Hi Im new to sports shooting, and thought I would set up a custom setting. I have a Canon 7D. I selected C1 mode and went to custom controls and made my selections. I switched to aperture priority mode and then back to C1 mode, and found that all of my setting had reverted back to a default. It seems that the setting will remain as long as I don't select a different mode. Am I understanding it correctly that a custom setting ( C1) can be saved and I can go back to C1 after switching to another mode?
I am dyslectic so reading is tedious to say the least. My reason for learning photography was as an advocation to my art career. I had the horror of doing my first wedding and I was surprised at how inept I was. I went to work part time for LifeTouch doing school photos. I got my first lessons/experience there, and followed it up working for a photographer in his studio. I learned the why's and how's from him. That was a decade ago. I must say that YouTube has helped fill in the specific spaces in my knowledge. Now I am not concerned with taking a PERFECT shot, as there is no such thing, but get it close and depend on post editing programs to bring it up to my clients satisfaction. I have no advice for the new bee, but to shoot a thousand pictures and then read or you tube to get specific help with the trouble spots. It is amazing how much you can learn by experimenting.
Let me give you some background about this wedding I did. The bride was Asian and during the practice night there were at least 6~10 family members with PRO CAMERAS, taking shots. I was forced back and they were stepping in front of me to take the shots. I told one of the photographers that he was getting in my way. The next morning when I showed up to take the pre-ceremony shots, the bride told me that she was offended that I let it be known that I was contracted to shoot this wedding. She told me that I ( and my 2nd shooter) would not be allowed inside the church for the ceremony. ( obviously the family wanted to do the church shoot) I had to fight for position for the after the ceremony shots at the church, but escorted the B&G to a secluded spot for formals. The reception was a joke. All hell broke out as it seemed that everyone had a camera. I took several shots and sat at a table for the rest of the reception. Yes I was ready to defend myself to the B&G reminding them of our conversation pertaining to the signed contract & me being primary photographer,but that conversation never happened. I was not upset, after all I got paid very well for that shoot. To me it is just doing business and has nothing to do with my ego. I don't think anything would have stopped the family from taking over the shoot, as a result I have not booked wedding like this .
I had a similar situation where the wedding couple had paid the booking fee but gave excuses for not paying the balance. I kept the booking fee and did not deliver the photos as was stated in the contract. ( no tickie no shirtie ) It took the bride several months to offer to pay the balance. I told the bride the price was going to be more due to the fact that I had deleted all of the post editing files and had to re-edit them all over again and she would have to pay for my computer time. She paid the extra, apologized and even got me another client. I know how it is to have other people taking shots at your contracted wedding. In your case there is nothing you could do since, behind your back he set up with the bride and family that he would take the formals and reception pixs. That's the type of friends they are. I suggest that you move on and aren't angry. Give them the shots you took of the pre-ceremony & wedding ceremony, but due to breach of contract don't give them any of the reception. Give them photos of what you contracted for only. Thats my advice! You might even charge for the wasted time at the reception.
I suggest that you use a zoom F2.8 for the ceremony, as I have been in situations where the priest or minister does not allow close ups and am forced to be way back.
The camera body is replaceable as you become a better photographer. I would suggest a 50mm for portraits, as this is not expensive at all & a zoom lens for your landscapes. I have shot with both Canon and Nikon but have a personal liking for Canon as I have several Canon's and love them. Be aware that camera bodies are upgradeable but lenses are a one time purchase. Put your money into your lenses.
Like so many other photographers, exposure levels are tweaked in LR. However when I shoot in manual I will lower/higher my aperture just to make sure I got the shot, then I will tweak in LR. I try to avoid any auto adjustments that the camera will make. I shoot in raw and at times in raw/jpeg. But being old school, it is difficult to break some of the old techniques due to how much lightroom can correct.
Hi my first camera was a Nikon. When I got my first Canon I noticed that the buttons were laid out much simpler an easily accessed. I own my own photography business and have used Canon DSLR's for over a decade with no problems. I shoot exclusively in Raw, so I don't use any presets/filters. I use the 7D, and feel for what I have to shoot (which is mostly weddings and Picture day at youth sports clubs) that this camera meets all of my expectations and needs. One feature that Nikon does not have is that with the Canon I can disconnect the exposure metering from the shutter for back-lit situations in AV mode, whereas with Nikon I have to go to Manual mode and take separate levels readings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEnAhkL0i38 I hope this helps.
I have found that right after the formals, the pressure is off. I love the reception except for having to stay to the end. Yes you are so right, the reception party entering can be tricky.
The most difficult shots are the procession where the wedding party as well as the dad and bride walk down the isle. First they walk too fast, so be ready to take lots of shots. If its a low light setting I shoot in aperture priority setting my lens to F2.8, keeping my eye on the shutter speed so it doesn't go slower than 1/60th. Most important is that you get as close as possible when shooting. I like to start the shooting mid way up the isle so I can get close and back up. I always go back to the awaiting wedding party and tell them to walk slow. Lowlight shoots are difficult,but since most of the ceremony are still shots, then I can revert back to my comfort zone and shoot Manual.