My 5 Tips for photographers...
Over the years i have learnt 5 things that i are important for us photographer to do before the day.
- Research the venue before the day - This means either visiting the venue or calling them. Do something to get in contact with the venue to make sure you don't need to show them your insurance documents where you can or can't shoot, things like that. They might be able to give you some insight on location that aren't too far from the venue. Researching the venue gives you the insight into what equipment you might need on the day and more importantly a backup plan if something didn't or wasn't working on the actual day.
- Arrive early - there is nothing more important than being punctual in my eyes, it gives you a chance to approach things calmly and professionally if you are on time. It also gives you time to get familiar with your surroundings and see the small details and possibly scout a location inside the venue that you may not of seen when you researched the venue, especially if you couldn't get to the venue previously.
- Backups, Backups, Backups - i can not stress how important it is to have back up batteries AA, AAA, camera batteries, back up flashes, backup camera(s), backup memory cards and back up lenses. I dont know how you can call your self a Pro without back ups. Things arent too expensive to rent or try and borrow something off of someone. Do what you can, it is your responsibility!! The last thing you want is to break or run out of something and you have nothing to replace it with and you cant continue to shoot.
- Water - always carry some water with you to drink, you could potentially go all day without eating and drinking because of how hectic things can get and if you are anything like me i'm always looking for the next picture or another way of taking the photo. Bring water or make sure you always make an effort to get a drink now and then. It will help you function better throughout the day, and it can be a long day 12-16 hours sometimes you don't want to break something or mess up settings because your dehydrated.
- Lastly, RELAX - It is so important for you to be relax or at least hide the fact that you are stressed out, because that energy will get transferred onto your couple or the guests at the party. so no matter what while you are infront of the couple act like nothing bothers you except doing the best job for them as you possibly can. It's a wedding after all how could you be stressed out if you love what you do.
I Learnt this things the hard way no one told me these and its all through experience, im not just saying it. It makes the day so much more enjoyable and fun, and it goes so much smoother.. if you do these or have your own ideas please leave a comment or message me.
What Gear I Think You Should Always Have On You...
5 things i find to be essential to a photographer.
Today someone asked me what gear do i have, and instead of telling them what i had, i started telling them the essentials, in my own experience. I found some thing to be essential to have in my bag. They are a 24-70, battery grip, speed light, memory card read and finally lens cleaning kit. I'm going to write this in no particular order, as i believe them all to be just as valuable to have on you at any given time during a shoot, so lets get into it.
A Memory card reader, preferably USB 3.0, you know when you want to transfer something but you can't find the lead. That is the reason you need to always have a memory card reader with you. I've had this happen a few times and that would of solved everything.
Battery Grip. This has changed the way i shoot and makes a world of difference whilst on a job. I have the Nikon grip as i had a number of third party ones which all failed on me one way or another. The main reason i like grips is because of the vertical shooting position i am in. It feels so much better when shooting in the portrait position and looks more professional too. You elbow isn't swinging around and hitting people and you are less likely to get knocked while trying to get the crucial shot at a wedding.
24-70...now i know this may seem stupid to some people but having a medium zoom lens in your bag would get you through most situations. It doesn't have to be Nikon or Canon glass either, any third party 24-70 will work as effectively despite the slower focusing and other things that come with third party lens. This is probably by far my most used lens, it was the last one that i purchased for some reason, i bought the 14-24 and 70-200 before this and honestly i don't know how i managed. It such a versatile and sharp lens, definitely my 'go-to' lens.
Len's Cleaning, sometimes you find yourself climbing into bushes or laying down or or a beach. Then if you shoot above F4 the you can see the dirt in your photos... yeah SOO annoying, i have at least one cloth in every bag of mine. You can just get any microfiber cloth and it'll do a great job.
LIGHT!...You have to have at least one speed light in your kit, no matter you shooting style it has many uses. From just filling in some shadows, and quickly and simply setting up a dramatic portrait. You can also use it to balance light which in my opinion makes separates the photographers from the picture takers. Again it doesn't have to be the manufacturers light you can pick up yungnuo very cheap. ( i have recently bought one)