Another upgrade...

I usually save my money up before spending it on something.  This time I had only accounted for about half before I made the purchase. I have a number of shoots lined up and would prefer to use the new lens instead of the old lens. So I just went for it!

I am upgrading my Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens to a Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS. The new lens is quite a bit bigger. One nice detail is that it shares the 77mm filter size with 2 other lenses that I own.

I thought about it for quite a while, and decided that I do enough low light shooting  that the image stabilization would be an asset. Other features I like are the extra reach and the improved sharpness.

Tonight I will be shooting a theater production, and will put the lens through its paces. I can't wait!

It’s coming!

My wonderful Tokina 12-24mm f/4 wide angle lens has been giving me problems – the Error 01 on my Canon 50D and 40D  - a few times now. A little research indicated that this was not uncommon. Luckily I bought the lens (in 2006) with a 7 year Mack warranty from B&H !

 

I have initiated the warranty proceedings online, so we will see how that goes….

In the mean time I figured I could not be without a lens – right? I mean I have houses to shoot! This is a good an excuse for an upgrade as any…

It is on its way! After a bit of research I decided on another Tokina Lens – the much praised 11-16mm f/2.8. Faster, Wider, Sharper!

Same filter size – so I saved money there – me smart! I will sell the Tokina 12-24mm after it is fixed…can’t wait!

Family Foto Fun!

That title is for my wife who HATES it when people spell things wrong for a gimmick or a name!

This year I did another family and friends photo shoot, but it was better! Better because it was earlier (in time to use the photos for Christmas, and better because I asked people to ‘pay what you want’ instead of free – so better for me! And better because I have another year experience, and everything was more comfortable and went more smoothly.

I think the results were great, and I had great feedback. Here is one photo from each family that came over.

What a good looking group!

A few years ago in my web roaming for photographic know-how, I frequently came across advice about confidence and talking with your subjects/clients. I am realizing the power of having confidence, and interacting with the people you shoot. I am by no means excellent at it yet, but it is coming. It makes a difference for the clients and for the photographer. Planning is also important. I feel I am weak at posing – I have learned to think more about what I want to do, and what the subjects want. I have learned to plan my poses – search the web for ideas, and talk to other photographers before a shoot. Even write the ideas down on recipe cards and shove them in your pocket – works wonders and reminds you of your ideas when you are nervous and forget.

New photographers will get the same advice over and over, and I am learning through experience that it is correct, even if it sounds odd sometimes. Know your equipment well and make sure it works. The last thing you need when you want to implement a pose or idea, is to try to figure out how to change a flash setting, or be fiddling with your cameras menu or buttons. Have quality equipment and/or backup equipment for when it fails (or acts up). Have spare batteries. The list goes on, but as I venture through my photographic journey I am realizing the value of information and advice that has been presented to me – there is just so much that it takes a while to sink in. What fun!

Cheers!