Thank you for your note.

First of all, for this type of newborn photography I use my Canon 50mm 1.4 lens. I can get close enough to my subject but I would rather not use my flash in a newborn session. For newborns, I am only using natural light indoors and have had good success with it, even on cloudy days.

As far as sharpness is concerned, I would of course want sharp photos although selective focus. I love playing with depth of field and while I may have a sharp focus on some little fingers, I don't need the entire body in sharp focus as well.

The 50mm 1.4 was recommended by the teacher whose class I took on newborn photography. She also used a separate macro lens for her close up work but said she hadn't always used one. In the past she did some close up work with her 50mm. I had a friend suggest trying the "reverse 50mm" modified macro with the adapter ring and I figured I would see what experience others have had. The cost of course isn't that high to give it a try, I was just attempting to save the money for a macro at this point for such a limited amount of the work I do. My next lens is tne new 24-70 f/2.8 when Canon releases this fall. The macro is behind that purchase....

[quote=donrent]No.......... But I've heard of it.... "they are liable for violating copyright laws if I used someone else's picture " is a crock of crap[.... Time to tell Walgreens to "stuff it"....[/quote]

Actually, I think you, the OP of this thread, should take this as a compliment, as your photos look professional. I had to do it too and was happy to sign as I told them I am the professional photographer behind those lovely images. I rarely use Walgreens, but I have on occasion for my own travel pictures or other non essential client work.

Why be impolite and tell people who don't know you or your work to "stuff it?" What purpose could that possible serve in a world too full of negativity? This person was simply doing his job in a very complicated photographic environment. If they are your pictures, you are safe. If they aren't, then Walgreen's is safe. The fact they noticed the quality of the photos was higher then the typical Walgreen's customers tells you how you rank around their typical "Joe Consumer." If you are a pro, or nearly a pro, you won't have a problem acting like a pro and do as I did, which was to politely say, "thank you." The clerk is just trying to their job. And someday, they just might be protecting your photos from an unscrupulous person who is attempting to steal from you!

Good luck!

The techniques involved for shooting newborns includes working on a specific schedule so the shots are taken while the baby sleeps. Movement from the infant rarely is a problem. So that being the case.... I'm not sure if the "slowness" mentioned above is bothersome for a few individual shots of their fingers, toes, etc. Most of the shots will be taken without the adapter, just one set up with a Macro.

And the magnification is intentional for just those specific shots, not for the entire shoot.

My thanks again for everyone's comments thus far! ;-)

I have been thinking about getting a new Canon 100mm f/2.8 lens for quite some time to be used primarily in newborn photography (close ups of those little fingers, toes, facial features, etc.) and to begin exploring nature for personal enjoyment. I have also been hearing about these adapter rings you can use to turn around a 50mm lens for the same use.

I am wondering if anyone has tried this before and what kind of success they have had with it? It seems interesting enough to at least try a $10 or under fitting before spending a grand of my lens budget when there are other items on my wish list.

I am curious if Nikonian has ever tried such a thing, just for kicks?

All comments are appreciated!

I feel like you have gotten some peace out of hearing other people's opinions, experiences and thoughtful advice. You obviously have a new plan to help you move forward which is why this forum exists. Congratulations on finding a solution which is what you were hoping for all along.

I don't doubt your professionalism while working through this situation on the location. It sounds like you did the best with what you knew how to do. The purpose of this forum is to be able to "sound off" on our challenges and to try and find a support and advice from people who can relate. I, like others, can see through the anger and frustration with the need for help in problem solving. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I think many have valuable pieces to a puzzle that collectively when can express, share and learn from. And that is why I keep coming back....

I look forward to hearing that your next wedding goes as smoothly as possible! ;-) Good luck and God bless!

Amen Brother! Double the price. And bless you for being a pro, acting like a pro and standing up for good business practice. Move on, and continue to do what you love. You have all of our good wishes and support!

How exciting that must have been to be a part of that football program and to return for such a joyful event! Although I am from Montana, we have lots of Michigan alums in the family. After living in Michigan for the first part of my married life, we became even bigger fans. My husband got his PhD from Michigan and my kids have caught the bug too. Despite living in the Hoosier State that borders the "suckeye" state (my son's term... not mine!) we still raise our maize and blue proudly in an otherwise sea of red flags.

If you go to my Kristine Logan Photography page on Facebook (be sure to click LIKE on the page header by the counter to get the updates) and you can see more photos I'll be posting. Our game is in early November this year so keep watching. ;-)

Let me throw one more experience into the mix. I went to a Michigan home game last year (season opener) and REALLY wanted to capture some images as a newer pro. I attended the game with my husband and two kids. I worked hard to not stick out.

I read the rules which prohibit professional cameras other things that "look pro." You can't take a purse or anything really that doesn't fit into your pockets. So I kept it really simple.

I knew couldn't take my best gear so I took my old Canon Rebel. I also brought my basic 70-200 f3.5 which is smaller than my L series 70-200 f/2.8 and less intrusive, and my small 18-55 kit lens. I kept the camera with the kit lens on and the strap over my shoulder. I had a light jacket over it. (It was hot but we were expecting rain....later got the game canceled due to lighting!)

Yes, in the stadium there were other cameras like mine that were out and being used. We also had two stadium employees or "crowd observers" watching our end zone nose bleed section at all times. So I used my camera selectively. I tried to blend in like a regular Joe and didn't go crazy. I like others, got pictures off. I even got the zoom on but kept it low and again, I watched selectively for when I could use it. The "observers" saw me take photos from my seat but saw I wasn't attempting to get an advantageous position, but rather was a spectator just taking photos from my seat. To attempt to do otherwise would have gotten me chaperoned to the gate!

I'll attach a few beloved pictures from the day. Are they my best shots? Not even close. But they are favorites for sure even more valuable as a result of the experience. Maybe one day I'll have a pass like the pros on the sidelines, but until then I can play it cool and live the dream from the nose bleed section.

Good luck!

I can assure you with 100% certainty this was primarily done in post processing. To capture the style of this photo without much experience is not going to be an easy thing to copy. I would imagine they did a bit of spot metering on the face for the best possible skin tone although it doesn't have to be done this way. Then the photographer ran one or more actions in PS to capture the overall tone. As someone who uses actions to help accentuate my style I can tell you that the "recipes" we write are generally kept secret unless of course you are the seller of these actions. It takes a fair amount of experimentation to get the desired look you want so there really isn't an easy solution to your problem. I would do some research on different vendors, looks at their work, and then consider a purchase. I have spent close to $1000 on post processing add ons and I can tell you, you get what you pay for. There are a few good ones out there that are free, but this is more of a research project as you develop a style as opposed to giving you a quick fix with one simple answer.

Hope that helps!

If you refer back to your previous post with the newborn photos, I answered what camera and lens set up I use in my business as well as posted a gallery of newborn images that I took with this set up.

I think there could be a number of things to consider besides a lens. Do you find you have focus issues with other types of photography as well? If you want more specific help, feel free to PM me.

I also learned the trade of newborn photography from a skilled individual who mentored established photographers wanted to expand their client base. When I first got started I learned the "secrets" for great newborn photography are highly guarded and I have yet to find an excellent newborn photographer who gives those away. You just might need to invest in the mentoring route to learn all the tricks and tips beyond the fundamentals of good overall photography.

Good luck!

How about e-mailing the instructor requesting his explanation?[/quote]

I have enjoyed this discussion too and am curious if the instructor is available for his take on the problem? I am hoping that if you paid for his class than he should be willing to help the participants. At least that has been my experience for any continuing ed classes that I have had.

Good luck and keep us posted. I am hopeful you don't need to ditch Canon over something like this.

I'll chime in as well but feel free to disregard as needed.

I have the 70-200 2.8 and consider it my general purpose lens. Yes, I have other lenses to "Go to" but I keep going back to this wonderful L series lens. Yes, it is heavier than some, but I am a slightly built woman and I seem to do just fine. I get a chuckle out of hearing all the guys talk about how heavy it is. Well, this mother of two can pack two kids, their diaper bags and all the plunder without complaint, so I consider this to be an easy haul.

I use it for portraiture and sports primarily but find that I take it everywhere and unless I need to be really wide it stays in place. To me it is worth its weight in gold. ;-)

I'm just curious.... you are getting a graduate degree in something. What is it?

I've learned a valuable lesson from Steve Jobs. He said, "don't try to connect the dots at first." Sometimes things just evolve naturally and I learned that with my photography it has done just that. I have a degree in Business Administration, practiced banking until I HAD to return to the performing arts. Had a successfull career as an actor and print model, which has also evolved into directing film and commercials and also sidelined into photography. I wear 3 hats to earn a living and I love every one of them. It has taken me years, but I am finally connecting the dots and see how all of my careers merge into each other and support the others artistically. What I learn in one, I can always apply to the others and it works quite harmoniously as a whole.

If you would have asked me years ago would I be pursuing photography professionally, I would have probably said no. However, doing all three, acting, directing and photography are branches from the same creative tree.

I consider myself blessed to work at all three (some more than others) and I never seem to be bored, creatively frustrated or missing too many paychecks regardless of size.

I couldn't ask for anything more and I wish you all the same happiness. ;-)

[quote=jimberton][quote=Gary Truchelut]Here is another angle that might be helpful and still allow you to be creative and have fun in photography. This is the route I have decided to follow. I asked a professional nature photographer how he made his living at photography and his answer got me to thinking. Teaching others to do what I do, was his answer.

Of the photographers I know and follow, this is how I am certain they make most of their money. But they have also developed a distinctive style that people really want to learn. So find a way to separate yourself from the others and you can really make a go of things. ;-)

I think the only way you can know how to market yourself is to experience as many sides of photography as you can. To limit yourself too soon is like eating only meat and potatoes without ever tasting the sweetness of fruit. Don't be afraid of what you haven't tried yet.

I started by shooting what people asked me to do. I have since learned that I don't enjoy shooting extended family portraits as the chaos isn't fun for me. I love doing artistic interactive photographs, but limiting myself to just that doesn't help pay the bills. But what it does do is generate interest in my work as a "photographer" which does pay more bills. Like in anything, if you are serious about what you do for a living (not a hobby) there are aspects to the work we love and those we could live without.

Do I still shoot extended families? At this time, yes I do. Do I enjoy it...not so much. However, I don't market myself that way and yet I am always asked to do it. That being said, I charge enough that I get compensated for the work it takes making sure I get paid for the extra people that aren't in a typical sitting. That helps keep the traffic down to the number of large sittings I can live with.

However, if you can't invest now in good equipment or software, it is really going to be tough for you to be competitive and get your fees high enough to be sustainable. So until you are in a position to do so, I think you should continue to educate yourself on the profession of photography but consider it a hobby.

If you have the website, start getting yourself out there to keep your skills current and your creativity fresh. But work hard and taking steps each month toward your business plan. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, neither is a good business or a great website. It is all about small steps and refining it along the way.

Good luck!