Taking the plunge...

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chazp1979

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Charlotte
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Hi All

I am at the stage in my photography when I think I need to take the plunge as far as equipment is concerned. I have recently completed a City & Guilds Level 1 in photo image capture with a Distinction and am now just starting level 2. My future aim is to work for myself professionally in the portrait and wedding area (very general I know)

I have only had my 450D for 18mths and am aware that I have not exhausted this camera. But, I am keen to progress and purchase a fairly portable studio kit (we have the space but I dont want it out permanently due to my 4 & 3 year olds ;)) then I think well if I am doing that should I not just go the whole hog and upgrade my camera as I know I will need to purchase another lens for my 450D (I currently have the kit, a tamron 70-300 and a nifty fifty) I dont want to waste money on a lens and then want to purchase another camera in a year or so time. Is the 5D the best purchase for a wedding & portrait photographer??

I am also working on a standard HP laptop which will need upgrading...is the iMac the only way forward from a computer perspective??

So I would appreciate any advice you have on camera, lens, studio set up, and computer wise (not asking much am I?? ;)) I am aware the learning curve is massive, what I want to do is learn right first time and not waste time working my way around things if I have access to the cash to get as much right as possible first time.

I want to make the best out of the work I will be doing on the course and then have a head start when thinking about starting up a business in a couple of years....so any help??!!!

Thank you so much in advance for any advice, I appreciate your time :)
Charlotte

PS here is my flickr page (I need to set up a siggy) www.flickr.com/photos/charlottepowles/
 
slow down there.
the 450D is no slouch and for artficial and adjustable lighting it will do fine. You will be shooting with apertures of around f/8 and occasionally wider open for creative effects. The 450 Is fine for that.

I would say invet in your lenses not to many. maybe a fast replacement for the kit. 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM or the Tamromn 17-50 f/2.8. Depending on your space maybe a 70-200 of some sort.

As for pc/mac, that really depends if you have the excess busget to blow. personally the most of us here probably use PC's with MS install. Most photo editing packages are cross paltform anyway. Make sure you dont skimp on your monitor though.


My advice is sit down plan what you need not what would be great/want. no point have 12 lenses and only use 2. no point having a 21MP camera if only going ot print 5x7 images. Lots of people have made the mistake of going for a shiney L lens for the pedigree value when there are just as good lenses for what its gonig to be used for but somewhat cheaper.
 
Thank you!! There is just so much out there - so many choices and so difficult to know where to start....

I definately need to invest in a couple more lenses so will have a look at your suggestions.

Regarding the computer side of things, I hear so much about the iMac but I would have to retrain myself on that side of things, so its nice to hear that a PC is good enough and much more comfortable/familiar.

I love taking photographs and am loving learning about the technical side, but adding the equipment too is blowing my mind!
Thanks again for your advice
Charlotte :)
 
Invest in glass...

That will have the biggest impact on your pictures....
 
Thank you Martin - sound advice - good to get things back into perspective before running off in all directions!

Charlotte
 
chazp1979 said:
Regarding the computer side of things, I hear so much about the iMac but I would have to retrain myself on that side of things, so its nice to hear that a PC is good enough and much more comfortable/familiar.
Click to expand...

iMac is one thing I don't like in apple line up. To put it in a different way it is huge mirror that duplicates as an overpriced and integrated monitor to a laptop core. A macbook pro with a decent external (IPS and non-glossy) monitor is a much better solution.

I can see how you are trying to justify getting new toys. Maybe slow down a little, or you may be planning another major upgrade this time next year :rules:
 
daugirdas said:
iMac is one thing I don't like in apple line up. To put it in a different way it is huge mirror that duplicates as an overpriced and integrated monitor to a laptop core. A macbook pro with a decent external (IPS and non-glossy) monitor is a much better solution.

I can see how you are trying to justify getting new toys. Maybe slow down a little, or you may be planning another major upgrade this time next year :rules:
Click to expand...

Thanks! The reason for posting is that I dont want to have a major upgrade every year - I would only go out and buy everything if it were properly justified...Although you can see from my line up of equipment that I need to definately spend on lenses and computer.

I personally would prefer a macbook pro and am very pleased you said that - my husband would prefer a desktop type computer so I will research more into that area too.

So now my perspective is upgrade to a pro camera when I am a pro as prior to that I am not going to really need the megapixels, and spend on lenses.

Anyone have any ideas with regards to lighting - should I just get a softbox to go on my flash and a background or is it best to go for a full studio kit??
Charlotte
 
chazp1979 said:
I personally would prefer a macbook pro and am very pleased you said that - my husband would prefer a desktop type computer so I will research more into that area too.

Anyone have any ideas with regards to lighting - should I just get a softbox to go on my flash and a background or is it best to go for a full studio kit??
Charlotte
Click to expand...

I use my macbook pro as a desktop with proper monitor keyboard and mouse. The only difference is an extra 15.4" monitor, usually used to display emails. I would highly recommend getting applecare - these things can break and that would otherwise be extremely expensive to reapair.

Lighting is important. Both flashes and studio lights can work. The costs are similar (4x 580EX is a lot £££). Flashes are portable, and can be used at clients home or outdoors, which is why I went that route. Studio lights are far better for a fixed studio location. They are more powerful, and you get the 'preview' modeling light. Either way I'd go for at least 3 lights.
 
daugirdas said:
I use my macbook pro as a desktop with proper monitor keyboard and mouse. The only difference is an extra 15.4" monitor, usually used to display emails. I would highly recommend getting applecare - these things can break and that would otherwise be extremely expensive to reapair.

Lighting is important. Both flashes and studio lights can work. The costs are similar (4x 580EX is a lot £££). Flashes are portable, and can be used at clients home or outdoors, which is why I went that route. Studio lights are far better for a fixed studio location. They are more powerful, and you get the 'preview' modeling light. Either way I'd go for at least 3 lights.
Click to expand...

Good idea for the macbook...best of both worlds! Thanks for the recommendation about applecare. Another selling point for apple is the aftercare service you get if you need.

I currently have a Nissin Di866 flash as it got rave reviews and cheaper than the 580EX and it is doing a great job. Really need to think through my options relating to studio space...I would rather go for the studio lights but its the space and portability that causes the issue.

I really appreciate your advice - thank you :thumbs:
 
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