Can I get away with just using my speedlight?

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amumonamission

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Sarah
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Hi Everyone,

I've just spent a lot of time setting up as a business. All of which I am very proud of and which I have to say a lot of thanks goes to you guys and girls on here for all of your advise and help. So a big thanks for that. :)

I was thinking of running studio days a the hall near my home. I have some backdrops in mind and I am watching some on the bay but my knowledge on lighting is limited. Could I get away with just using my speedlight flash on my camera or am I likely to get too many shadows??

If more lighting is required what would be best to buy? Bearing in mind that I will be mobile.

Thanks in advance.
 
On camera flash in not too many words is flat, un flattering & not very creative (I'm sure someone will prove me wrong with some pro that only uses it Im not talking ring flash here)

For a single model/person studio shoot you would need a minimum of 1 off camera light source, yes you can do it with 1 speed light (search Zack Arias) & I'm sure there would be loads of people that will tell you to start with 1 light & see how that works & when your happy add more.

Me I would get 2 lights and experiment with that, look at the Lencarta Smartflash range they are very reasonably priced, also Elemental do there own budget lights also, try to avoid brands on ebay that give you 1 gazilon watts of raw power for £99 as like anything that is super Chinese cheap there **** end of, cheap components, cheap modifiers, limited light shapers blah blah blah.

Backgrounds are not that important really you can get away with a single white vynil or grey and that can be turned black, white, grey or add a gel to change the colour or my personal favourite just a different shade of grey :).

I think I've swom too far out into the deep end, where is Garry to give better help :).
 
kiteninja said:
On camera flash in not too many words is flat, un flattering & not very creative (I'm sure someone will prove me wrong with some pro that only uses it Im not talking ring flash here)

For a single model/person studio shoot you would need a minimum of 1 off camera light source, yes you can do it with 1 speed light (search Zack Arias) & I'm sure there would be loads of people that will tell you to start with 1 light & see how that works & when your happy add more.

Me I would get 2 lights and experiment with that, look at the Lencarta Smartflash range they are very reasonably priced, also Elemental do there own budget lights also, try to avoid brands on ebay that give you 1 gazilon watts of raw power for £99 as like anything that is super Chinese cheap there **** end of, cheap components, cheap modifiers, limited light shapers blah blah blah.

Backgrounds are not that important really you can get away with a single white vynil or grey and that can be turned black, white, grey or add a gel to change the colour or my personal favourite just a different shade of grey :).

I think I've swom too far out into the deep end, where is Garry to give better help :).
Click to expand...

Thank you that's a massive help :)
 
On-camera, it'll work bounced off a ceiling or wall but you won't be able to control the light that well (although it'll be softer than direct flash) and you'll loose power because of the distance up to the bounce surface and then back down to the subject.

The first thing I'd do is buy a modifier, be it a shoot-through brolly or a soft box. Personally, I like soft boxes but it's a personal decision based on the type of light yu want to create, space, and ultimately, how much power the flash will give you. Adding more flashes will give you more grunt but then you might as well be looking at studio heads if overall power is your goal.

A single speed light is a very potent tool; it'll come unstuck when you're trying to beat sunlight at high f-stops and low ISO, but for indoor portraiture you can run a single flash through a soft box of 12"-28" and you'll come out with decent f-stops. I use a 28" Westcott Apollo (there are copies available for cheaper) and it runs fine with a single SB-800 or SB-700 through it. I can't quote exact figures relating to the f-stops I'm getting, but without resorting to 1/1 power and at a high shutter speed, I've shot at f/5.6 and f/8 and that's enough for me.

Like said, a set of triggers or a sync cord, plus a light modifier and stand can be very effective and very portable. Okay, you have to keep on top of batteries and always be thinking about recycling times as the batteries run down, but that's applicable to any form of hotshot flash.

I like using studio lights but for sheer portability at a low price, a single speed light works grand. And it'll produce great, great result with the right amount of thought going into the shot :)


Self Portrait 1 by Pat MacInnes, on Flickr

This is obviously two flashes - one in a 28" soft box from camera right, another bare from behind - but look at the EXIF detail on the flickr page and you'll see the kind of settings I've used, which aren't pushing the speedlights at all... they still have plenty of power left :)
 
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Sarah, I really don't wish to sound harsh, but you are saying that :

1)You have set up a business. (I assume you mean a photography business)
2) You want to start doing studio days, and on your website you are advertising a mobile children and family portrait service, and also events coverage, and pet portraits
3) You then ask if a single on camera flash would be OK?

Again, without sounding harsh, are you ready to be advertising those services?
The main reason I say this is that mobile portraiture is a bit more involved than a single on camera flash, especially if you are going to charge for it.
I realise some will possibly shoot me down for my comments, but this is what I feel is important.
The last thing you want as a new business is to start charging for a service which, IMHO you are not yet ready to offer, but if you get a studio flash setup and start practising with it, then you probably will be ready soon.

I make no apology for these comments, as they reflect my thoughts,but they are meant to be helpful for you in your business, and not a criticism towards you.
 
You are asking technical questions about very basic studio/flashgun lighting requirements but going to run a studio day?
Is the studio day for customers or fellow photographers?

Either way there is a likely possibility that someone including a customer may turn up who has more technical knowledge about studio/flashgun lighting than you which would be embarrassing for yourself.
Do yourself a big favor buy a cheap flashgun first and have a practice with it to get an understanding.
A potential customer or fellow photographer turning up to your studio day will expect you to be a tree of knowledge and when something doesn't work you should also have a plan B, you haven't got a plan A yet!
 
Sarah,one way forwards for your little start up venture would to be to present it as is. A young mum,with a passion for photographing kids,wanting to persue and develop a small business as a studio photographer who has gone to all the trouble of setting up a website as a reference point/portfolio for her efforts and work skills so far. Make it clear that you are learning on the job and that this is reflected in your prices and that you welcome all advice, feedback and suggestions. This may well disarm any over expectation of customers and endear you to those who know more than you and will then want to help you.

There is nothing more endearing or likely to win support from all and sundry than honest and open endeavour, which sounds very much like what is going on here.

Fill your site with lots of photos and all the things you wan't to get across to your customers from the perspective that they will have clicked onto your site via a referral or as the result of an advert. Thats all your website is, a shop window, a brochure with a carefully presented sales pitch.
Virtually nobody will find it by chance and you won't GET business from it. But, you will win the business of people who want to check you out and like what they see and trust you.

Think your sales pitch through very carefully, its the map by which people will navigate their experience with you and that is where all your business will come from in future. A collection of your own simple kids props that you have learnt to light and photograph beforehand are priceless, get in touch with local kids entertainers and talk to them...I'll stop now:lol:

Good luck with it Sarah:) and make it fun.
 
specialman said:
On-camera, it'll work bounced off a ceiling or wall but you won't be able to control the light that well (although it'll be softer than direct flash) and you'll loose power because of the distance up to the bounce surface and then back down to the subject.

The first thing I'd do is buy a modifier, be it a shoot-through brolly or a soft box. Personally, I like soft boxes but it's a personal decision based on the type of light yu want to create, space, and ultimately, how much power the flash will give you. Adding more flashes will give you more grunt but then you might as well be looking at studio heads if overall power is your goal.

A single speed light is a very potent tool; it'll come unstuck when you're trying to beat sunlight at high f-stops and low ISO, but for indoor portraiture you can run a single flash through a soft box of 12"-28" and you'll come out with decent f-stops. I use a 28" Westcott Apollo (there are copies available for cheaper) and it runs fine with a single SB-800 or SB-700 through it. I can't quote exact figures relating to the f-stops I'm getting, but without resorting to 1/1 power and at a high shutter speed, I've shot at f/5.6 and f/8 and that's enough for me.

Like said, a set of triggers or a sync cord, plus a light modifier and stand can be very effective and very portable. Okay, you have to keep on top of batteries and always be thinking about recycling times as the batteries run down, but that's applicable to any form of hotshot flash.

I like using studio lights but for sheer portability at a low price, a single speed light works grand. And it'll produce great, great result with the right amount of thought going into the shot :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/patmacinnes/5892383670/
Self Portrait 1 by Pat MacInnes, on Flickr

This is obviously two flashes - one in a 28" soft box from camera right, another bare from behind - but look at the EXIF detail on the flickr page and you'll see the kind of settings I've used, which aren't pushing the speedlights at all... they still have plenty of power left :)
Click to expand...

Wow! Thank for advice. :)
 
GHP said:
Sarah, I really don't wish to sound harsh, but you are saying that :

1)You have set up a business. (I assume you mean a photography business)
2) You want to start doing studio days, and on your website you are advertising a mobile children and family portrait service, and also events coverage, and pet portraits
3) You then ask if a single on camera flash would be OK?

Again, without sounding harsh, are you ready to be advertising those services?
The main reason I say this is that mobile portraiture is a bit more involved than a single on camera flash, especially if you are going to charge for it.
I realise some will possibly shoot me down for my comments, but this is what I feel is important.
The last thing you want as a new business is to start charging for a service which, IMHO you are not yet ready to offer, but if you get a studio flash setup and start practising with it, then you probably will be ready soon.

I make no apology for these comments, as they reflect my thoughts,but they are meant to be helpful for you in your business, and not a criticism towards you.
Click to expand...

I don't feel that your comments are harsh so let me get that across first.

On my website I have offered a service where by people can have family portraits, children's portraits, event coverage etc etc and I am not charging an upfront fee for this service at the moment. I hope that people will then like my work so they will then want to buy my photo's. Is that wrong? Or misleading?

I just think that this is a good way to get my business going whilst learning at the same time. If you or anyone else think I am wrong here though please feel free to say as I am not offended :)
 
ferret1981 said:
You are asking technical questions about very basic studio/flashgun lighting requirements but going to run a studio day?
Is the studio day for customers or fellow photographers?

Either way there is a likely possibility that someone including a customer may turn up who has more technical knowledge about studio/flashgun lighting than you which would be embarrassing for yourself.
Do yourself a big favor buy a cheap flashgun first and have a practice with it to get an understanding.
A potential customer or fellow photographer turning up to your studio day will expect you to be a tree of knowledge and when something doesn't work you should also have a plan B, you haven't got a plan A yet!
Click to expand...

Yes I am thinking of running a studio day for anyone who would like to come along. I didn't say it before but my intentions were to charge no upfront fee but to put the photos on my website then if the customers want to buy they can. I just felt it would be a good way of practicing and not using children/models that I already know.

You say that it would be embarrassing for me if someone turned up who had more technical knowledge than me? Maybe I'm just too nice but would you criticise me if you came along knowing I wasn't charging for the shoot? Only the photo's IF you wish to purchase them? As I wouldn't do.

As I said in an earlier post though I am not offended by what any of you have said as I welcome your comments/help/ etc etc
 
Steve T said:
Sarah,one way forwards for your little start up venture would to be to present it as is. A young mum,with a passion for photographing kids,wanting to persue and develop a small business as a studio photographer who has gone to all the trouble of setting up a website as a reference point/portfolio for her efforts and work skills so far. Make it clear that you are learning on the job and that this is reflected in your prices and that you welcome all advice, feedback and suggestions. This may well disarm any over expectation of customers and endear you to those who know more than you and will then want to help you.

There is nothing more endearing or likely to win support from all and sundry than honest and open endeavour, which sounds very much like what is going on here.

Fill your site with lots of photos and all the things you wan't to get across to your customers from the perspective that they will have clicked onto your site via a referral or as the result of an advert. Thats all your website is, a shop window, a brochure with a carefully presented sales pitch.
Virtually nobody will find it by chance and you won't GET business from it. But, you will win the business of people who want to check you out and like what they see and trust you.

Think your sales pitch through very carefully, its the map by which people will navigate their experience with you and that is where all your business will come from in future. A collection of your own simple kids props that you have learnt to light and photograph beforehand are priceless, get in touch with local kids entertainers and talk to them...I'll stop now:lol:

Good luck with it Sarah:) and make it fun.
Click to expand...

No offence to anyone else who has commented on this post but Steve even though you didn't answer my question, that is probably the best advice and friendliest advice I have had so far :)

After reading this I am definitely going to reword my "about" page to reflect more like what you have said.

Thank you :)
 
Hi Sarah,
Sorry, I wasn't trying to be to harsh although it may have come across like that. I was trying to help you avoid a potetially embarrassing experience. SteveT's advice regarding navigating peoples experience and your how you may or may not be winning future clients was a sugar coated version of what I was trying to say. You could be ruining your reputation before you have even had chance to build the skills needed.

When you wrote studio day I wrongly assumed you meant like a workshop for photographers. When I was learning I'd sometimes attend 'studio days' and when I turned up I have expectations about the photographer leading the session and there competence in the subject of the workshop regardless of the price.

I still don't know why you don't just attend a proper 'studio day' strobist or portrait workshop where someone will show you how to use the kit properly. Your plan is to buy kit and try to learn how to take pictures of people with kit you dont know how to use. By the time you have taken a few shots and got your settings right the person you re taking a picture of will have lost interest.

If I am completely honest as a potential client if I turned up to your session I probably wouldn't criticise you there and then for not having a clue but I would certainly tell friends not to bother wasting their time going in the future . And this is the problem, give it a couple of years and you could be an expert giving novices like me advice on forums but nobody will forget about the photographer at the hall who didn't know what they were doing. If your in this for the long haul dont rush!
 
ferret1981 said:
Hi Sarah,
Sorry, I wasn't trying to be to harsh although it may have come across like that. I was trying to help you avoid a potetially embarrassing experience. SteveT's advice regarding navigating peoples experience and your how you may or may not be winning future clients was a sugar coated version of what I was trying to say. You could be ruining your reputation before you have even had chance to build the skills needed.

When you wrote studio day I wrongly assumed you meant like a workshop for photographers. When I was learning I'd sometimes attend 'studio days' and when I turned up I have expectations about the photographer leading the session and there competence in the subject of the workshop regardless of the price.

I still don't know why you don't just attend a proper 'studio day' strobist or portrait workshop where someone will show you how to use the kit properly. Your plan is to buy kit and try to learn how to take pictures of people with kit you dont know how to use. By the time you have taken a few shots and got your settings right the person you re taking a picture of will have lost interest.

If I am completely honest as a potential client if I turned up to your session I probably wouldn't criticise you there and then for not having a clue but I would certainly tell friends not to bother wasting their time going in the future . And this is the problem, give it a couple of years and you could be an expert giving novices like me advice on forums but nobody will forget about the photographer at the hall who didn't know what they were doing. If your in this for the long haul dont rush!
Click to expand...

I know you weren't being harsh, like I said I want peoples opinions good and bad before I do try these things and potentially running before I can walk. I perhaps just wasn't expecting it to be so upfront! Is that the right word! lol!

I value everyone's advice and help on here and I would have rushed in to many things and made a fool of myself on many occasions if it hadn't been for all of you guys and girls on here willing to give advise to people like me who are just finding their feet in the business side of photography.

I've come further than I thought I ever would and now I am keen (maybe a little impatient too) to learn more. Hence wanting to do the studio day, not for other photographers. but just for people to come and have a free photoshoot of their kids or whatever with no obligation to buy and then would be good practice for me. But I do see what you're saying as I would have to make a good impression and if I don't then it will be remembered.

How would I find out about studio days? I would definitely be up for going to one but have never heard of any in my area. Is there a website that advertises these kind of things?
 
Sarah

My tuppence worth is..

You don't seem to be comfortable as yet with lighting, but your website infers that you're offering a professional all-round service.

The notion that potential clients will have a photo shoot and only buy if they like what they see is a business model that is used most often by event photographers. It can of course work - it's been my primary source of income for 7 years now - but there are many caveats.

Firstly, you have to produce professional quality images in order to get a sale, and from what I've read, my interpretation is that you're not ready for this.

Secondly - and specifically with regard to your studio days - you will have a local populous that will, assuming that you market correctly, come along for shoots. Get it right, and not only will you make a reasonable return, but those clients will cause a viral effect, telling all their friends about you.

Get it wrong, and the same thing will happen, but any hope of a reputation will be gone, and you're very unlikely to have another chance to resurrect it. So.. your best form of marketing will be shot down before you start.

Your website shows a decent selection of motocross images. I presume that you have a link with this club..? That's a route that I would explore further initially.

Making money from these types of sports events is very doable, but you need the right business model and infrastructure. IMHO there is a shortage of quality sporting event outfits.

As for the studio days etc, whilst I applaud your enthusiasm, I would recommend that you look for training in lighting and portrait photography, and couple this with lots of tester shoots with friends, family, friends of family etc.

HTH.



J
 
Jeremy has it bang on here. Whilst your plan may appear 'no risk' to your customers, if you make a hash of it you've lost out by a massive amount, and from everything you've said there's a chance that you'll do just that.

Take a step back and keep your experimentation within your close friends and family, they won't care how much time you waste so long as they get some free pictures eventually.

Whilst your motorcross photography is looking really good, the few examples of people photography on your site are nowhere near the same standard. From the amount of learning it took you to get those motocross images, how long do you honestly think it'll take efore your portraiture is of the same standard? Considering that people dont just keep appearing in a relatively predictable way. They need managing, inspiring, posing, keeping happy. it's often said that portrait photography is 90% Psychology and 10% Photography.
 
Sarah,
I haven't had a proper look through your images but a simple portrait can be out doors like the children holding their trophies on your site. Id focus on framing/composition and making sure the kids are looking at the camera not the floor or doing something interesting.
Event photography is difficult because people who don't really know about photography want volume from events they see it as more value if your being paid to cover it. You just dont know who is going to buy the images though so its a balancing act of the fact that you will always be judged on your weakest image and putting enough images so that the big spenders buy enough images to make the event worth while.
Alot of photographers struggle at finding a niche, you strength is that you have clearly found one in the motorcross events its fairly unique, focus and put your time in to this.
 
There is no bad advice there Sarah, Just a thought...
All the action shots look okay to me but I wonder if you could kill two birds with one stone here. How about setting up a simple booth (Gazebo or something) and practicing your studio stuff while getting static portrait type shots of the riders in all their gear or a 'me and my bike' shot type setup before the races start and it all gets dirty. I know if my grandson was racing I would want a pic like that probably as much as an action shot and I would be more forgiving of that type of picture than I would a studio portrait.

And anyway, well done so far:thumbs::clap:
 
Steve T said:
There is no bad advice there Sarah, Just a thought...
All the action shots look okay to me but I wonder if you could kill two birds with one stone here. How about setting up a simple booth (Gazebo or something) and practicing your studio stuff while getting static portrait type shots of the riders in all their gear or a 'me and my bike' shot type setup before the races start and it all gets dirty. I know if my grandson was racing I would want a pic like that probably as much as an action shot and I would be more forgiving of that type of picture than I would a studio portrait.

And anyway, well done so far:thumbs::clap:
Click to expand...

Some good advice here now you have a plan, ideas, a niche and great interesting picture subjects
 
Jerm said:
Sarah

My tuppence worth is..

You don't seem to be comfortable as yet with lighting, but your website infers that you're offering a professional all-round service.

The notion that potential clients will have a photo shoot and only buy if they like what they see is a business model that is used most often by event photographers. It can of course work - it's been my primary source of income for 7 years now - but there are many caveats.

Firstly, you have to produce professional quality images in order to get a sale, and from what I've read, my interpretation is that you're not ready for this.

Secondly - and specifically with regard to your studio days - you will have a local populous that will, assuming that you market correctly, come along for shoots. Get it right, and not only will you make a reasonable return, but those clients will cause a viral effect, telling all their friends about you.

Get it wrong, and the same thing will happen, but any hope of a reputation will be gone, and you're very unlikely to have another chance to resurrect it. So.. your best form of marketing will be shot down before you start.

Your website shows a decent selection of motocross images. I presume that you have a link with this club..? That's a route that I would explore further initially.

Making money from these types of sports events is very doable, but you need the right business model and infrastructure. IMHO there is a shortage of quality sporting event outfits.

As for the studio days etc, whilst I applaud your enthusiasm, I would recommend that you look for training in lighting and portrait photography, and couple this with lots of tester shoots with friends, family, friends of family etc.

HTH.



J
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice :)

Yes I do have a link with this club, my son rides motocross with them. I have had good feedback for the people at the club and already made some sales on my website.
 
Phil V said:
Jeremy has it bang on here. Whilst your plan may appear 'no risk' to your customers, if you make a hash of it you've lost out by a massive amount, and from everything you've said there's a chance that you'll do just that.

Take a step back and keep your experimentation within your close friends and family, they won't care how much time you waste so long as they get some free pictures eventually.

Whilst your motorcross photography is looking really good, the few examples of people photography on your site are nowhere near the same standard. From the amount of learning it took you to get those motocross images, how long do you honestly think it'll take efore your portraiture is of the same standard? Considering that people dont just keep appearing in a relatively predictable way. They need managing, inspiring, posing, keeping happy. it's often said that portrait photography is 90% Psychology and 10% Photography.
Click to expand...

Yes after reading yours and everyone else's advise I will get more practice and training before going for the studio photography. I don't want to make a fool of myself.

To be honest I'm not sure how long it took for me to get my motocross shots to that standard! lol Thanks for the encouragement though, its always good to hear when someone else likes you work.
 
ferret1981 said:
Sarah,
I haven't had a proper look through your images but a simple portrait can be out doors like the children holding their trophies on your site. Id focus on framing/composition and making sure the kids are looking at the camera not the floor or doing something interesting.
Event photography is difficult because people who don't really know about photography want volume from events they see it as more value if your being paid to cover it. You just dont know who is going to buy the images though so its a balancing act of the fact that you will always be judged on your weakest image and putting enough images so that the big spenders buy enough images to make the event worth while.
Alot of photographers struggle at finding a niche, you strength is that you have clearly found one in the motorcross events its fairly unique, focus and put your time in to this.
Click to expand...

Photographing those kids that day was hard work! There was another photographer there and plus parents taking photographs and the kids didn't know where to stand and look!

It makes it easy to photograph the sport because I have an interest in it and also it helps with the nerves when my son is riding! :)
 
Steve T said:
There is no bad advice there Sarah, Just a thought...
All the action shots look okay to me but I wonder if you could kill two birds with one stone here. How about setting up a simple booth (Gazebo or something) and practicing your studio stuff while getting static portrait type shots of the riders in all their gear or a 'me and my bike' shot type setup before the races start and it all gets dirty. I know if my grandson was racing I would want a pic like that probably as much as an action shot and I would be more forgiving of that type of picture than I would a studio portrait.

And anyway, well done so far:thumbs::clap:
Click to expand...

oooooh I'm liking this idea! Now if I do this you're not going to want commission are you! lol :lol:

Will certainly look into doing this. Thank you Steve :)
 
Without knowing how to use the lights properly really as stated above you could ruin any reputation you may have before you start! Using flash needs some knowledge, training and practice. You can play at home with the kids and friends before doing anything and ideally get some training.

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=357748


Many of us obviously had to start somewhere though and reading books and asking questions here you will get lots of help.

Understanding even the basics of lighting too is something that you must have if you intend to make a professional looking image. The few portrait images I saw on your website suggest you don't have that knowledge yet. Many of the portraits show people's faces deep in shadow. A professional in any profession doesn't just start without proper training and knowledge - and with some training in using the right kit you could do well.

The motocross images mostly look great though - as you learn how to use light you can make those images much more dynamic too (particularly with the use of some OCF).

Good luck
 
Right, now you have some surrogate big brothers at your shoulder, you are duly bound to make a mummungous success of this here photo lark!

I can see this http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002IS7J...nd=1231689183485228006&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=
set up with loads of petrol head stickers and bunting up the guy ropes with well rehearsed settings and lighting setups inside, Jeremy Clarkson taking bookings, Murray Walker, out of retirement, commentating on every shot, Eddie Ervine and David Coultard making tea for the queuing customers,trying to quiet the hysteria...

Bloody hell:eek:
 
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Steve T said:
Right, now you have some surrogate big brothers at your shoulder, you are duly bound to make a mummungous success of this here photo lark!

I can see this http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002IS7J...nd=1231689183485228006&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=
set up with loads of petrol head stickers and bunting up the guy ropes with well rehearsed settings and lighting setups inside, Jeremy Clarkson taking bookings, Murray Walker, out of retirement, commentating on every shot, Eddie Ervine and David Coultard making tea for the queuing customers,trying to quiet the hysteria...

Bloody hell:eek:
Click to expand...

:):):)
 
Wondered if you would mind casting your eyes over this? I have revised my about page to reflect a more honest refection about my skills and experience. What do you think before I change it on my website?


Sarah at Angel Eyes photography is a young Mum of three with a real passion for photography. Recently embarking on this new venture she still has many things to learn about photography but I know you will find her effort and enthusiasm inspiring.
Most of her work will be in the Somerset and Dorset area but she may be willing to travel further afield so please feel free to ask even if the event or photo shoot will not be in these areas.

Sarah’s niche is mainly motocross events but she is keen to learn more about all areas of photography so therefore the following additional services will be offered based on this understanding.

Children and family portraits in the comfort of your own home or a place of your choice

Events – including proms, children’s parties, birthday parties etc etc

Pet portraits

If you have something in mind not listed here then please feel free to get in touch via the contact page.
 
Content wise, that seems pretty good to me.
But personally I hate the 'third party' style of writing, which really belongs to large Companies and which, IMO, sounds pretentious when used by a 1 man/woman band... Writing in the first person sounds much better to me.

I would suggest:
Hi, I'm Sarah, a young mum of three with a real passion for photography. Angel Eyes Photography is a pretty new venture for me and I still have a lot to learn about some types of photography but I know you will find my effort and enthusiasm inspiring,

Etc.
 
I agree with Gary. I used to use third party but much more personal describing yourself in the first person.

I'd still suggest before offering any sort of service that you learn more. Too many people think owning a camera is enough to make them a pro. A little more understanding of light, posing and composition will make a massive difference and allow you to make better images. Shooting without that and you will just continue to do the same and make the same mistakes without realising.

At least people understand that and your tet is fair but for you to learn you need to do more than just shoot images.

Justy trying to help and hope no offense taken.

Cheers
Jim
 
can I just pitch-in and say "what a really nice thread"
huge amounts of advice, taken on board by a person open to constructive feedback and continuous self-development. This thread could so easily become negative. just my by-stander tuppence.
when taken in the right way, I think that the volume of experience and advice on offer in this forum is huge.
Good luck Sarah with your business.

from a non-expert point of view (i.e: mine) some people get good lighting out of a single speedlight, the videos are on youtube, and they make it look simple with 1 on camera flash and an omnibounce unit over the top. what they don't explicitly tell you is that all around them are white full-length deflectors which soften the light from all angles and secretly, it's really carefully set-up in advance!

however, if you do have a budget and portability in mind, you can get YN flashguns which work well with the canons. £100 each, and will trigger from the YN version of a ST-E2.
The colour from these won't be as good as studio lighting but they are portable and cost-effective. also if you shoot in RAW that could help.
This is the setup I'm pursuing for a couple of personal projects. Also if you have two speedlights in your bag and you're just shooting normally, then you have a backup. Any person offering professional services imho should carry spare equipment (just in case). I'm not as experienced at others here and am open to being corrected and learning here myself so I will watch this thread with interest.
 
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DizMatt said:
can I just pitch-in and say "what a really nice thread"
huge amounts of advice, taken on board by a person open to constructive feedback and continuous self-development. This thread could so easily become negative. just my by-stander tuppence.
when taken in the right way, I think that the volume of experience and advice on offer in this forum is huge.
Good luck Sarah with your business.....
Click to expand...

There's a reason - but it'd be churlish to mention it;)
 
Oh go on Phil, be churlish, explain why this is such a really 'nice' thread and what the reason is.

You know you want to, what lark have you spotted;););) go on tell, the hell with it, just let it all out, it might be fun and uplifting:)

Christ knows, we could all do with a bit more 'Nice' mate:thumbs:
 
Garry Edwards said:
Content wise, that seems pretty good to me.
But personally I hate the 'third party' style of writing, which really belongs to large Companies and which, IMO, sounds pretentious when used by a 1 man/woman band... Writing in the first person sounds much better to me.

I would suggest:
Hi, I'm Sarah, a young mum of three with a real passion for photography. Angel Eyes Photography is a pretty new venture for me and I still have a lot to learn about some types of photography but I know you will find my effort and enthusiasm inspiring,

Etc.
Click to expand...

Great thanks for the feedback. I must admit I like the more personal aproach, it was my other half the persuaded me to write it this way :bonk:
 
EOS_JD said:
I agree with Gary. I used to use third party but much more personal describing yourself in the first person.

I'd still suggest before offering any sort of service that you learn more. Too many people think owning a camera is enough to make them a pro. A little more understanding of light, posing and composition will make a massive difference and allow you to make better images. Shooting without that and you will just continue to do the same and make the same mistakes without realising.

At least people understand that and your tet is fair but for you to learn you need to do more than just shoot images.

Justy trying to help and hope no offense taken.

Cheers
Jim
Click to expand...

Don't worry I am not easily offended ;)

I have taken on board what you have said and I am thining of enroling myself on a photography course at a college near me. Has anyone one here ever done one of these courses? It's this one i'm looking at http://www.bridgwater.ac.uk/course.php?sector=2&subject=250&course=1523
 
DizMatt said:
can I just pitch-in and say "what a really nice thread"
huge amounts of advice, taken on board by a person open to constructive feedback and continuous self-development. This thread could so easily become negative. just my by-stander tuppence.
when taken in the right way, I think that the volume of experience and advice on offer in this forum is huge.
Good luck Sarah with your business.

from a non-expert point of view (i.e: mine) some people get good lighting out of a single speedlight, the videos are on youtube, and they make it look simple with 1 on camera flash and an omnibounce unit over the top. what they don't explicitly tell you is that all around them are white full-length deflectors which soften the light from all angles and secretly, it's really carefully set-up in advance!

however, if you do have a budget and portability in mind, you can get YN flashguns which work well with the canons. £100 each, and will trigger from the YN version of a ST-E2.
The colour from these won't be as good as studio lighting but they are portable and cost-effective. also if you shoot in RAW that could help.
This is the setup I'm pursuing for a couple of personal projects. Also if you have two speedlights in your bag and you're just shooting normally, then you have a backup. Any person offering professional services imho should carry spare equipment (just in case). I'm not as experienced at others here and am open to being corrected and learning here myself so I will watch this thread with interest.
Click to expand...

Yes I always find I get good advice on here, this is probably the best forum I've joined.

Thanks for your advice also, I am thinking about doing a course to build my knowledge now :)
 
Steve T said:
Oh go on Phil, be churlish, explain why this is such a really 'nice' thread and what the reason is.

You know you want to, what lark have you spotted;););) go on tell, the hell with it, just let it all out, it might be fun and uplifting:)

Christ knows, we could all do with a bit more 'Nice' mate:thumbs:
Click to expand...

Yes go on phil!
 
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