Opportunities for photographer with limited gear?

[nickbedford]

I'm a relatively new photographer (only around a month) but I've been getting some fantastic results taking photos at friends parties and even my own gigs (one of the bands I play in is a rock 'n roll cover band). I've had a few people I know come to me about taking photos of various things, such as a mate's party, a project another friend is working on at a university and whatnot and they've offered to pay as well.

For these shoots, I feel as though I'm capable of providing the service as previous experience, as short as it is, is telling me I'm doing something right, but my gear is relatively cheap. I guess I'm "making the most of what I have". The parties and events I've shot being a participant myself have been great for getting to know the camera and are fantastic for candid and fun shots.

My gear comprises a 50D, 18-55mm kit lens and 50mm 1.8 and a 270EX flash, all of which are cheap components (except maybe the camera) but here's the results I'm getting. I'm not in a position to afford anything more for a while yet (other endeavours I'm saving for). Only the first image has been touched up by the way.









And at full resolution they are all very sharp and crisp. The flash works great and everyone's loving the photos.

I guess my question is: if you can feel you can do justice in a shoot even when you don't have any high quality gear should charge less than you may if you have more professional gear and more experience?

[Photologyst]

It's not about the gear. It's about the photographer and the artist's eye.

An incompetent fool with the world's best gear still won't produce good photos.

Keep up the good work!

Charge what you are worth. The gear has nothing to do with it.

[nickbedford]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

It's not about the gear. It's about the photographer and the artist's eye.

An incompetent fool with the world's best gear still won't produce good photos.

Keep up the good work!

Charge what you are worth. The gear has nothing to do with it.

Well said! Haha. Thanks for the feedback

[SuperDan]

The gear is not what makes the photograph good...

I am starting out, and well... yes I do have "more economical" things that the top of the line... but I am gettign the results I want, and more importantly what the client wants.

Think of it this way... does a chef look at a set of pots and pans and turn them over to see what brand they are to see if he can make a delicious meal?

[Jim Bryant]

Learn the limitations of your gear and use that to your advantage. Nice set of photos.

[joe27]

For only a month looks like you are doing well.

[danbaileyphoto]

Wow, you do have some nice photos, you've certainly got a very good eye for someone who is just starting out!

Yes, the creative vision and skills of a photographer count for way more than the gear. In the hands of a competent photographer, most digital SLR cameras these days are capable of producing an acceptable quality image that's usable for publication or customer use. I wouldn't rush out and buy a whole lot more gear right now, unless you want to.

Keep going with what you already have and really learn the nuances of light and photographic techniques. As you learn more about photography, you'll learn more about what type of equipment will best suit you for the kind of images you want to make.

[nickbedford]

Originally Posted by danbaileyphoto

Wow, you do have some nice photos, you've certainly got a very good eye for someone who is just starting out!

Thanks I'm learning quick! And I'm addicted to the craft already. Can't get enough!

[mad editor]

Nice set of shots. Of course with more sopisticated gear you can do more, but the gear doesn't set up the shot! Good work!

[nickbedford]

Originally Posted by mad editor

Nice set of shots. Of course with more sopisticated gear you can do more, but the gear doesn't set up the shot! Good work!

Thanks all. It's warming to get feedback so promptly.

Now the next dilemna... Price!