What’s Your Preference?

S.Zimmerman · #1 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 06:51 PM

Im an ameture photographer, If I can even call myself a photographer yet, I sort of just feel like a picture taker. lol.

Anyways, I have a couple booked wedding sessions coming up.(Im partnering up with another gal) Feb 28th and july 10th. One is still far out but the 28th is coming up quick.

Im wanting to purchase a few things prior to the 28th but Im not sure what I really should get.

I need a photoshop program but I cant afford the $600-$800 software.
I also want another lens like now, I was thinking the 50mm 1.8. Keep in mind I have a D3000, Im just not sure what one to get.

I would like a fisheye lens but I cant afford that right now, what are everyones opinions about the fisheye filters?

I also want a backpack instead of this shoulder bag the camera came with its a pain in the but trying to get low to the ground and getting stuff in and out of it.

Thoughts??

Thank you

OsmosisStudios · #2 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 08:21 PM

Cancel. Seriously.

Almond.Butterscotch · #3 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 08:25 PM

agreed with Os. If you're still learning and you only have 1 dslr- and a d3000 at that- and you don't have any of the equipment- do the bride a favor. CANCEL.

Don't stress them out more than you need to.

Nicole · #4 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 09:05 PM

It is good advice from Os and Almond, however, if you're set on doing it, there's probably little that's going to change your mind.

So, first things first, does the couple know that you've never done wedding shots before and are they aware that you're just starting out? If the answer to that is "no" then you need to be up front with them and let them know. Now, if you're the second shooter and the friend you're shooting with is an experienced wedding photographer, that may not be a big deal. You didn't actually say much about the second person aside from the fact that they are a friend of yours. But if you're both new to this, the couple deserves to know.

That being said, you said you have a D3000 and you're looking at a 50mm f/1.8. Are you aware that the 50mm f/1.8 will not auto-focus on your D3000? While some people are quick with manual-focus lenses, are you confident enough in your ability to focus manually and quickly so that you don't miss the key shots or have key shots out of focus? In order to have auto-focus on your D3000, you would be better off looking at either the 35mm f/1.8 AF-S or the 50mm f/1.4 AF-S. The 35mm will be much closer to your budget though (it's around $200 USD I believe). A lens with a wide aperture will be useful in low light (weddings or not), and is good for getting the background out of focus. However, you need to be especially careful using the lens in low light so that you make sure that everything you want to be in focus is.

You also mentioned you don't want to spend a lot on an editing program. That's fine. The Gimp is free and does much of what Photoshop does. Paintshop Pro is also relatively cheap, as is Photoshop Elements.

Hopefully that gives you a bit to think about between now and February. Shooting weddings can be stressful at the best of times, so just make sure that you're prepared for that and your clients are prepared for it since you only get one shot at it.

Jim Bryant · #5 (**permalink**) 01-13-2010, 05:04 AM

Once again..........I'm speechless and without words. Please for the sake of your good name....don't accept the wedding. If you blow it.........you'll never be able to land another wedding in quite a while.

S.Zimmerman · #6 (**permalink**) 01-13-2010, 05:54 AM

I think I forgot to mention and I worded it wrong. Im more following, I get to take shots and practice and get critqued. The gal im going with is a good friend and I was lucky enough to go for the experience.

I would NEVER book a wedding soley on me, I know better then that.

Yes Im aware the 50mm 1.8 doesnt autofocus, I was just asking to get the feed back.

Thank you!

aprillove20 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-13-2010, 05:59 AM

Hi Everyone,

This is my first time in this site, I hope I can learn more from you guys.

God Bless

Nicole · #8 (**permalink**) 01-13-2010, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S.Zimmerman

I think I forgot to mention and I worded it wrong. Im more following, I get to take shots and practice and get critqued. The gal im going with is a good friend and I was lucky enough to go for the experience.

I would NEVER book a wedding soley on me, I know better then that.

Yes Im aware the 50mm 1.8 doesnt autofocus, I was just asking to get the feed back.

Thank you!

Ahhh, that's good to hear. So, really, with the 50mm, only you can answer whether you're comfortable enough with manual focus to decide if you want to get a cheap lens that you have to use it on, or wait a little longer and get a lens that you can have the *option* to auto focus on. I love the 50mm (I had a f/1.8 for a few years before it had an accident), I think it's a good length, but some people think it's too long. Again, personal preference there. Have you considered renting a 50mm lens or 30mm lens before making the decision? Spending ~$50 before the fact might make the decision easier and more worthwhile in the end.

GadgetRick · #9 (**permalink**) 01-13-2010, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicole

Ahhh, that's good to hear. So, really, with the 50mm, only you can answer whether you're comfortable enough with manual focus to decide if you want to get a cheap lens that you have to use it on, or wait a little longer and get a lens that you can have the *option* to auto focus on. I love the 50mm (I had a f/1.8 for a few years before it had an accident), I think it's a good length, but some people think it's too long. Again, personal preference there. Have you considered renting a 50mm lens or 30mm lens before making the decision? Spending ~$50 before the fact might make the decision easier and more worthwhile in the end.

Where can one rent a lens? That would be helpful for me as well.