Is Canon EOS 400D a presentable tool for a freelance wedding photographer?
- Thread starter mrfranklee
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Which is great cameraderie (camaraderie, nevermind. bad joke.) that I feel should take place between photographers, and really does go towards making the photographer world a better place.
mrfranklee
New Member
Hi All,
Didn't really expect this mail to generate such heated responses. Sincerely, this is my first naive foray into the world of photography as connected by the Internet. Guess everyone is more forthright and honest behind the screen. Thanks for all your input. I'm seeing things in clearer perspective now. I would just like to assure all that I will apply many of your good pieces of advice certainly and not consider crossing over to this line till I have enough practices to deliver credible results. Pragmatically, I am also well aware of the circumstances surrounding my finance if I were to be foolhardy, so I do have other career plans. It's just that it would be ideal if there comes a point in time when I am ready that wedding photography could generate a form of monetary return other than aesthetic fulfillment. Lastly, despite some spites, I still find this forum really useful in the constructive exchange of experiences and knowledge to help one another in this field of interest. And I hope I can share some of my works with you all as soon as I can.
Didn't really expect this mail to generate such heated responses. Sincerely, this is my first naive foray into the world of photography as connected by the Internet. Guess everyone is more forthright and honest behind the screen. Thanks for all your input. I'm seeing things in clearer perspective now. I would just like to assure all that I will apply many of your good pieces of advice certainly and not consider crossing over to this line till I have enough practices to deliver credible results. Pragmatically, I am also well aware of the circumstances surrounding my finance if I were to be foolhardy, so I do have other career plans. It's just that it would be ideal if there comes a point in time when I am ready that wedding photography could generate a form of monetary return other than aesthetic fulfillment. Lastly, despite some spites, I still find this forum really useful in the constructive exchange of experiences and knowledge to help one another in this field of interest. And I hope I can share some of my works with you all as soon as I can.
slacker123
Senior Member
your results, your portfolio and your attitude will speak for itself.
between 8 or 10 megapixels... some cropping space... similar AF...perhaps you might benefit by going the 30D path because it is a little bit faster...
I'd say the two LCD displays on the 30D kinda help too when you're adjusting settings (although this might just be a personal preference)
Let's not worry about all this equipment business, just go ahead and grab some great shots.
Equipment isn't everything, yet once in a while it does play a part. I only wish I could fish out this gallery from pbase... from a wedding photographer who uses "just" a D50 to cover weddings for which she is paid rather highly for...
regards and all the best
between 8 or 10 megapixels... some cropping space... similar AF...perhaps you might benefit by going the 30D path because it is a little bit faster...
I'd say the two LCD displays on the 30D kinda help too when you're adjusting settings (although this might just be a personal preference)
Let's not worry about all this equipment business, just go ahead and grab some great shots.
Equipment isn't everything, yet once in a while it does play a part. I only wish I could fish out this gallery from pbase... from a wedding photographer who uses "just" a D50 to cover weddings for which she is paid rather highly for...
regards and all the best
How would you respond to comment like "Oh you are using a 10D? I just got a 1DSM2 for my son. You sure your camera can get the right picture?". This comment was told to a full time photographer while taking pictures at the singapore embassy during the visit by the china official, by the china official.
And the china offical keep telling his peers that singapore photography industries is so backward, still using this type of camera.
This happen 1.5 year ago. So does the type of camera you use say something about you?
Also, why Singapore chooses to use the BMW 7 Series to fetch the officials during the IMF conference, While a Hundai Matrix can do the same Job?
And the china offical keep telling his peers that singapore photography industries is so backward, still using this type of camera.
This happen 1.5 year ago. So does the type of camera you use say something about you?
Also, why Singapore chooses to use the BMW 7 Series to fetch the officials during the IMF conference, While a Hundai Matrix can do the same Job?
tamiya_model
Senior Member
It's called class distinction...
So is there also class distinction in wedding photography?
yes there is.
to some it's the gear the photographer use.
to another it's the distinct pictures that the couple get at the end of the day.
I look at the pictures first, the person second when choosing a photographer. The gear? not in my list.
To the wedding couple's guest, how will they know how good the photographer is (though not important) without seeing his pictures before? I have been to many weddings before and many times the "Professional photographer" who uses a low end camera usually gets out shined by guest or relatives who brings in a 1D series to help shoot. Most guest respond to the "relative" rather then the "Pro". End of the day, most of the pics took by the "pro" have the face of the guest looking at other direction. I am really surprised by how many non-pro photographers own the 1D series. Some of my uncles after retiring just went to by D2X and all the exotic lens for "hobby" sake.h
I think to layman the size of the gear does matter to certain extend. Even at car shows, the models respond to people with the biggest camera with the biggest lens isn't it?
I think end of the day people will expect a full time photogrpahers to have equipment better then average hobbist. Just like any other pros in sports. I think we are talking about image here.
I think to layman the size of the gear does matter to certain extend. Even at car shows, the models respond to people with the biggest camera with the biggest lens isn't it?
I think end of the day people will expect a full time photogrpahers to have equipment better then average hobbist. Just like any other pros in sports. I think we are talking about image here.
If the photographer is really doing his work seriously and is experienced enough, he would be able to control the situation to get the eye contact. And that happens not because of the gear.
If the photog and all the guest are using 1 series.... then what? He must bring a Mamiya or a Sinar is it??? Or should he mount a 1200mm just to get eye contact?? ;p
Its not just gears and technical skills that make up a working photog. There is a whole lot of soft skills involved.
Hi Frank. Wow, really appreciate your candor. I do think some of the post-ers here are unnecessarily spiteful, and i think that can be attributed to their own self-insecurities? Good that you've taken it positively though, and good luck!
slacker123
Senior Member
after a discussion on photography with a national geographic photographer, the students rushed up to him and asked him what type of camera he used, what kind of lenses he owned, which brand of film he loaded and which parts of the world he had been to take pictures.
The funny thing? He pointed to an old man with a cheap entry level canon film camera (I think it was the Rebel 2000 or something like that) and said,
"that is more than enough"
"when you finally learn to ignore your equipment and just concentrate on the picture, you have found freedom"
"let your pictures speak for themselves"
at the end of the day, the number of people who really care about the make and model of camera you use for an event ranks pretty much in the minority.
as my professor once explained to me, "if you really want to make an impression, I'd take an eight by ten to any function to make that impression, then shoot with my point and shoot film camera..."
The funny thing? He pointed to an old man with a cheap entry level canon film camera (I think it was the Rebel 2000 or something like that) and said,
"that is more than enough"
"when you finally learn to ignore your equipment and just concentrate on the picture, you have found freedom"
"let your pictures speak for themselves"
at the end of the day, the number of people who really care about the make and model of camera you use for an event ranks pretty much in the minority.
as my professor once explained to me, "if you really want to make an impression, I'd take an eight by ten to any function to make that impression, then shoot with my point and shoot film camera..."
Well, you can lug around a view camera if that's gonna help with your presence factor,... and shoot with a 350D, kit lens, and 580EX.
Actually, you helped point out the fact that wedding photography in particular is not just about the gear, or even just about the eye/technique,... it's also about people management skillsets; after all, it's a wedding, not the yellowstone national park.
Anyways, to Frank's newly illuminated perspective on photography (no pun intended, and neither did you, Frank, rite?), it's a welcome step towards learning more. So no, you don't need a big camera, as I judge from your replies you're neither lacking in self-esteem nor would find difficulty managing difficult people. Save up, and when you can, buy a used 350D kit, and practice. And oh yes, you might want to brush up your post processing skills too (i.e., photoshop),... it'll save your life, literally (Hell hath no fury like an angry bride).
Along the way, do buy a decent speedlite, tripod, a used 50mm f/1.8, and battery grip. When you can, do post your work here.
You're all set buddy, go nuts!
Belle&Sebastain
Senior Member
If the photographer is really doing his work seriously and is experienced enough, he would be able to control the situation to get the eye contact. And that happens not because of the gear.
If the photog and all the guest are using 1 series.... then what? He must bring a Mamiya or a Sinar is it??? Or should he mount a 1200mm just to get eye contact?? ;p
Its not just gears and technical skills that make up a working photog. There is a whole lot of soft skills involved.
:thumbsup:
its just plain rude to shoot a portrait when others whip their cameras and start pointing at my portraitures.
i always ask these people, you want to to shoot first, if not, please lower your cameras and do not distract my guests, thanks! I let you shoot when i'm done.
If the photographer is really doing his work seriously and is experienced enough, he would be able to control the situation to get the eye contact. And that happens not because of the gear.
If the photog and all the guest are using 1 series.... then what? He must bring a Mamiya or a Sinar is it??? Or should he mount a 1200mm just to get eye contact?? ;p
Its not just gears and technical skills that make up a working photog. There is a whole lot of soft skills involved.
So what will happen if MrFranklee is just starting out, without experience? Don't you think his gear will give him some leverage? A 400D will definitely look very amaturish...a used 20D wth grip will definitely give him a better image.
Oh puhleezze... give him a better image, for what, the first 5 minutes of the event?? Regardless of whatever monstrosity of a camera he's carrying, his experience (or lack of) in managing the crowd, positioning, and body language will be dead giveaways.
A fairly experienced person will know how to carry himself and go about getting the job done, regardless of which SLR/DSLR he's carrying, which in turn brings comfort to his customer/crowd that a "pro" is in da house!
Are you still on the topic of destractions of eye contact during portraits? If so, then no camera would take away the distraction, even if you bring MF with digital backs. The distraction occurs because different people are looking at different cameras. So no matter what camera you hold, so long as there are cameras all over the place, distraction is bound to happen if there's no control by the photographer. The photographer has to control the situation. One way is through the method suggested by Gilbert. I personally would ask the other people who want to shoot to wait till I get my shots first.
Static
New Member
Somehow i agree with lightning. My sis wedding, some of her friends who are hobbist are shooting with D70 & 350D. Lucky the paid photographer was using a bigger camera and bigger lens. Otherwise he would blend in quite nicely with the hobbists.
He engaged a photographer becuz he expect quality stuff. Else he would have asked me !!! hahaha :bsmilie:
Yes, first impressions do happen. However, they're just that, impressions. After a while, regardless of the gear carried by the wannabes, the pro who's experienced enough always stands out.
Agree with you. Image and presentation is very important.
I know it's the photographer that makes the difference but think about it. Imagine you are the prospective couple, would you choose one with a lil 350d/400d or one with a semi pro body. Don't forget it's the day of their lives. Which one will you choose?
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