Choosing a Wedding Photographer Part 1

I am often amazed at how people plan their wedding.  Most give great detail to the dress, the flowers and the setting.  Often the photographer is the last consideration.  I suspect this has happened as many wedding photographers simply show up, take some shots, leave, provide proofs or a disc and move on.  Many so called photographers will shoot a wedding for virtually nothing.  So how should you choose a photographer?  What should you look for when looking at photographers.  

First let me explain, there is a wide range of services offered in "wedding photography"  and you generally get what you pay for.  Some simply shoot the wedding and provide an unedited or poorly edited photography on a disc.   And you have a slight step above snap shots of your wedding.    A good photographer will come in with a well planned approach unique to your wedding...(more on this in a subsequent blog)

Bare minimums:

Equipment:
Should be at least digial slr, 10 mp or higher, cameras.  A  minimum of DX format cameras in the semi professional to professional level with a preference for FX format sensors.  Then there should be more than one.  What is the primary equipment?  and  What back up equipment is available? Just in case the equipment is stolen, or an accident happens.   Most quality photographers will list or display their equipment in some form.  
Lighting available.  The days of shooting a wedding with a flash are quickly becoming a thing of the past.  Actually having lighting to shoot with will increase the quality and assure a good photo.  So a review of the lighting, is important.
Video, if you want a video of the  your wedding, review the video equipment the resolution, and ask if there is a back up camera.

How many photographers?  For a simple wedding a photographer with an assistant should be adequate.  For a wedding with more than a few guests (60or more) with larger plan than a wedding march, solo, vows and exit,  you will want to be sure two photographers are available and shooting to  be sure you don't miss anything.




More to come....

Christmas...r u Prepared??

Getting some one you love a camera for Christmas?  Take some time to prepare.  If the camera comes with rechargeable batteries take some time and charge the batteries before you wrap the gift.  Also be sure they have a memory card. Then when the one you love opens the camera it is ready to shoot.... It only takes a little planning.   And they will thank you....

Jack

Portraits While Folks are Home...

A special I am offering in the Columbia area,  We can take  your family photo in the studio or in your home.  We offer flexible schedules.  You get prints as well as digital copies of your photos.  Call soon...

Some Cool camera's for this Christmas 2010

For most folks the Sony HX1 will provide several years of great family photography.  With clear macro and a 20x zoom you can capture almost anything.  It also records hd video as well as panorama pictures.  This is classified as a point and shoot and will be more than enough camera for family, vacations, hobby photography.  No lenses to carry around all in one reasonably small package.  Cost around $350.00




Not a Sony Fan..... The Nikon Cool Pix 100 below also about $300 will do almost everything the Sony will.  It is missing the in a camera  HDR, otherwise you will find this a joy to use for family, hobby and general photography...










Want a more Serious camera,  with some recent price drops the Nikon D90 is probably one of the best buys on the market.  About $800 for the back and the lens of choice will be the Nikon 18-200 VRII lens about $695 this combination gives you one of the best Nikon Digital SLR with one of the best DX zooms on the market.  Of course you can add more lenses later.  This camera will fill your needs to the professional level, until you need large (48 inch plus prints) prints.  I have recommended this camera to several friends and all who own  it love it.




New,  a point an shoot size camera with interchangeable lens.  Sony is unique in this market in that the Sony Nex3 and Sony  Nex 5 give you a full DX frame, in a very compact space.  Picture quality is good,  it too will do panorama, and in camera hdr, as well as HD video.  So far the ratings have been good and at about $600 for the camera and one lens it is a good choice.  Keep in mind the manual function on this camera leaves some to be desired, but the auto and near manual settings work fine.  Compact, versatile and full DX frame with interchangeable lens....


Want a cheaper point and shoot.

Check almost any Nikon, Canon or Sony point and shoot camera.  You will be fine.   I also like the Olympus Stylus Tough cameras that are water proof,  they take a great picture and are very tough.

 You can get a good point and shoot compact digital camera for about 150 up.   If you pick out one and want me to give you an opinion on it post it here and I will respond.

Based on the reviews I have read stay away from the Nikon 3000, the Canon d50, and the Sony Alph 200.  The Sony Alph series 300 and above are good cameras.... Check your prices.  For example when I bought my  Stylus Tough camera, it was 72 dollars cheaper on the Best Buy web site than it was in their store.

I prefer to buy local if you can.  Columbia Photo has a great selection of cameras check them out.  Just compare prices.  
Jack

Elsa Dorfman

Ran across an interesting Portrait photographer's web site recently.  Attached is a picture of her and her camera.  She uses a Polaroid 20 x 24 camera.  It produces a large image.  Her cost is over 50 dollars per shot.  That is interesting just from the equipment point of view.  BUT

What I find most interesting is she charges between $2800 and $4500 per portrait session.   She takes time to get to know the client and then sets them in a setting that best depicts them.  Takes two yes I said two shots and then the client gets to pick between the two shots.  The initial price does include a large print of her work.  WOW,  photography at it's best...her web site is worth the view. I would strongly suggest you check it out.  And realize that real portrait photography is much more than lights and camera, it should be a reflection of you.

Jack

Nikon d800? And Portraits.

Rumors have it there will be a D800 and D4 available late spring or mid Summer 2011.  The rumors go on that they will be 16-24mp nothing for sure on other details.  More details will follow.

I have been shooting some portraits, first time in several  years.   After measuring the set up time, the shooting and then the editing time, I am in shock of how little many photographers value their skills, their time or that are willing to put out an inferior product just to be "cheap".  I can go on for a bit, but when you have 10 -20 thousand dollars of equipment and you skills and talent going out, why would you work for less than minimum wage just to shoot.  If you shoot a wedding often takes 4-8 hours, Then you edit and prepare the photographs, for show another 6-15 hours.  If you are editing in less time you probably aren't doing a good job.  Simply put.  Stop it!!!! either value what you do or do something else!  A good photographer is not common,  it is way more than pointing a camera and clicking,  and it is worth being paid well.  And I would challenge you to value your self and your profession.....
Jack

Nikon D7000

Nikon announced the release (Oct 15, 2010 ) of the Nikon D7000.  (Not to be confused with the D700). 

The 7000 is a DX format camera 14 mp that is a step up for the D90.  I have read the preliminary blogs and dpreview.com has a good reveiw as does Ken Rockewell.  It looks like Nikon has another winner.  Keep in mind this is a semi pro camera, it will take great picts on Auto but then so will a good Nikon point and shoot for 1/4th the price.  This is for the photographer that is doing something with his or her work.  Either art photographer or entry level professional photographer.  I will follow up as I actually see the camera shortly after it is released. 

Nikon also announced a new flash the SB700.  After reading the review I think I will stay with my SB600.  Just not enough new and great stuff.  There is a discussion on being able to up date the firm ware,  I have never had a firm ware problem with a flash,  seems like a waste of time.  Simply I will not up date my camera or flash until it is worth while.  The D200 is getting close,  I am holding out for a 14 plus FX format camera Nikon is sure to release in 2011 or 2012. 

IN summary.  The D7000 is a  yes so far,
the SB600 is still my preferred flash.


Be cool!