What’s Your Preference?

fstop57 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 09:27 AM

To respond to the OP; I don't think you really need to be looking at anything more than you really have to do portrait work. Don't let you gear lust demon lead you into emtional purchasing decisions!

You don't mention any reflectors, so if you haven't already got something to bounce and direct light (flash or ambient) you should get some, but that is no big investment. Also if you use your flash for portrait work you might consider an umbrella or other diffuser and light stand.

Other than that any $$ you want to invest might be better put towards marketing your services.

cheers
Alex

radityopradipto · #12 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FriedChicken

As an international student, you're bound to run into some problems.

Melbourne does not have such a big spectre for portraiture; those that are done and mostly in larger portrait studios. You can find some people willing to let you handle a job, but the pay won't quite be high and you'll need to show them a portfolio.

Your zenfolio portfolio is all right; your portraits are 'nice' but not spectacular. If you're real keen on working in the area, go for a cheap course, etc.

To be honest, money-wise, you'd be better off looking at stores to work in (Melbourne-wise, anyway)... but if you're really, really keen... go for it.

You might like to get a 85mm.... although your 50mm on D90 equals that 83-85mm focal length.

Yeah, I knew I need to learn a lot in portrait... And with my gear right now, I only had 50 1.4 Manual Focus for my portraits, that's really sucks for working coz it will annoyed the clients though.. I reckon I'll get 50 1.4 AFD/AFS and improve my portrait skills first before getting more serious into this business.. Thx for the suggestions guys ^^

Jim Bryant · #13 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 04:52 PM

Take some business classes. Only 10% of your time will be taking pictures, the rest is marketing, paperwork and just about everything else but photography.

eNZee · #14 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Take some business classes. Only 10% of your time will be taking pictures, the rest is marketing, paperwork and just about everything else but photography.

you're not KIDDING.
holy hell this marketing and paper aspect has to be the biggest pain in the AS.........

cant do much without $$$$$$$. referrals only go so far

Xposurepro · #15 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Take some business classes. Only 10% of your time will be taking pictures, the rest is marketing, paperwork and just about everything else but photography.

LOL That ain't no joke.You have to be dedicated and have passion .. not passion for photography but an extreme passion to simply be your own boss. You'll work a lot harder than you would at a normal 8 hour day job.

Pen · #16 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 01:33 AM

well if your looking at lens' the 85mm prime is an excellent choice, i would get a new 50mm as well if your current one has no AF and is causing problems like u said, other than that it kinda depends, if your going to be shooting outdoors you might want a zoom, maybe a 70-200mm, that would give you some flexability in your shooting allowing for tight framing from a further distance which would probably put ur subject more at ease. Or maybe like a 135mm prime, anyways i wouldnt go overboard with the lens', for instance probably not like a $5,000 200mm f/2 prime