Help please. I'm just starting out.

M

madmax0605

Suspended / Banned
Messages
7
Name
Maxine
Edit My Images
Yes
Hey guys

Im after advise on a good camera and lenses for under £1000. I plan to do a course and take it on as a full time self employment.
 
Hi and welcome to TP. :wave:

That's a very good question. Your budget is enough to get you off to a great start, especially if you buy second-hand - a decent camera and a couple (or more) great lenses is within your reach.

The "right" choice depends a lot on what you intend to take pictures of and, with regards to the camera body itself, what you find the most comfortable in your hands. If you haven't used many cameras in the past I recommend handling as many different manufacturer's models as you can before making your choice - they each have their own general feel and control layout and suit people differently - it's matter of choosing the one that feels right to you.
 
Last edited:
+1
Always have a feel before you buy, if you don't like the way a camera feels, you may not use it as much as one you do feel fits right, and also when you do take pics, it may feel more of chore and that could stifle creativity.

Do the right thing...buy a Canon...:D;):p
 
You are just starting out. You don't know what camera and lenses you need and you are going to make a living solely from photography. Have you really thought this through?
 
I would advise checking out the business section here too - they will have all sorts of advice - now I only take pics for pleasure, but I expect there will be all sorts of hidden costs.

Firstly of course you would need a focus of some kind, ie portrait, landscape, sports etc - all have different needs - for instance for sports you need fast and accurate auto focus (AF), that can be expensive and you'd probably want a crop camera to get the extra reach. For landscape or portrait full frame would be better in my opinion.

So theres that question - once you know that you need to think about what price range for the body - for instance with Canon you can get a second hand 5D for about £500 if you shop around and that although a very old camera is full frame and would be a great starter for stills, portrait etc.

Next comes lenses - now they can get expensive - again if Canon try to get the right length for your needs - look into that as without a focus I could write an essay (and I don't know that much!)

Next once you have a little equipment behind you sign up to CPS (Canon Professional Services) - its free and if you have enough kit you can get fast tracked for repairs.

Speaking of repairs eventually you'll want a backup body and lenses - you cannot turn to a client and say sorry I wouldn't get the shots of your wedding because my camera broke - you won't last long that way at all!

After that theses post processing - I would advise lightroom, others photoshop and no doubt there are cheaper options, but keep that in mind as a cost too - I have seen a pro using photoshop elements, so there is hope for a cheap solution.

Okay, what next... ah, storage of photos - again I'm no pro and have only dealt with one pro photographer and that was at my wedding - but it looked like he made money on not just the day, but also on prints for the family - not just then but later - so you would need to be able to safely keep images for a long period, and don;t just keep one back, keep many and if possible off site (in case of house fire).

Right thats me done for my mini brainstorm and good luck :D
 
thanks for the feedback, mostly i do landscape and close ups at the mo, a few portraits too... i plan to try and keep portraits as the profession and the rest as my hobby, however i have been asked to do other things like sports/weddings too. if you can. take a look at my fb page and leave feedback :) would be greatly appricated

https://www.facebook.com/groups/maxine.irvine.photography/
 
I've had a look at your FB page, and I really like some of your shots :-)

On the subject of going full time pro (and I am by no means a pro myself, but like you, I would love to be eventually, so I've done my research) I honestly think it will take more than a half decent camera (which you can indeed get for your budget) and a course.

You also have to remember that because over here is essentially a pretty small country that the photography market is already over-saturated! Maybe you could try part time first and see how it goes before relying on it as a full time income.

I'm not trying to put you off or rain on your parade, quite the opposite, as I said we're in the same boat! Heck if we both manage to make it we could be fighting for the same clients ;)
 
I've read through the Facebook page and in all honestly, I suggest you slow down a little. Ambition is a brilliant thing to have, as it the drive to see it through, so I'm not knocking that, and but you are a way off being consistent enough to consider this as a career just yet - that's not really an issue in itself, until you commit to delivering beyond your means, and then that impacts others.

The couple of the weddings you've already lined up won't do you any favours yet and may well end up casting a dark cloud over what could blossom into a wonderful career. Take your time and make it a real success rather than run in unprepared.

Regarding the camera choice, wait until you start your course. You'll then understand better what it is you need from the camera and then you can make an informed decision. At the least, the course notes should indicate the basis you need to cover in regard to functionality.

All the best.
 
Furtim said:
Regarding the camera choice, wait until you start your course. You'll then understand better what it is you need from the camera and then you can make an informed decision. At the least, the course notes should indicate the basis you need to cover in regard to functionality.

All the best.
Click to expand...

+1

If you're not sure on camera choice at this stage, I would wait until you at least know what you require before spending 1K.
 
I have an idea of what im after now. Ive got more experience in the work of photography. I know not to immediately go into it as my full time job, im just looking at my options.

The main thing ive noticed is, i need a camera thats good for people on the move, as well as very close - ups of still life. It seems to be what i find myself taking the most. (and tbh the wee camera im using at the mo, is doing my head in with blurred photos).

I'm going to call into my local photographers (i know the woman who owns it) and ask her to give me advise on the path i need to take.

I appricate all the comments so far guys <3

(ps. Newer photos on the site now)
 
Where to start.......? First, it's great to see someone with enthusiasm, that will get you a long way and is essential if you are to make anything out of photography, you will get some difficult times to need a positive outlook and lots of drive.

I wouldn't initially suggest taking someone else's photo from your site as you are probably breaking copyright which is really not a good thing to do https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3865683567577&set=oa.383345651710581&type=1&theater

I would also take a look at your photos on the page and keep the best and clear out the rest.

On to shooting the 2 weedings you have booked and possibly other shots you have lined up. First, are you registered with HMRC, you are taking payment, you need to be registered for tax. Also, as you are doing a professional job, make sure you have liability insurance as well as professional indemnity so you are protecting yourself in case of any problems.

Getting on to gear, when shooting a wedding if you can only afford to buy 1 body to start with then beg, borrow, rent a 2nd along for the big day. The same with any lenses that you can't cope with out and the flash. You will want to get enough memory so that you can get the shots and not run out. Depending on file size think 40Gb or more. Lastly, batteries, have enough and then a few more for the flash gun and also extras for the camera.

If I wanted a basic starting setup then I think the lowest I would be OK with is (based on Canon as I don't know the Nikon range well) 550D and Tamron or Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 and a Canon 430EX Flash. Sure, it is over budget, but this is still the budget end of things.

Having the kit is only just a really small portion of the game, you then need the camera skills. You are going the right way with shooting lots, I would say don't go with lots of different things, just work on a little aspect at a time. Learn about composition, learn about lighting (broad and naorrow) this is really key, work on people skills, this can be make or break to get the best out of a subject.

I think that has covered the very minimum of things. It was illuded to earlier I think in another post, about not going out and doing a bad job, it will really damage your rep. Only do a wedding, or any other important job, if you can do it well, if you are not 100% sure you will do so then leave it until you can. You don't want to have an unhappy bride and groom post wedding.
 
mark 1616 thank you very much, canon 550d seems to be a popular choice amongst the people i know, id seen a 350dfor £299.99 second hand and wasnt sure to go for it or not. Going to look into it more
 
ty! ill look into it! is it good for movement? cos i know ill be taking alot of kids shots and they do alot of running around lol
 
madmax0605 said:
mark 1616 thank you very much, canon 550d seems to be a popular choice amongst the people i know, id seen a 350d for £299.99 second hand and wasnt sure to go for it or not. Going to look into it more
Click to expand...

Ouch, you should be able to pick up a 350D for half that, but probably should be looking at the 550D or even 600D.

I've had a look through your Facebook page and there are some pretty nice photo's on there.
Personally I think your landscape and architecture work is a lot better than your portrait stuff, but that's just my opinion.
One thing I will say though is that although you may not be a Pro yet, it doesn't hurt to give off a professional impression and your Facebook page just doesn't do that.
Don't just stick any old photo's on the page, only put your best work on there, and also make sure you don't use text speak when writing there, it looks really bad in my opinion.

As others have said though, take things one step at a time. Focus on the course and get through that first, then if you still want to be a pro after that, look back through your portfolio and see what area you should focus on as you want to work within your strengths.
 
i only started with the portrait work, as it mainly just my son at the mo lol
 
Having seen your Facebook page, if I were you I would consider getting a second hand Nikon D50 or similar along with a 50mm standard lens. Then I would learn how to use the camera and get an understanding of the relationship between aperture/shutter speed/ ISO. Take your time and don't waste time on gimmicky effects, which, with respect, your Facebook account seems to be full of. Concentrate on your subject matter. Think carefully about what you intend to photograph and why.
Whatever you do, do not invest heavily in photo equipment in the belief that you will recover your costs by selling your images. It's a very steep learning curve and it takes a lot of skill to be a proficient amateur, never mind successful professional.
Be realistic about the future. Just enjoy learning the basics. Good luck.
 
the only reason there are quite.... simple effects on my fb page is i have yet to go out and get photoshop. bloody ulster bank messing up put us all out -.-

but yeah. as i said, im just starting out so ofcourse i am still learning :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top