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!!!!

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!

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?

Hi everyone, I stumbled across this site looking for information on gear. After reading a bit, I thought it wise to subscribe and become a member. My photographic interests are primarily comprised of the human element, although I do enjoy nature and animals as well. And objects, and well...anything that looks interesting in my viewfinder. I've shot weddings off and on for the last 20 years, sometimes as a second camera/shooter, sometimes solo. I'm looking to take my game to the next level. I'm experimenting with outdoor monolight high speed sync, and high dynamic range, (and would like to find a way to combine them successfully.) I would gladly accept any advice on either or both of those subjects! Everyone have a great day!