Newbie - don't even have a decent camera yet lol)

[Justin1971]

Hi,

As you've probably guessed from the title, I'm new here and also new to the world of DSLR's (which I am looking to buy). I'm 41 and live in Beverley, East Yorkshire currently working in IT Support for a manufacturing company.

I also currently run a part-time mobile disco business and have covered many, many weddings from small village halls to huge stately home type grounds and high 'star' hotels.

Basically, I've seen so many so called 'wedding photographers' that just take seemingly VERY basic shots and charging quite large sums of money (yes, I do ask and sometimes they tell, sometimes they don't).

I am feeling that I could do a better job with my basic understanding of photography, I used to be a graphic designer many years ago and as such have a 'good eye' for detail and arty shots.

Anyway, before I rattle on too much, I'm looking to get a DSLR to practice on and am thinking along the lines of a Canon D600 - I know it has a low sensor (APS-C size) but I will upgrade to a full frame for when I start wedding photography.

Well, that's me and I hope to learn much from this forum. If I repeat any questions feel free to point me in the right direction

 

[Yves Geza]

Welcome and - er - bon chance!

You'll find that there are many wedding photographers here who contribute and participate in the forums who do not take very basic shots for their money.

They're probably the people you'll want to learn from!

 

[MWHCVT]

While it might look like all there doing is taking Random photo's you'll find the reality is very different

It's like a good DJ will make it look like there doing very little at all when in reality they're doing loads

Welcome to TP let the learning begin

Matt

 

[Justin1971]

Thanks guys,

I do understand there is a lot more to wedding photography than taking photo's! The endless hours of editing RAW files, applying filters, getting the crowd organised etc... but I also understand that their is an element of getting those 'arty' shots, the one's with that 'wow' factor.

I see photography as more of an art form than just 'point & click' and I am looking forward to learning what works and what doesn't, partly from practicing and experimenting and also chatting with you guys (& girls) on this forum.

the camera I'll be starting with is a Canon D600 and yes, I know it's not a professional camera due to only having an APS-C size sensor (the smallest) but I reckon it's good enough to start practicing with, I'll be upgrading to a full frame before I start professionally.

By the way MWHCVT, I know what you mean about 'making it look easy' but I've also seen some of the people's work on the internet (I won't name and shame) but let's just say - I wouldn't use the photo's in my advertising / portfolio.

Just a side note, I have a good friend in the business who's really good and he's said I can tag along to a few weddings as second shooter - this will give me a good chance to build up a portfolio.

I'm really looking forward to this new venture and getting back into photography.

 

[MWHCVT]

Thanks guys,

I do understand there is a lot more to wedding photography than taking photo's! The endless hours of editing RAW files, applying filters, getting the crowd organised etc... but I also understand that their is an element of getting those 'arty' shots, the one's with that 'wow' factor.

I see photography as more of an art form than just 'point & click' and I am looking forward to learning what works and what doesn't, partly from practicing and experimenting and also chatting with you guys (& girls) on this forum.

the camera I'll be starting with is a Canon D600 and yes, I know it's not a professional camera due to only having an APS-C size sensor (the smallest) but I reckon it's good enough to start practicing with, I'll be upgrading to a full frame before I start professionally.

By the way MWHCVT, I know what you mean about 'making it look easy' but I've also seen some of the people's work on the internet (I won't name and shame) but let's just say - I wouldn't use the photo's in my advertising / portfolio.

Just a side note, I have a good friend in the business who's really good and he's said I can tag along to a few weddings as second shooter - this will give me a good chance to build up a portfolio.

I'm really looking forward to this new venture and getting back into photography.

Just an FYI it's 600D not D600 it's only a little thing but still getting it right gives you a lot more credence, second shooting is a good thing but there is nothing quite so scary as your first wedding things to remember is that you'll need backups of everything so cameras, lens and flash, I would wager that most wedding photographers take at least £10-15k of equipment on a wedding

 

[Justin1971]

Just an FYI it's 600D not D600 it's only a little thing but still getting it right gives you a lot more credence, second shooting is a good thing but there is nothing quite so scary as your first wedding things to remember is that you'll need backups of everything so cameras, lens and flash, I would wager that most wedding photographers take at least £10-15k of equipment on a wedding

Thanks for the reply. I intend to use the 600D as a backup as I won't be using that as a main camera for weddings as it's not really a 'pro' camera. Will probably eventually get a 5D MkII or III (yes I've seen the prices ).

I know you need backup equipment as it's something I strongly believe in with my current Disco business, as for scary doing my first wedding, I don't really get nervous around people as I've been performing and interacting around the general public for over 20 years in the music industry. I think I've come across every type of personality (good & bad) over the years.

I've also done toastmaster a few times and hosted a few concert nights in the past so I don't think I'll be nervous, maybe just concerned that I'm getting the 'right' shot. The beauty of digital is you can take many more shots than needed, I know this makes for a lot more editing and loading files but as I get more and more proficient, I reckon the number of shots will reduce.

I do have a question about lenses but I'll (try) and post this in the relevant section...