I'm in the early stages of setting up my own photography business (eeep!) and I'm looking at my kit wishlist and next purchases. I'm in serious need of upgrading/refreshing! I thought I'd ask my fellow 365ers for suggestions and ideas.
The plan is to offer family, newborn and pet portraits as well as work on wildlife photography (my true passion). Currently I own a Canon 7D, 50mm, 18-135mm, lensbaby spark and a 100-400mm.
What would you recommend for these kinds of photography? Suggestions on studio lighting equipment and ideas for UK based suppliers of this equipment and props would be very much appreciated!
My hubby got me a set of studio lights for christmas I'll ask him when he gets home from work where he got it from and I'll dig out the box with the name. I originally started off with continous lighting but found it a little restricting in the winter months and now have a nice little flash set up thingie... can you tell I'm not good with remember things. lol I'm only just starting out myself though so I'm sure more people will have better advice. Brendan @agima is always very helpful.
It's very easy to spend huge amounts of cash on studio kit, particularly if you go for big name brands like Bowens or Elinchrom. For the last few years I've been using Interfit equipment ( http://www.interfitphotographic.com/) It is well priced and works just as well as the big name brands that I've used in the past
I can only suggest that if you are going to the trouble of even the semblance of a studio, I presume some at least semi pro lighting and backdrop, that you would want to invest in an off-board speed light, 100% compatible with the Canon system. I would trust, but don't know for sure, if the on-board flash of the 7D can act in Commander mode for remote control. If it can't then I think you would want either another strobe or a "commander only" adjunct that I would assume Canon must sell?
Perhaps a longer prime for portraits? I don't know the Canon portfolio at all, but something like a Sigma 105 f/2.8 macro (image stabilized even) or the Tokina f/2.8 100mm macro (not IS but half the price of the Sigma and super sharp glass)? I find this medium telephoto length especially on an APS-C camera works wonderfully for me for portraits; you are not all on top of the subject as you are with even a 50 when you want to get in close on the face. Your 18-135 will reach that for you on it long end of course, as would the big zoom on its short end, but almost assuredly both with some loss in sharpness. Which I would say is essential if you are to be in the business...
This is the kit I got http://www.wexphotographic.com/?/saves/reviews/interfitex150a.html I can't seem to find where we bought ours from but I know we've used this company before and they were good. And the lights themselves are very good, took a little while to get used to them but I've used them a few times now and really like them. As for lenses I pretty much mainly use my nifty fifty but I'm looking into a new lens too so will be interested in what others have to say.
You dont sound like you have a clear direction? There are many different area and they all require different gear and skills.
You said you interest is in wildlife.. If that is the case you wont need lights or any of that stuff as wildlife are somewhat not on the level with strobes... ha ha ha
You already have a 100-400 I would suggest getting a doubler of 1.4x
This will get you closer to the action.
From my experience Newborns can be a right pain in the bum also pets.
If you have facebook friend me there as I dont often pop on here. My contact detdetails can be found off my main site at www.BrendanMaunder.com and if you cant tell from my site I am an event and portrait photographer out of Canberra Australia. :)
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I can only suggest that if you are going to the trouble of even the semblance of a studio, I presume some at least semi pro lighting and backdrop, that you would want to invest in an off-board speed light, 100% compatible with the Canon system. I would trust, but don't know for sure, if the on-board flash of the 7D can act in Commander mode for remote control. If it can't then I think you would want either another strobe or a "commander only" adjunct that I would assume Canon must sell?
Perhaps a longer prime for portraits? I don't know the Canon portfolio at all, but something like a Sigma 105 f/2.8 macro (image stabilized even) or the Tokina f/2.8 100mm macro (not IS but half the price of the Sigma and super sharp glass)? I find this medium telephoto length especially on an APS-C camera works wonderfully for me for portraits; you are not all on top of the subject as you are with even a 50 when you want to get in close on the face. Your 18-135 will reach that for you on it long end of course, as would the big zoom on its short end, but almost assuredly both with some loss in sharpness. Which I would say is essential if you are to be in the business...
You said you interest is in wildlife.. If that is the case you wont need lights or any of that stuff as wildlife are somewhat not on the level with strobes... ha ha ha
You already have a 100-400 I would suggest getting a doubler of 1.4x
This will get you closer to the action.
From my experience Newborns can be a right pain in the bum also pets.
If you have facebook friend me there as I dont often pop on here. My contact detdetails can be found off my main site at www.BrendanMaunder.com and if you cant tell from my site I am an event and portrait photographer out of Canberra Australia. :)