Photography Ramblings

Thanks for the comment Trevor, whatever place in t...

2012-04-30T20:50:06.279-07:00

Thanks for the comment Trevor, whatever place in the business you find I wish you success.

Excellent bit of information and something I think...

2012-04-30T15:55:35.672-07:00

Excellent bit of information and something I think everyone can relate to. It’s a hard jump from lower, middle to upper. This is our first year in the middle and we are hoping it’s just a one year transition before we move to that place your write up describes. Thanks again for taking the time to ramble.

Hey Neil I have bought film for the camera from L...

2012-04-15T08:07:37.585-07:00

Hey Neil

I have bought film for the camera from Lens and Shutter in Victoria as well as in bulk from B&H. I've been told that Beau Photo in Vancouver also sells it. I drop off for develop only at London Drugs.

As for why not the 645N II. Well as far as I know the only difference between the two is that the 645N II added mirror lockup, a feature I didn't need. So I was able to save some money. I could see you needing that though. Both cameras have autofocus with the autofocus lenses.

It's a really nice camera, I think you'd enjoy it. I saw a used one at kerrisdale camera in Victoria last month. Not sure if they still have it and not sure if it was the N II.

Hey Neil where do you get the film for the 645? AN...

2012-04-15T04:12:17.326-07:00

Hey Neil where do you get the film for the 645? ANd why the 645N and not the 645Nii?

Love the photos it takes and it is on my wish list as well.

Neil

It's kind of fun to go back and visit our earl...

2012-04-13T13:34:28.253-07:00

It's kind of fun to go back and visit our early work isn't it? Maybe see how our thought patterns have changed.

Thanks for the comment and dropping by the blog Tr...

2012-04-13T13:30:44.142-07:00

Thanks for the comment and dropping by the blog Trevorb. I hope you enjoy the Pentax when you get it. I have really enjoyed it as part of my collection. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts once you've used it for a while.

Very interesting to think about. I have never been...

2012-04-13T13:26:07.619-07:00

Very interesting to think about. I have never been to heavy handed at post processing but it’s fun to look at how much it has changed. My first year with a DSLR I was really into landscape and always asked why in the world someone would want to shoot weddings. Yup, things have changed.

Really enjoyable read. Something about old gear ju...

2012-04-13T13:09:51.446-07:00

Really enjoyable read. Something about old gear just makes me want to shoot more. I am hoping to purchase this camera this year or next. Thanks again!

Ya, Gavin's a good guy

2012-04-03T04:06:33.974-07:00

Ya, Gavin's a good guy

Great Read.

2012-04-02T20:24:03.309-07:00

Great Read.

Thanks John, awesome addition to the conversation!...

2012-03-26T12:28:30.750-07:00

Thanks John, awesome addition to the conversation!

When I was in college, it was before the PC and th...

2012-03-26T11:04:44.595-07:00

When I was in college, it was before the PC and the Internet, but your story remains the same: I was the photo editor of the yearbook and we had a fairly constant stream of students who were getting married after graduation coming in to see if someone could do their wedding for cheap.

It took me two years of part-time weddings to figure out how to actually make money at it. I found a niche where some cultural understanding and discrete donations got me access where none was usually granted and at some point I actually started to make money. Leased Hasselblads followed, close working relationships with the local pro shops and labs, and I was established.

Had more work than I could handle and it was killing me. Weekends were non-stop work and I slept on Tuesday. Up at the break of dawn and I lived on caffeine and nicotine.

I sold the business and went back to grad school. Best thing I ever did. I have great respect for professional photographers who are dedicated and making a living at it. None for those who spend lots on equipment and have no skills.

And yes, I wish I had bought the 'blads instead of leasing. The photography skills have returned to being a hobby...and now I vastly prefer to be the amateur, in it for the love. And I don't do anyone's weddings whatsoever...

Thanks for commenting Jack. Glad you visited the ...

2012-03-24T08:57:28.703-07:00

Thanks for commenting Jack. Glad you visited the blog

Very well written Neil. An oft discussed topic tha...

2012-03-24T01:49:26.403-07:00

Very well written Neil. An oft discussed topic that is so often one sided. Very nice to see you recognize both sides of the coin. On the plus side of "Bill" quitting - cheap gear for sale on Craigslist!

Thanks for the comment Alex. I appreciate you dro...

2012-03-23T11:36:34.457-07:00

Thanks for the comment Alex. I appreciate you dropping by the blog.

I would suggest second shooting at a wedding to get your feet wet if you haven't and if wedding photography is something you want to do. $1500 is really not expensive for a wedding, I think you will be surprised that shooting a year's worth of weddings at $1500 won't really pay the bills as a full-time job either. I know that sounds crazy, but it's true. I've been there. Not to say you shouldn't start at that price point, just don't expect to be rolling in money.

Pricing is a tough issue, but making a business plan, figuring out costs for a business and most importantly valuing your art and yourself as a person is huge. So many photographers just don't have the courage to ask for their worth.

Your post hit closest to home as anything I have e...

2012-03-23T11:15:37.261-07:00

Your post hit closest to home as anything I have ever read this year. I see myself in it, as much as I have wanted to just charge $300 for a wedding just so I could actually book one, I always stop myself. I have two pro DSLR's, both with battery packs, a set of pro lenses, and lighting gear. I have been formally trained and professionally trained. But I dont have enough experience yet to charge$1500+ on a wedding, so I am biding my time, getting a university degree, an once I am done I will attack it full force. It kills me when I see weekend warriors who have less experience then I, making that extra $500 from a wedding. But I wait, and it will be worth it! Thank you for your post.

I think one thing photographers need to remember t...

2012-03-23T07:34:02.217-07:00

I think one thing photographers need to remember though Phil, and I didn't mention this in the blog post, is that when you under-charge intentionally you are hurting the industry for those photographers out there trying to make a living at this. If you're just working for gear money, that might fit well for you, but it can devalue the art in your community.

I don't generally worry about it because for me, budget shoppers aren't my customer. I'd rather do an excellent job and offer the highest quality product to people that are willing to pay for it. But it is important to go into things with your eyes wide open as to the impact you are having on your own craft by undervaluing it.

Appreciate you visiting the blog Phillip!

Well written Neil. While there are times I underch...

2012-03-23T06:57:27.122-07:00

Well written Neil. While there are times I undercharge it is only due to specific referrals and other reasons that I won't go into here. Needless to say a wedding is a lot of work and I intend to come out of one with left over cash to use elsewhere but usually for new equipment or repairs.

Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it. I think...

2012-03-22T15:46:04.590-07:00

Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it. I think this post probably in parts hits home with most of us when we start out in this photography journey. Some will be angered by it, and I think they are missing the opportunity to see themselves in it. Some will read it and see (hopefully) how they can avoid being Bill. No matter your level in photography, I really believe we need to understand our own worth and not sell ourselves short.

You dont know how close to home some of this hits....

2012-03-22T15:22:57.367-07:00

You dont know how close to home some of this hits. (or maybe you do!) VERY poignant piece, and very well done. I applaude you.

Thanks D.R Harley, I appreciate it! I'll have...

2012-03-21T22:23:52.286-07:00

Thanks D.R Harley, I appreciate it! I'll have to look up Lynn Goldsmith.

Hi Neil. Love your work, especially "Death by...

2012-03-21T21:56:26.977-07:00

Hi Neil. Love your work, especially "Death by Balloon."
Great contrast and colours ( and a touch morbid! lol)
As Mike said, you are very talented.I too like Helmut, Annie, and another is Lynn Goldsmith.
Best of luck to you!
D.R.Harley

I know right!?!?!!!!!

2012-03-21T21:23:55.617-07:00

I know right!?!?!!!!!

OMG you guys really got your nerd on today!

2012-03-21T21:03:45.060-07:00

OMG you guys really got your nerd on today!

Nerds! I'm jealous!

2012-03-21T20:28:51.186-07:00

Nerds! I'm jealous!