jbennett1971

Hi guys/girls, I'll start by saying I've been shooting over 30 years, did some professional work during film days and got away from it when the digital transition happened. Jumped back in as a serious amateur about 4 years ago. Some people saw my work, thought it'd be cool if I shot their wedding. Turned out good, more people did the same. Now, at this point, the compensation to do this is ok. I want it to be more worthwhile. I'm not great at post, so I rely on doing great SOC. What I want to do is make images that differentiate me from most of the pack. Have a few questions, please throw me some knowledge. Last wedding I shot, the venue was absolutely awful. Black ceiling, black carpet, dark grey wall. Very little dim incandescent lighting. One glass door at the entrance all the way in the back. Looked cool to non photographers. Not a pretty church by any means. It sucked. I shot most of it with a D700 and a 70-200 VR1. It was so dark, the lens struggled to lock focus...I'd say 50% of the time. I had to switch from aperture priority to manual because the bridesmaids were in all white, groomsmen all black, wasn't getting consistent exposures. ISO at 6400. Ended up ok, reduced the noise in post. I was the only person who had passable photos of the event. Clients were pleased, as every friend they had showed them iPhone photos with underexposed people with cat-eye retina reflections, lol. Anyway, shooting that event was very difficult. Biggest challenge I've ever faced, almost complete darkness. I'm in the process of picking up new gear to make life easier in these kinds of situations. Gonna keep my VR1 for now. Just ordered the Sigma 24-35 F2 for wide shots. I just purchased two orlit HSS wireless, battery powered monolights, used them for formals--so you all know, they are awesome!! Want to keep my D700 as a backup/throw it to my assistant Mason when needed.

I'm looking at getting a used D4 or new D750. Now, before you answer...I also do portraiture, modeling portfolio work. I love working on location, and do not have a stand alone studio (actually I do...but it's packed in my car usually) I've been pretty satisfied with results from my D700, with the exception of metering, and AF in low light. (Or could the VR1 be partially responsible for my last job??) It's my understanding the newer bodies meter much more accurately. I'm huge on capturing candids, and hate it when a camera hesitates and I lose the shot. Also, I'm super clumsy. I drop things. One body, 2 speedlights and one monolight have met their maker due to my negligence.

So, based on this novel I've written all of you, what would you recommend?

rdrechsler Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA

I’ll leave it to others to comment on your camera, but one thing my father taught me about using a camera was to always, always, always put the neck strap on first. I can’t tell you how many drops that rule has saved in the field.

bmike101 Loc: Gainesville, Florida

get a Himalayan porter

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Switch to Sony ....

..

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

I have a D750 and it has been through hell. Took it to Alaska and dropped it several times. The only breakage I experienced was a broken lens hood and the eye cup on the view finder. Great in low light and takes great photos. That said, I would also look at the new D850 and the D5. Both are supposed to be tough cameras with professional photos, I have not used them, but they have great reps. As for neck straps, if you are like a lot of photographers, not always practical.

jbennett1971

I like your endorsement. Durability is important, so is low light, so is AF accuracy (which I've been told is identical system to D4.) I think a brand new warrantied D750 makes more sense than a highly used D4 at 2 grand. My computer is old and slow, so a D850 is out of the question, and a D5...when I win the lottery, lol. Awesome. Thanks!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Try a more artistic approach to post processing. I've used Topaz Impressions with a specific Leroy Neiman filter, which works incredibly well with people in the image, to produce artistic "fine art photographs" to the point where viewers want to know how long I've been painting.

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

Based on last question, a beer with a shot?
Was there with you in the late 60s & 70s when a messy closet was often the bride's dressing room and churches often had one over-powering sunlight window and 7' basement reception ceilings. What doesn't kill you as a photographer makes you stronger and better prepared!

Joe Blow

Some of the best words ever spoken.

Joe Blow

Flash photography.

I recommend a bounce flash with card. Easy to use, reduces background shadows, and a more even light over distance than simply pointing the flash at the subject. Extend the white card (or even folded white paper) about 6" or more and tilt the head to about 30-45 deg.

While having a lot of expensive gear is nice, often knowing how to use what you already have does as good or better.

jbennett1971

Stardust--you're absolutely right. Easy gigs don't make you better. For sure :-)

Joe, I might of thought to have my assistant use a 24" octagon softbox with my ttl wireless speedlight. And I've used a bounce card, BUT I HATE DIRECT FLASH, even if it's diffused. Hate it hate it hate it. Screams Uncle Bob with his expensive camera at the wedding!!! Bounced off a wall or ceiling, ok...not too bad, not bad to look at. That's why I despise building designers who think black ceilings are cool. Hell, I've even bounced off the floor/ground before (kind of a different look), but that's impossible when everything is black!!!!

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

Learned that lesson the hard way. Dropped a D500 with my 200-500 lens and the lens snapped off. Never again. I use Pro Media shoulder strap.

http://www.promediagear.com/Camera-Straps_c_61.html

picsman Loc: Scotland

Why not develop some presets/styles from your successful pics to apply to new pics or buy some from third party suppliers.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

Wrist Strap

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I would highly recommend the D4s, more features and just about the same price.