Nx1 Wedding photography setup

viking79 wrote:

You really need a telephoto, as you don't always have luxury being in someone's face. I shoot with NX1, 2 S lenses and a yongnuo flash setup. I used 16-50 and 85mm too, but the flexibility in range of the 50-150 is preferable to me most of the time, the 85mm is a bit too telephoto at times, but you can easily crop it on NX1 to 150mm equivalent.

I would shoot as a second photographer for a bit until you feel comfortable getting the shots you need, and it will help you determine equipment deficiencies.

If you do the latter you can always jump in at the price tier you want to charge, if junping in yourself initially it might be more difficult to raise you price later as all your referrals will probably be for people looking in the same price range.

Eric

That is so true, if people consider you as a budget photographer, that's it, it will be very difficult to raise your payment later on, and do not thing that "I 'll be better, and then I will ask for more money", they do not know anything about photography anyway, 89% of the customers look a few pictures, and then ask for the price, and times, it is better to go with a 10 years old dSLR than an A7Rii, size DOES matter for those people!

Anyways, I do not do this kind of photography/videography, because I detest it (I do not have much respect about the ceremonies and rituals), but I have a lot of friends living of that, and I have helped a few (for free) some times, easy money, but you have to have the experience, because you do not want a displeased bride on your ear, plus, the photo quality is only just 50-60% of the job.

As of the technical part, just the 2 S lenses are perfect, maybe a second body, so not to change lenses - there is not really that much time, and you can not stage things, plus with a macro extension tube, you can have some macro shots for extremely cheap (I do not see the point of getting the 60 macro for a couple of shots). The Metz AF-44_2 is sufficient for the money, and the job.

Milondon15 wrote:

I'm trying to get into wedding photography and wanted to see if my current setup is sufficient for it. Currently I have Nx1, 16-50s, 45mm, Yn560iii and wireless tigger.

do I need more? I know the 50-150 would useful but I'm hoping to get that abit later. Also, I'm thinking the 85mm might be handy to have.

Is there any other must have lens or equipment?

Have you given any thought to becoming a trainer of lions and tigers

The wedding business is very different from what it was even 4 or 5 years ago. The reason: The Smarphone.

Why: Everyone thinks they are a photographer and many will try to get their shot without regard to anyone else, even a paid wedding photographer.

Being prepared for this will help you at many points during the day's shoot. Problems arise upon arrival to the church, walking down the aisle, during the procession out of the church, entry into the reception hall, etc., etc., etc.

I rely on my monopod and cable release to get my camera over heads when I must.

I also use my tripod which in a sense marks my territory to ward off the smartphone shooters.

The best way to learn how to successfully get the images you are getting paid for is to hook up with a top notch photographer as a second photographer , and even better at first as an assistant so you can get the overall view and flow of a few weddings before becoming a second photographer.

The payoff to you is that, with this experience, you will naturally radiate a self-confidence when you are the Main Shooter and you will attract many referrals just by being yourself. When engaged couples attending a wedding see you perform with confidence they will want to contact you.

To offer yourself as a second photographer you will need a complete back-up system which would include a flash bracket (mandatory), a tripod, monopod, remote shutter trigger, wireless controlled flash and portable light stand, a 10 and 16 extension tubes for ring ( macro shots), batteries, SD cards, and a bag with wheels. Carrying your gear on your shoulder is NOT a professional appearance. Appearance matters 100% of the time.

There are many good books on wedding photography, hard copy and online. Google Steve Sint and get his book.

You have alot of learning ahead of you and remember this: You just have to learn it once.

Hope you find this a bit helpful.

Thank you raw jaw for your detailed reply

Thank you.

Thank you.

As always thanks otto, really appreciate it

viking79 wrote:

You really need a telephoto, as you don't always have luxury being in someone's face. I shoot with NX1, 2 S lenses and a yongnuo flash setup. I used 16-50 and 85mm too, but the flexibility in range of the 50-150 is preferable to me most of the time, the 85mm is a bit too telephoto at times, but you can easily crop it on NX1 to 150mm equivalent.

I would shoot as a second photographer for a bit until you feel comfortable getting the shots you need, and it will help you determine equipment deficiencies.

If you do the latter you can always jump in at the price tier you want to charge, if junping in yourself initially it might be more difficult to raise you price later as all your referrals will probably be for people looking in the same price range.

Eric

Thanks Eric. Followed your advice and bought myself a new 50-150 lens to add to my setup. Only missing the 85mm and I would the same exact setup as you. Regarding being a second photographer.  I contacted a number of wedding photographers but without any luck. I was hoping my big following on Instagram would help convince a photographer to give a me chance.

Anyhow, I decided to dive in the deep end and have booked two weddings in August. So any advice / help will greatly appreciated. I got a main question what's your focus setting like for weddings? Do you use single/ continuous- single / zone area..etc

im trying to perfect all my setting and knowledge of the nx1.

Milondon15 wrote:

viking79 wrote:

You really need a telephoto, as you don't always have luxury being in someone's face. I shoot with NX1, 2 S lenses and a yongnuo flash setup. I used 16-50 and 85mm too, but the flexibility in range of the 50-150 is preferable to me most of the time, the 85mm is a bit too telephoto at times, but you can easily crop it on NX1 to 150mm equivalent.

I would shoot as a second photographer for a bit until you feel comfortable getting the shots you need, and it will help you determine equipment deficiencies.

If you do the latter you can always jump in at the price tier you want to charge, if junping in yourself initially it might be more difficult to raise you price later as all your referrals will probably be for people looking in the same price range.

Eric

Thanks Eric. Followed your advice and bought myself a new 50-150 lens to add to my setup. Only missing the 85mm and I would the same exact setup as you. Regarding being a second photographer. I contacted a number of wedding photographers but without any luck. I was hoping my big following on Instagram would help convince a photographer to give a me chance.

Anyhow, I decided to dive in the deep end and have booked two weddings in August. So any advice / help will greatly appreciated. I got a main question what's your focus setting like for weddings? Do you use single/ continuous- single / zone area..etc

im trying to perfect all my setting and knowledge of the nx1.

Well, you jumped into the frying pan.

Now more than before as I wrote above:

There are many good books on wedding photography, hard copy and online. Google Steve Sint and get his book.

Good sound sdvice re settings, etc.

Don't do a wedding without a bracket and flash cord.

Raw Jaw wrote:

Milondon15 wrote:

viking79 wrote:

You really need a telephoto, as you don't always have luxury being in someone's face. I shoot with NX1, 2 S lenses and a yongnuo flash setup. I used 16-50 and 85mm too, but the flexibility in range of the 50-150 is preferable to me most of the time, the 85mm is a bit too telephoto at times, but you can easily crop it on NX1 to 150mm equivalent.

I would shoot as a second photographer for a bit until you feel comfortable getting the shots you need, and it will help you determine equipment deficiencies.

If you do the latter you can always jump in at the price tier you want to charge, if junping in yourself initially it might be more difficult to raise you price later as all your referrals will probably be for people looking in the same price range.

Eric

Thanks Eric. Followed your advice and bought myself a new 50-150 lens to add to my setup. Only missing the 85mm and I would the same exact setup as you. Regarding being a second photographer. I contacted a number of wedding photographers but without any luck. I was hoping my big following on Instagram would help convince a photographer to give a me chance.

Anyhow, I decided to dive in the deep end and have booked two weddings in August. So any advice / help will greatly appreciated. I got a main question what's your focus setting like for weddings? Do you use single/ continuous- single / zone area..etc

im trying to perfect all my setting and knowledge of the nx1.

Well, you jumped into the frying pan.

Now more than before as I wrote above:

There are many good books on wedding photography, hard copy and online. Google Steve Sint and get his book.

Good sound sdvice re settings, etc.

Don't do a wedding without a bracket and flash cord.

I know I'm trying to prepare as much as I can. I have been watching a lot of wedding photography classes online.

boight my flash bracket yesterday. Thanks for the advice .

Also I assume your using a nx1.what's your focus setting like for weddings? Do you use single/ continuous- single / zone area..etc

I have tried. People seems to assume by offering a free service is due to the lack ability. I even suggested being a 2nd photographer. Getting through the door seems to the be the hardest thing.  Luckily I have done many outdoor  portrait and one event which so far has convinced my two clients of my ability.

Milondon15 wrote:

Also I assume your using a nx1.what's your focus setting like for weddings? Do you use single/ continuous- single / zone area..etc

Believe me, reading Steve Sint's wedding photography book is better than videos for building a fundamental background on specifics. Many videos assume you know certain things, Sint teaches it all to you.

For AF read my previous reply to you here:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57148096

Followed your previous advice and bought a flash bracket. I don't know if if should keep it wireless or buy a flash cable?

Milondon15 wrote:

Followed your previous advice and bought a flash bracket. I don't know if if should keep it wireless or buy a flash cable?

On a bracket cable is what I suggest. They go for $19 last time I bought. A back-up cable is always good.

With a cable you have a closed system in a one flash set up.

Puts you in complete control with no wireless worry.