General Photography

The ones I got from Amazon were less expensive but I needed another two quickly so it was worth the money to buy them locally.

FWIW all the clamps, those similar in appearance, were not created equally.
 
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bwana said:
The ones I got from Amazon were less expensive but I needed another two quickly so it was worth the money to buy them locally.

FWIW all the clamps, those similar in appearance, were not created equally.
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You right on the quality side but unless you buying a reputable brand they are all made by some Chinese manufacturer of dubious origin. The one I got from eBay seems good, paid R45 on auction.
 
Can we advertise used gear here?
I have a few things I would like to sell.
Or do I use the classifieds?
 
Mila said:
Can we advertise used gear here?
I have a few things I would like to sell.
Or do I use the classifieds?
Click to expand...

Think classifieds is the safe way to go.

Perhaps just post a link to the classifieds thread here too?
 
Loving my new 55-200 lens. Hasn't made me a pro overnight...but pics are definitely much better than with crap lenses.

DSC_0437.jpg
 
Some advice and guidance please.

So a friend of mine is getting married on the 22nd of this month. His wife-to-be just found out that the photographer she organised and paid for was a scam and has run off with their money.

Friend knows I am into photography and has asked me if I would be willing to take a few shots on the day. Just so that they have something.

Didn't hesitate for one moment to say yes. Of course I will not be going all out because I'm also attending the wedding as a guest and would like to spend some time with our mutual friends at the reception.

Now I've never done events other than sport but in the end photography stays photography. I'd like to hear your thoughts on kit for the day. Will be hiring a second body and lens and wife will help out with shots of the bride getting dressed and all that jazz. I'll then shoot the ceremony, family photos and some couples photos in and around the venue. Reception I'm just going to do the basic stuff like opening of the dance floor and cutting the cake. Probably snap some randoms through the night as well but will be enjoying some time with friends mostly.

What I have:
Canon 70D
50mm F1.8 STM
18-135mm STM
Flash

Thinking about hiring:
Canon 5D
24-70mm F2.8
70-200mm F2.8
Another flash

Thoughts and advice will be appreciated.
 
I'd ask them to consider hiring someone to be honest. Not because your pics won't be good enough, but because you're gonna be stressed as ****.

You'll be able to handle the ceremony*, group shots and most of the reception* without an issue if there's sufficient light. The problem comes in with the bridal shots, creative shots, first dance etc. There's a technique to those which aren't just straight up photography, especially if you have a less than flattering venue, bad light etc.

Which 5D are you hiring? Also, make sure you're getting the MKII version of those lenses, I've heard that the 24-70MKI isn't good at all.

*don't forget that the bridal party will be making entrances into the venues. You're going to need to nail the focus on moving subjects. Same with the first dance, but in low light.
 
Yeah look. I'm not going to lie.
Nervous about doing it because I know how important photos are for couples on their wedding day. It is basically all you have left of the day. That and the toaster Auntie Margaret is going to give them....

Unfortunately I know that they can not afford to hire another photographer after what happened. They already stretched their budget behind breaking point. Which is why I did not even think about refusing when he asked.

I guess I'll be watching a lot of Youtube videos about creative shots and bridal shots in the coming two weeks.

Not sure about camera and lens versions. Will have to confirm what Outdoorphoto stocks. But will certainly try and get the MkII versions. Thanks
 
Too bad you aren't in Durban, could've lent you some tutorial videos.
 
Would've taken you up on the offer thanks.

But there is so much info, videos and tutorials out there on the web that I'm sure I'll be alright. Must just make sure to hit focus each and every time.

Friend and his fiancée already told me that they have no expectations and they know it will be my first time doing something like this. And they just appreciate the fact that I'm willing to help them in this time of need. Of course that doesn't mean I'm not taking it seriously. I take pride in my photography and I would love to give them some decent shots of the day.

Light during ceremony, bridal couple and group family photos should be good and close to golden hour. They are getting married just after 16h00. Venue is also a bushveld setting so should make for some nice couple shots with natural lighting.

Bit worried about light at the reception as I checked the venue gallery and looks like quite a dark hall (nice for ambiance, not so nice for non-noisy photography). Time for the speedlite and F1.8 to show me what they're made of I guess. :)

EDIT: I only have 128GB worth of memory. Should be enough, right? Shooting RAW.
 
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Don't stress and don't overthink it. Get a shot list from the couple and try and fill that as early as you can. Candids are important too so grab as many as you can. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the new gear. Sounds like you're going to have decent light for the ceremony and bridal party shots… if you can gather them all in time :)

Have fun :)
 
APoc184 said:
Time for the speedlite and F1.8 to show me what they're made of I guess. :)
.
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Remember that you're taking pics of multiple people a lot of the time, so watch your depth of field. A better bet would be the 2.8 on the other lenses with the IS, drop your shutter speed a bit and you'll be better off a lot of the time (apart from quick movements now and then). Plus you'll have the added effect of picking up more of the ambient.

APoc184 said:
EDIT: I only have 128GB worth of memory. Should be enough, right? Shooting RAW.
Click to expand...

Should be fine.
 
Thanks. Some good tips already.

I think a shot list as recommended by bwana might be the way to go with them.

We are meeting up with them for a braai tomorrow night and will discuss it with them and ask for their preferred shots. Brides always always have certain scenes/setups in mind.

Depth of field will be in the back of my mind for sure, thanks. With food and sport I mostly want that shallow depth of field but I can understand how that can spoil a photo with multiple people like a sharp bride and soft mother of the bride (depends on the photo of course).
 
I think judicious use of what you already have will do just fine. Maybe practise portraits before the wedding a bit using that 50mm at F1.8 or thereabouts to ensure you placing the focus correctly, it's a pretty shallow depth and can be a challenge when under pressure to place it right. Nothing like thinking you nailed the shots and they look amazing only to discover in many of them only from the ears back are they in crisp focus :D
 
Holy sheeeeeet...

That was hard work but actually so much fun.

Think we had more fun and had more spontaneous photos because of our friendship.

The posing was really difficult for me. I lack that creative side of photography. Or perhaps it was just because I've never done it before.

Can't see myself doing a wedding again though. Too much time pressure and pressure of missing those special moments. Was no actual pressure on me from the couple this time but when you are paid for it and expectations are there I think it would be so much more stressful.

Something that did irritate me a bit(and the couple) was the people who can clearly see you are doing group shots of the couple with guests at the reception. Instead of them all standing closer to get it over and done with, you have somebody coming up to you every 5min for their photo with the couple. Usually just as you or the couple sat down or started a conversation with somebody else.

Still had plenty of fun as a guest though.

I'll see if I can share a few photos later on. Today no edits will be done as we have to do grocery shopping and fetch the kids from the in-laws.

Final word. Well done and I take my hat off to people who do this successfully for a living.
Granted I've seen some rubbish end products too.
 
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