Tripod not necessary, unless you are shooting with a gimbal I wouldn't bother. I take a reading off the green grass in same light as balloons. Set to about 1/200 second, f8-f11 and adjust ISO and needed. Shot some in AZ a few years ago for a magazine and it was a lot of fun. I found there are quite a few in Florida who fly and was surprised to find how many magazines need them, especially with the sponsor on the balloon.
Shooting for free is not biggie but giving them away is a bad idea. What will you say when you do start charging? Make the prices reasonable and raise the price as your ability increases. I did exactly that for my first year, that was 28 years ago and now nothing I shoot is free (except for my church) and my prices reflect my experience. Good luck
When I lived in Ohio, I designated a room for my studio (before I opened a commercial studio). With the money invested it is important to protect against humidity. This will get to your lenses very quickly. Purchase some dry bags online and don't be chintzy. I lost one lens to humidity before I realized how quickly it could happen and I ran a dehumidifier in the studio in the warmer months.
What is it that bothers you so much if I may ask?
Nice job. First look was to the face and the highlight on hair. Don't believe the hands are a problem as they are. Looks like a senior shot the family would want to buy.
I opened up lightroom and the only photos were the last ones I loaded onto it last weekend. Others had disappeared . Any ideas to get them back?
Thanks so much
About time....I have so many numbers blocked that they outnumber my personal good file.
Was shooting a series for a magazine a few years back and spent a week in Banff. That was one of my favorite photo shoots in all my years. Would love to be able to do it again
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If you are looking for top of the line and have the money, I suggest Profoto, however: for dependability and starting out I would check out the Alien Bee or Digi Bee line. I have used them for some time and have the 800 and 1600.s They have been successful for the last 10 years. I have had the high end of lighting and now the lower end, I shoot product, portraits and weddings, the Paul Buff had done the job. I have used several systems in my 28 years of shooting and have tried the most expensive and the least, yes there are some differences but I believe you would be happy getting started with Paul Buff lights. Also take a look at the Einstein by the same company if you feel you need to spend more money. Good luck
Good reply PaulG. Must be careful whatever is the closest to the lens as it makes it the most prominent. Try moving around the subject until you find the sweet spot. Good effort
After shooting weddings for over 30 years, it seems there was always Uncle Harry who did often get in the way. I found it was easier to suggest they stand behind me as I was setting up the formals and as soon as I finished they could quickly take their shots and they would look professional for them. It seemed to work well (usually) for me and nobody got upset and they still got their shots. Oddly, they respected that and would move out of the way so I could get other shots I needed. Today it is a little bit tougher but it still works.
Apparently your camera is not in BBF. Google BBF for your type of camera and it will tell you how to set it up. Most camera manuals will not tell you. You may also check your lens and see if it is in auto focus or manual. There is some good suggestions you have been given, however and you do get some bantering from these good people but they are helpful. Good luck
I have found 25 years ago that I always go to the venue at least two weeks prior to the wedding and always speak to the officiant about flash and any other rules he has for wedding photographers. I have also found that after you have shot a few weddings at that venue, they loosen up the rules considerably which can make your job much easier. It is a must to know cans and cannots in time to make adjustments. My photographers were required to do the same for the weddings they shot and we discussed any problems ahead of time. I know it may be a pain in the butt, however, it works every time and relieves a lot of stress & no surprises. We ultimately shot between 70-75 weddings during season.