Today someone sent me a message on facebook saying they heard I take beautiful pictures and was wondering if I would be interested in shooting her wedding. The only problem is that I only have a point and shoot! I really really want to upgrade to a dslr but we are trying to save money. Thinking about financing one anyways... I really want to do this but at the same time I am scared because ive never done anything like that before. Im not sure if im good enough. But my husbands friend who works for the local paper has also asked me if I would take pictures for them.... again the problem was equipment. I would LOVE to have my own photography business if I could. I just dont know if I should take the leap into spending that much money ::sigh::
If it will make you money, it is an investment. Look into used. I do all the time. Pennies on the dollar. I've done this before....see my rant from a few days ago. 1 older Pro DSLR, a 1997 Nikon 35-70 zoom, and a refurbished new 55-200 zoom: $475. http://365project.org/moncooga/365/2011-01-27
Perhaps you should look into hiring some equipment. The cost could be covered in the price you charge. It would be a good way to try out some cameras and see what you like.
My feeling is for you is "to go for it". cameta. com and amazon.com has some good deals. I have also seen some online auction ads, but have no idea how good these are. We have a good pawn shop (very clean & nice) that sells cameras. The shop has a person who is very knowledgeable about cameras and shows people how to work the equipment. I am not familiar with renting cameras, but I live in a small city. I like Jo's advice on charging a high enough price to cover your costs.
Yep, go for it. Obviously people think you do good enough work, not knowing you are using a point-and-shoot. Check into rentals or better yet, take the plunge. You may need to start learning how to use it asap, if those weddings are upcoming. That is exciting news and a big boost for you. If you are serious enough to consider it then why not at least give it a shot. You can probably make up all of your investment with the photos. Congratulations!
talk to friends about reputable camera stores that sell used equipment i got an amazing deal on my canon 30d -- most used cameras come with some type of warrenty as the shop's rep is on the line. challenge with whatever you buy is getting up to speed with learning how to use a dslr... so i also agree that renting a camera might also be the way to go.
Go for it. I got asked to do my first one, and i accepted. I'm doing it this April.. I'm extremely nervous about it, but they love my photos so obviously they think i'm going to do good.. which gives me the confidence i'm looking for. Good luck with it! Whens the wedding? We all wanna see the photos afterwards :)
Taking that first, initial step is the most expensive moment you'll have in your career. You could try renting at first, but that will cut into your profits from the wedding. Try Lens Rentals. Very good place, I use them all the time.
I've shot a few weddings as a backup photographer with friends. Bare minimum you'll need at least one DSLR, preferably two, a 12-24mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm zoom lenses, and an external flash for each camera. New, that's probably about $20,000 in equipment.
Doing your first official shoot will always be nerve wracking but I think you should go for it. I've done a few but not weddings. Like you I have my first one coming up. I have found researching wedding photos is a great help also you tube has some amazing tips and practicing portrait shots also helps. Take it one day at a time and remember for every photo that you take you will learn something....
As for the DSLR go for it like everyone has said its a great investment and better to do so now than too close to the wedding so you can get used to using it and be familiar with what you can achieve with it
Wow thank you everyone! I really appreciate all of the replies. I dont think I would want to rent one, since I have been wanting to upgrade anyways. But maybe doing lens rental is a good idea! I also think getting a used one is a good idea if I can find a good place locally. I would have never thought of that stuff myself! I am seriously going to look into all of this. Thank you again!!!
The wedding is not until October so I have plenty of time to prepare lol. Kayla good luck to you with yours!!
you could always go to a place like Best Buy and aplly for there store credit card with no interest for a year...Just a suggestion. That's why I did for my first camera.
What a neat opportunity. Weddings are so much fun. i think you would do a great job ! You could also check pawn shops. i got a great deal on mine that way. Good Luck !!
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I've shot a few weddings as a backup photographer with friends. Bare minimum you'll need at least one DSLR, preferably two, a 12-24mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm zoom lenses, and an external flash for each camera. New, that's probably about $20,000 in equipment.
As for the DSLR go for it like everyone has said its a great investment and better to do so now than too close to the wedding so you can get used to using it and be familiar with what you can achieve with it
The wedding is not until October so I have plenty of time to prepare lol. Kayla good luck to you with yours!!
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