a bit of everything

me. my likes. my interests. my loves. my life.

when shooting a wedding reception

i learned a few things. on the fly and looking back. [i’m a hobbyist, with only about 15000 shots in the past 4 years]

first off. be prepared. with the gear obviously: batteries, memory cards, appropriate lenses, etc. and know HOW to use all of it properly. with the location: indoors, outdoors, natural light available etc. with the itenerary: the flow and order of how the event will turn out so you know where to be situated, where to look/shoot, and so you are never playing catch up behind all of the camera-phone photographers.

second. roll with a second body. i rented an identical 5dm2, along with a 35L, 24-70L, and a 70-200L, totaling about $300 including return shipping for 4 days (got it thursday, mailing back monday).  borrowlenses.com and cameralensrentals.com are amazing. i got the 2nd body in case mine failed. if you’re being paid or doing it for a favor for a friend, don’t risk ruining their special day. i found on the job that 2 lenses with 2 different focal lengths REALLY pays off. no need to lose a precious moment when fumbling/switching lenses.

third. get a second shooter if you can. not having a second shooter sucked big time by only having one perspective. but simply asking my friend (groom’s brother) and giving him a quick and dirty lesson, i had a different eye than me. the family felt more comfortable asking him for shots while i stepped in and took some on my own (again the language barrier)

forth. be flexible. for me, i had a language barrier and couldn’t communicate with 98% of them. my best friend (the groom’s brother) helped escort me and translate for me (i’m cantonese but don’t speak a lick of it) but in that case, smile, and use body language as a tool to help bridge that barrier. 

lastly. have fun. make jokes with the family and friends. get involved with them. you’ll see more emotion and be able to capture it fully. they’ll loosen up and be more willing to take direction and not be camera-shy. 

stuff that made my life a million times easier.

- the best gear for the situation. less time spent editing or doing re-takes to replace a blurry photo. 

- a fast computer. makes processing, copying and moving files faster, thus cutting down on your post-processing time.

- identical camera bodies. my opinion since that’s what i did and didn’t have to look at where the controls were. however, 2 bodies that compliment each other (a crop and full-frame) can do wonders to change up the focal length of 2-3 lenses, allowing you to be more flexible.

- a prime lens. i used the 35 f/1.4 L lens, and that was by FAR my most used and loved lens. in low light - amazing. bokeh - creamy. color - natural and outstanding. i have decided that i will most likely only go with primes from here on out. i’ll gladly give up the convenience of a zoom for the image quality and low light capability. 

- a proper strap. black rapid. cinch. or c-loop. not only does this cut down on the fatigue, but it allows you to navigate tight spaces (between tables/chairs for me), be quick to pull up after shooting with my other camera ( while holding it in my left hand), be consistently at my hip ready to draw. amazing and worth every penny.

i now know why wedding photography is so incredibly tough, demanding and expensive. much respect for those who do it. it was easy for me since i’m friends with the groom and his immediate family.   harder since i don’t want to disappoint and ruin a friendship. but to be able to deliver so many memories is well worth it.

little flap jack always wanting his pic taken

little flap jack always wanting his pic taken

since my gorgeous gf e wasn’t there for me to take my first pic with my new dSLR, i had to come up with this. bokehlicious.

since my gorgeous gf e wasn’t there for me to take my first pic with my new dSLR, i had to come up with this. bokehlicious.

while waiting for e: iced coffee, my 5dm2 + rented 35L, and a fantastic book. a bit dry, but makes you think about the world around you

while waiting for e: iced coffee, my 5dm2 + rented 35L, and a fantastic book. a bit dry, but makes you think about the world around you

(Source: farm8.staticflickr.com)

itspaulo:

untitled by sb83 on Flickr.

rented it for a buddy’s wedding reception for 4 days. now it’s a must-have.

itspaulo:

untitled by sb83 on Flickr.

rented it for a buddy’s wedding reception for 4 days. now it’s a must-have.

sassylazzy:

everyone take a moment and look at how jeremy renner is standing.
okay bye.

what a day job to have with a crew like that.

sassylazzy:

everyone take a moment and look at how jeremy renner is standing.

okay bye.

what a day job to have with a crew like that.

(via terribletriplefeatures)

that911:

Underside of a 997 RS at the shop. (Taken with instagram)

that flat-6 is the perfect junk in the trunk between those hips on those meaty shoes.

that911:

Underside of a 997 RS at the shop. (Taken with instagram)

that flat-6 is the perfect junk in the trunk between those hips on those meaty shoes.

proper sleeve girth. that crisp texture. those buttons. 

proper sleeve girth. that crisp texture. those buttons. 

(via thetieguy)

Instagram junkies are going to crap an Empire State building when they see this:

The Instagram Socialmatic Camera

Yes, that just happened. The team at ADR Studio have sold their souls to the devil and conjured up one of the best inventions of the year — possibly the decade. The Instagram Socialmatic Camera brings the Instagram icon to live, allowing the glorious app to actually function as the instant film camera that has spurred its very existence.

Here are some of the features:

• 16 GB mass storage.
• Wifi and Bluetooth.
• 4:3 touchscreen.
• 2 main lens, first for main capture, second for 3D filters, webcam applications and QR Code capturing.
• Optical zoom.
• LED Flash.
• Internal printer to make your Instagram photos real.
• Paper cartridge with Instagram Paper Sheets.
• Dedicated 4 colors ink tanks.
• InstaOs 1.0, which put together Facebook and Instagram App feature.

The Instagram Paper Sheets has a retro side with a glue strip, so you can use your photos to vandalize anything your heart desires.

Pics just got real.


(via Quiet Lunch)

mind is blown.

(Source: sophiniesom, via terribletriplefeatures)

guilty. all the while i’m picturing how the robbery would go down

guilty. all the while i’m picturing how the robbery would go down

(Source: memewhore, via legit-humor)