need something but the reality is you can only carry a small amount of equipment and the rest stays in the car. i would drop the light meter and expo disk, especially the expo disk
if its not going to make you money directly, you dont need it
Used to use a light meter, then got to lazy because of the Histogram on my LCD. I made that decision shooting on a 1D MKII, so now the the 5D MKII, too lazy.
Same with expo disc. I have one, but honestly don't know where it is at. I think these kind of things are easy to spend on and then forget.
As for lenses, I think it all depends on how wide you shoot. I rarely find myself wanting more than 24mm on full frame, so that is all up to you. I bet that 135 would be nice, though?
The 16-35L vs the 135L makes little sense as they both are at two different ends of the focal length spectrum. You need wide-angle and you need telephoto. I highly suggest that you not buy these lenses if you only have 2 weddings booked. If you have just started, it might be better to rent the equipment as you go - this allows you to see how you mesh with equipment and what works for you. A lot of times, we think something will be awesome, but then after using it, it turns out otherwise.
I would recommend investing in lighting first as it will directly assist you in upping the complexity of your compositions.
Next, I would suggest getting a camera body that really suits you (body is something you should just go ahead and buy as renting it isn't very cost effective).
Lastly, I would invest in accessories like light meters and expo discs.
Remember, the more overhead you cut down, the more you have to invest in advertising. If you are not booking 10 solid weddings at non-discounted prices, then you should not be investing in L glass and the sort. If you do, at the end of the year, you'll wind up spending more than you made. If lenses do become a neccessity, first dabble in the non-L gems - Sigma 50/1.4, Sigma 70/2.8 macro, Canon 85/1.8, Canon 100/2, Canon 50/1.5, Tamron 17-50/2.8, etc.
yeah -- I'm iffy on the expodisc because that's $85 I could pocket -- but I have such a terrible time with white balance, that I can see the benefits. I've heard others use coffee can lids, so I might try that. I'm also a histogram shooter, so I can see how the expodisc and the light meter might not be direct money makers.
I don't have the 16-35 range covered. Hmmm. Thought about the 17-40. Wondering if that would be pretty bad in low light, though. I'll have to think about that.
Saad Syed wrote:
The 16-35L vs the 135L makes little sense as they both are at two different ends of the focal length spectrum. You need wide-angle and you need telephoto. I highly suggest that you not buy these lenses if you only have 2 weddings booked. If you have just started, it might be better to rent the equipment as you go - this allows you to see how you mesh with equipment and what works for you. A lot of times, we think something will be awesome, but then after using it, it turns out otherwise.
I would recommend investing in lighting first as it will directly assist you in upping the complexity of your compositions.
Next, I would suggest getting a camera body that really suits you (body is something you should just go ahead and buy as renting it isn't very cost effective).
Lastly, I would invest in accessories like light meters and expo discs.
Remember, the more overhead you cut down, the more you have to invest in advertising. If you are not booking 10 solid weddings at non-discounted prices, then you should not be investing in L glass and the sort. If you do, at the end of the year, you'll find up spending more than you made. If lenses do become a neccessity, first dabble in the non-L gems - Sigma 50/1.4, Sigma 70/2.8 macro, Canon 85/1.8, Canon 100/2, Canon 50/1.5, Tamron 17-50/2.8, etc.
How long does it generally take to book? I'm turning down three weddings so far because I'm already booked those days. My website has only been live for a week, so I think I should give myself a little more time. And doesn't anyone choose a date other than April 4?
Is that Tamron 17-50 a good lens? That's a great idea. I LOVE my 28-75.
I'm pretty invested in lighting right now. That was the big push at the end of 2008. I think I want to get the 50" apollo softbox, but that may have to wait. I have a few umbrellas and the smaller 28" softbox, so I need the camera body first. Maybe that extra 580/550 as well.
*Make that a possible 3 weddings. Just got a new client request.*
Deb Brundage wrote:
I have a list of things I need/want to buy this year. I realize that as a photographer I will never feel like I have enough equipment, so I want to be careful. Unfortunately I only have two weddings scheduled for 2009 as I haven't been in the game for very long. That, and I've had three requests for 04/04/09, so I've turned multiple clients down. I really want to prioritize and plan my purchases. Let me know, in what order, you think I need:
Two I'm not sure I need:
--Sekonic Light Meter -- Necessary? Can I live without it for a while?
Not necessary and you could live without it indefinitely.
--Expodisc -- I have a horrible time with WB and would love a tool that would make editing easier. I could go the pringles-top route. Does that actually work?
Yes it works, no its not necessary. Its usually not difficult to find something close to white to base WB off of in a photo.
Decisions coming up:
--Ditch 30D and get used 5D
The colors are different and I need the higher ISO capability with my telephoto lens; I generally borrow my dad's 5D for weddings, but that was when I was doing just a few a year. If I book any more I want full access to two 5Ds. And there are some for just over $1000 right now. Then once I book a few more weddings, I could go for the 1D3.
Definitely get at least one 5D. Its not absolutely necessary to have two, but at least one FF camera is well advised.
--16-35 vs 135L?
I haven't felt the need to have something wider than my 28 on my 5D. But I CAN see the advantages. On the other hand, I regularly wish I had a prime that was longer than the 85, but not quite 200. I use my 70-200 when I need it, but it doesn't get that much use. Too heavy and large for portrait sessions. I will need to rent a 16-35 in March -- I'm wondering if I should just buy it instead.
Get them both. If not sooner, then later. As for which one to get first, if you already have a 70-200/2.8, then get the 16-35 first.
--Extra 580EXII flash
I have a 580EXII and I regularly use a 550 as well. But I want another backup. Is this dumb? Should I go for the 430? I think I would regret it if I did. I could go for another 550 -- they're pretty hard to find.
I would say two backup flashes isnt necessary. I've never even needed one backup flash (but carry one anyway). Two extras seems unnecessary at this point.
--Extra PW(s)
I have two transceivers. My backup system is my cheapo radio triggers. They work better than my flashes do. But it would be great to have a backup PW. If I had two more I could do a lot more, but there is something to be said for working with just one light.
Very expensive transmitters are not something I would directly back up. One reason is because they arent vitally necessary anyway. Another reason is that PW are extremely reliable anyway. If someone suggested I carry a backup of my 300/2.8 IS, then I would just laugh at them. I would put backup pocketwizards in roughly the same category for wedding photographers.
I know it's not about the equipment -- but how I use it. So I'm using most of our funds to do some workshops. I plan to purchase very slowly.
So much depends how you shoot and your style now, vs where you want to go in the future.
I had a 30D, have three 40s and a 5D. Except for high iso, the 40D's beat the 5D on most every other count and can be had for $650 used any day of the week, if not less. Better focus, faster focus, write and review time, FPS, etc. And you get 14 bit color, HTP, live view, self cleaning, etc.
So I'd say get a 40D and 10-22 - you'll have wide covered and that lens rocks, and it's a damn site cheaper than the 16-35. If/when you want to upgrade you can sell it and over the next year or two it will easily have paid for any drop in value.
You need backups for your body, flash and main lens. Crap happens, and the more you shoot the more the odds are in favor of disaster striking. A sigma EF500DG Super or whatever the current version is will be fine for backup, and get it used for even less. $150 maybe less should get you a good one.
There is no rhyme or reason to bookings, none at all. One year I sell out may and june sits empty, the next year it's the opposite. For 09 I have 9 on the books and negotatiing with a 10th. One is in June. None are in may, july, august or september. I have jan, feb, mar, april and a possible for December...why no traditional summer weddings? Why have i not booked up the 3 day weekends (memorial, july 4th, laborday? They always go first!). I have no clue.
How long does it generally take to book? I'm turning down three weddings so far because I'm already booked those days. My website has only been live for a week, so I think I should give myself a little more time. And doesn't anyone choose a date other than April 4?
Is that Tamron 17-50 a good lens? That's a great idea. I LOVE my 28-75.
I'm pretty invested in lighting right now. That was the big push at the end of 2008. I think I want to get the 50" apollo softbox, but that may have to wait. I have a few umbrellas and the smaller 28" softbox, so I need the camera body first. Maybe that extra 580/550 as well.
*Make that a possible 3 weddings. Just got a new client request.*...Show more →
Booking times are directly related to your personality, sales pitch, meeting dynamics, client's economic situation, client's personality, and the quality of your advertisement.
A 50" softbox is going to be hard to fill with light if you're going to use a speedlite with it. Bigger softboxes start to require strobes to properly be filled with light.
This is gonna sound weird coming from a gear head like myself Deb, but I'd probably advise you to proceed with caution with all these purchases. Since you mentioned that you have 2 or 3 weddings booked, I'm just skeptical about acquiring like 20g's worth of equipment (or whatever the amount) when you're not yet cemented in the field, at least in terms of having clients.
I hope you don't see that as a knock on you, because it's not. When I was starting, I used all the money I made from weddings to buy more equipment, but I never spent any of 'my own' money on it. That made a lot of sense to me as it was a slow build. I would strongly suggest you grow with your equipment rather than have tons of stuff and nothing to shoot.
Ok, that was weird for me to say. I'll go back to browsing Adorama's website now.
Haha, Nice, Tony. I agree wholeheartedly. That's really good advice. I think the only thing I really need is the extra camera body (I have two bodies now, so that's not a desperate purchase; I just don't like the crop). Maybe go with that for now. Then I'll make the list of what I want/need and as I get more money, I can spend it. It's good to be really picky about purchases.
Of course, I also need a smugmug account. I consider that more of a necessity since people keep asking me how to purchase my images. That will probably be #1 (this month) followed by the used 5D. Hmmm...
Deb Brundage wrote:
Haha, Nice, Tony. I agree wholeheartedly. That's really good advice. I think the only thing I really need is the extra camera body (I have two bodies now, so that's not a desperate purchase; I just don't like the crop). Maybe go with that for now. Then I'll make the list of what I want/need and as I get more money, I can spend it. It's good to be really picky about purchases.
Of course, I also need a smugmug account. I consider that more of a necessity since people keep asking me how to purchase my images. That will probably be #1 (this month) followed by the used 5D. Hmmm... ...Show more →
I think you just decided what to do... I second Tony (as a gearhead as well, just check the profile and the fact that I've owned every Canon Camera it seems since the 300D) =o)
Deb, you're not going to like my post. But, respectfully, you don't need any equipment. You have good solid bodies [or the use of them], good lens focal range, good lighting...all the tools necessary to produce wonderful images. What you don't have is enough business.
The primary issue with equipment purchasing is that it makes you believe you're moving your business forward by adding equipment. You're not. You're simply adding to your debt or taking away money from revenue producing steps.
You are the president of your own company. You have various departments [sales/marketing, production, accounting, etc].-- all of which need to be funded. These funds need to be generated before they are spent. As you review your business, which departments are performing the best and which are performing the worst?
Based on your image posts, I would say your production is doing well. Based on the fact that you have 3 bookings, I'd say your sales/marketing department probably needs the most help.
Please do not take this as a personal attack or a "non" motivational post. It is not. I believe you to have the drive and talent to be successful. Spend your money to get accounts. Let your clients give you the money to buy the equipment. If you spend your money on equipment, the line for clients to give you money to sell will be very short.
Let your dad lend you his equipment. I am certain if you proposed that you were going to spend $1000+ on the same camera so you wouldn't have to borrow his, he'd probably give your the darn camera. He probably is proud he can help you when you do borrow it.
To help with WB, get yourself a $10 grey card or cut a piece of white gator foam. Make an image of the card in your various lighting set-ups throughout the event. Use the eye dropper tool to click on the card. You'll get a great starting point for your WB. Copy and paste the settings to all the images shot in that light.
Use your camera's meter [spot/center] and histogram and save yourself the cost of the meter.
Your canon flash systems have master and slave capability, why the need for backup radio gear?
coffee-black wrote:
Deb, you're not going to like my post. But, respectfully, you don't need any equipment. You have good solid bodies [or the use of them], good lens focal range, good lighting...all the tools necessary to produce wonderful images. What you don't have is enough business.
The primary issue with equipment purchasing is that it makes you believe you're moving your business forward by adding equipment. You're not. You're simply adding to your debt or taking away money from revenue producing steps.
You are the president of your own company. You have various departments [sales/marketing, production, accounting, etc].-- all of which need to be funded. These funds need to be generated before they are spent. As you review your business, which departments are performing the best and which are performing the worst?
Based on your image posts, I would say your production is doing well. Based on the fact that you have 3 bookings, I'd say your sales/marketing department probably needs the most help.
Please do not take this as a personal attack or a "non" motivational post. It is not. I believe you to have the drive and talent to be successful. Spend your money to get accounts. Let your clients give you the money to buy the equipment. If you spend your money on equipment, the line for clients to give you money to sell will be very short.
Let your dad lend you his equipment. I am certain if you proposed that you were going to spend $1000+ on the same camera so you wouldn't have to borrow his, he'd probably give your the darn camera. He probably is proud he can help you when you do borrow it.
To help with WB, get yourself a $10 grey card or cut a piece of white gator foam. Make an image of the card in your various lighting set-ups throughout the event. Use the eye dropper tool to click on the card. You'll get a great starting point for your WB. Copy and paste the settings to all the images shot in that light.
Use your camera's meter [spot/center] and histogram and save yourself the cost of the meter.
Your canon flash systems have master and slave capability, why the need for backup radio gear?
I completely agree. I think that you are right on the money. Smugmug is necessary because it will allow my clients to purchase more from me. Other equipment isn't necessary at this time.
The honest purpose of the post was to start getting an equipment list ready so that when I started getting more business I would have an ide about what I need and if I really need it. It's actually to prevent me from getting all caught up in getting more gear. I want the minimum amount of necessary gear to get the job done. When I'm pulling tons of business in, I can buy the 24L, 35L, 1D3, etc. etc. But not right now. I have a satisfactory line of equipment -- all the necessary low-light and backup gear.
Things I AM putting money into *before* or *in order to* get client response:
1 12" KISS album (for marketing) -- you can't sell what you don't show.
9 or 18 "Little Kisses" for Vendors in the area
Smugmug pro account
Everyone was pretty adament that I get a website up. I couldn't agree more. I've gotten three commissions in two days from having the site up. They might not pay the bills yet, but it's extra practice and a little spending money.
One thing I will recommend to everyone is buying with cash. I've aquired all my equipment with cash and I plan to do the same in the future. Preferably the "Hoffer" way - buy as I get more money from my jobs.
Thanks for all the advice! This is helpful for everyone starting out.
You'll never find me in the gear communities... for the most part, I think it's all over-rated. You need back-ups for sure... but that's about it as far as I'm concerned. I don't try to cover every focal length... my three cheap lenses do what I need them to do. People jump too quickly in this area. Just step back and build more slowly. I'm not saying we don't want more stuff... we do. But there's a time and place to add... and we're extremely careful about when that is.
As for white balance, Jeff uses the One Shot calibration target by Photo Vision. It cost less than $50 and he's been happy with it. For me, I just work on adjusting in Lightroom.
Deb, though I won't try to talk you out of a smugmug account, I will tell you I built my own using PayPal. I used LR to produce my galleries. I use PayPal for my shopping cart. The whole thing is done on my website. The folks at PayPal were very helpful and e-mailed me the code for designing my purchase buttons. Each time I get a sale, I get an e-mail from PayPal stating "you got cash." They take 2.5%, but there is $0 start up cost. Everything is free. You also have complete control of your gallery images and you are not uploading to another site.
If you have a site, it will take you about a day to develop pricing/purchase page. In 3 years I have not had an issue. I sell my sports images, take deposit on weddings and offer online ordering for my league/school accounts. It has been great.
