When I was getting in to wedding photography – I knew a lot about photography. I had been practicing for years … really – just snapping pictures and playing in Photoshop. I had taken all of the classes on how to do this or that – but nothing really prepared me for having my own business. Thankfully, and I mean THANKFULLY, there were a few key people who really helped give me the tools I needed to get started and take things to the next level. One in particular (*wink, you know who you are), listened to a cry fest a few times, and pushed me farther than I knew I could push myself. Unfortunately, outside of this, there were not a lot of people who chatted openly, shared ideas, and helped make the industry a collaboration of sort. This has since changed … but 4 years ago, things were a little different.
I get questions all the time through emails or Facebook. The question I get asked the most is, “How did you start your business. I just bought a nice camera”. This is a loaded question. There’s not one thing I did or didn’t do, but there was a LOT of blood, sweat, and tears that went in to this business. Lots of education. Lots of research. Huge investments and lots of not fun stuff – which in turn has paid off and given me more than I ever expected it to. Because I often don’t get to answer all of these questions in detail, I thought it would be fun to answer a few.
Alicia asked, “What is your favorite setting on your camera and how are you able to shoot so quickly?”
I rarely use the automated settings on my camera – in fact, I can’t remember the last time I used one. I ALWAYS shoot in Manual mode. If you aren’t shooting in Manual mode – you should make yourself learn aperture, ISO, shutter speed and their components. The results of shooting in Manual are much more consistent than shooting in a semi-automatic mode where your camera chooses the settings for you! To answer the rest of this question, I know my camera inside and out! As a wedding photographer, I have to work in ever changing light situations and catch moments very quickly – or they are gone. So, I have learned my equipment and can adjust pretty quickly to just about any situation.
Tanya asked, “What is your favorite lens?”
I am currently a Canon shooter. I love shooting wide and have developed my style by shooting wide. My favorite lens is probably my 24-70 mm 2.8 L. It’s also very versatile – which is another thing I love about it. I also love the 50 mm 1.2 and the 35 mm 1.4.
Alicia asked, “What is the lens that you used in your video, the white one? I always see it in Sports Center stuff on ESPN.”
I love this one … mostly because I would love to shoot a big game for ESPN 
Pardon me for the dreaming moment. The lens you are referencing is the 70-200 mm 2.8 IS. I love it. Canon does offer some longer telephoto lenses that are also white. The 70-200 is a beautiful lens, but it’s very heavy. I mostly use it during a ceremony, or if I am outside and want to tell an intimate story without intruding.
Jennifer asked, “What camera bodies do you use? I have a Digital Rebel and like it so far.”
I use the Canon 5d series and like them. I also own an arsenal of Canon professional lenses. I think that a Digital Rebel is a great camera for learning the ropes. I had several of them through the years – really all the way up until just before I started my business. They are great for a serious hobbyist or amateur photographer.
Craig asked, “Do you use a reflector in your outdoor shots or have someone who helps you light the situation?”
I usually have my fab assistant with me for weddings (Thanks Nat), but I rarely use a reflector. While I sometimes use off camera lighting, I usually use available light. I have learned to use the sun to help me create a studio situation outside. I love using available light – and while I also know my flash inside and out, I prefer available light for my particular style.
Sara asked, “What type of computers do you use and what programs do you run?”
I use Mac computers. I love them. Really, it is getting out of control I am kidding, but they are fantastic and reliable. I run the Adobe Creative Suite and use it the most when editing my images.
Brad asked, “What type of point and shoot would you recommend?”
This is a good question. I have had several point and shoots in the past few years. I really don’t have a great suggestion for these. I often get asked questions about different point and shoots at weddings. Believe it or not, while I know my own gear inside and out – those little things are so different from camera to camera I know that the Canon G series is a great point and shot. I personally have a Canon Elph and like it {It’s very small and fits great in my purse}
That’s all for today – but I will try to do one of these posts once in a while to answer questions I am also thinking of offering private one on one sessions {that focus on what you want to learn for your business} soon – so stay tuned.
