If you go, I guarantee you'll get pictures the other tog doesn't - if only because he didn't see that pic because he wasn't standing there, or wouldn't think to take a picture of that or like that.
Happens on every shoot, even among a swarm of photographers who do and don't make a living from it.
If you don't go - you'll get nothing.
Have fun shooting and remember don't delete anything in camera 'til you've had a proper look on a computer after :)
bucklev76 wrote:
On the 16th my 14 year old son has a a date to the Highschool semi formal with a beautiful young lady, and I was excited to maybe use some of the little bit I have learned, about photography and hopefully get some nice pictures with my poor man's kit I have been assembling. Now I found out her father is a photographer with a well known and good reputation in our area. I don't know if I can go thru the shame of using my ancient hand me down d70 and my budget lens options. Again I am very much just dipping my toe in the water and am really nervous about displaying my lack of skill and knowledge, let alone my "learning" budget based photography kit. Am I just being a wimp? Part of me wants to go for it anyway and not care but I can't shake the nervousness lol
On the 16th my 14 year old son has a a date to the... (
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Absolutely go for it! We all hope the pro is a decent guy who will be helpful and generous. You are both dads first: think about the example you are, the lessons your kids will learn from this. Not what f-stop to use, but something about humility, honesty, courage, willingness to learn/teach, how to handle stress or insecurity, generosity of spirit. How you dads act will send messages to the children. When your son sees your photos, he won’t be critiquing your shutter speed: he’ll know you were there and you were doing your best with what you have. Big stuff! (And you can always take some on Auto, too! They’ll never know!)
Go for it, of course. What a fabulous opportunity this may be, afterwards, to ask the pro photographer to take a look at your photos and help you improve!!!
I used the D70 for three pre-prom shoots. All shot outside. It is a fine camera. I used the kit lens, and a cheaper telephoto.
But be it a prom, or any other opportunity that makes you nervous, the best remedy is to do some work to be prepared. Take some test shots at the location as soon as you can. Figure out where the sun will be, where the best backgrounds are, etc.
It's all fun. As that sneaker company says, just do it.
I noticed that a few of the comments used the term "young lady." I'm 80 years old, but I'll never be old enough to say young lady rather than girl.
Seems like the focus...npi...has shifted from the kids to the photographers. We're talking about two 14 year olds off to a dance not a red carpet shoot at the Oscars. I get it: you want to "capture the moment". But don't spoil it for the kids in the process. if this is a big event there will most likely be a pro at the event to preserve the memory for each couple as they arrive.
Remember a pinhole camera used correctly will result in some good pictures. You have something way better then that.
The photography that causes you such hesitation is simply recording a moment in time; a moment significant in the maturation of your son. It is the photographer who matters, not his equipment. YOU make the photo, not the camera. It is YOUR vision, YOUR caring for your subject that will come through in the photos you create. Comparison with "better" or "more experienced" photographers' work is inevitable. For example, every tourist who photographs Half-Dome in Yosemite is going up against (in a way) the great Ansel Adams and his photos of the park. Does this concern less well-known photographers? Heck, no. Go for it, care nothing for a "better" photographer, and provide a record that you and your son will look back upon in years to come.
You Think you are nervous. This guy has a Beautiful 14 year old daughter going to a Highschool semi-formal dance. He won't be concerned about your photographic ability.
The pressure is on the pro photographer, you should go along and have fun.
It's not a contest. No matter how much you spend or your experience level, there will always be someone that can out do you. Always seek your joy! Do it because you want to, and never worry about the other guy.. IMHO...
Mac wrote:
Yeah, you're being a wimp.
Your D70 took good pictures when it was new, there's no reason why it won't take good pictures now. Nobody will expect a beginner to compare with a professional. If he's a half decent person he won't try to make you feel bad. Do the best you can and hold your head up.
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Your thinking is making You look like a "Limp Noodle" - WIMP!!!
Why not get to know this "professional" photographer and get a few tips about the "What and Why"? What will he say - NO!! (I do not think so at all.)
We (the old bunch) for the most part, learned from a mentor, another photographer - Well, that is my story - And I too like to teach others how t make better photographs. So I am passing on what was given to me. (This is how it has bee for over 170 years of picture making.)
KNOW that - it is NOT the equipment that you assemble, but what you do with what you are capable of doing with what You have to achieve your craft.
What would you bet that this "professional" will be happy and perhaps honored to show you a few things about the making of better photographic images? (I know that I would.)
-0-
It is only normal to be nervous under those circumstances. The D70S could be an old camera but shooting with it gives nobody a reason to be ashamed of. Kit lenses or non professional lenses are very capable of excellent images when the operator does his or her part.
Your images are not going to be at a par with his but that means nothing to me. Go ahead and shoot.
Boomer Jim wrote:
You Think you are nervous. This guy has a Beautiful 14 year old daughter going to a Highschool semi-formal dance. He won't be concerned about your photographic ability.
HA!!!! Valid point for sure....makes me very glad my daughter is only 18 months old....I'm pretty sure she will never ever be allowed to date lol
bucklev76 wrote:
On the 16th my 14 year old son has a a date to the Highschool semi formal with a beautiful young lady, and I was excited to maybe use some of the little bit I have learned, about photography and hopefully get some nice pictures with my poor man's kit I have been assembling. Now I found out her father is a photographer with a well known and good reputation in our area. I don't know if I can go thru the shame of using my ancient hand me down d70 and my budget lens options. Again I am very much just dipping my toe in the water and am really nervous about displaying my lack of skill and knowledge, let alone my "learning" budget based photography kit. Am I just being a wimp? Part of me wants to go for it anyway and not care but I can't shake the nervousness lol
On the 16th my 14 year old son has a a date to the... (
show quote)
I was in the same boat last year. I didn't take any pictures of my son and his girlfriend but the girl's mother had a fancy, intimidating-looking camera and seemed quite proficient with it. As it turns out, I can scrutinize her results and I'm confident I could equal or surpass them today.
Get your feet wet. Own the moment.
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