cw_mx5

exiftool

This tool let's you read/write EXIF data.
The software is looking for make and model and focal length of the lens, and other data.
There are a couple libraries out there that have average versions of many lenses.

Photoshop has a tool for calc of distortion models and a community and they share.

​​​​​​Free softwares will sometimes be able to import these distortion models.
​​​​​​
Correct EXIF is needed, so inject it where appropriate.

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

some good shots in there.

I did an engagement session over the weekend:


DSC_7572 by Braineack, on Flickr


DSC_7487 by Braineack, on Flickr


DSC_7438 by Braineack, on Flickr


DSC_7303 by Braineack, on Flickr


DSC_7276 by Braineack, on Flickr


DSC_7208 by Braineack, on Flickr


DSC_7158 by Braineack, on Flickr


DSC_7143 by Braineack, on Flickr


DSC_7115 by Braineack, on Flickr

2slow

Nice set

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

Stalker. Leave that poor couple alone.

Mazdaspeeder

https://flic.kr/p/23Wkrcy

Decided to try the Monochrome setting in the camera. It definitely adds some character to some shots. Here is another with a Sepia tone filter added in post

https://flic.kr/p/23Z87Fk

slug_dub

A timely post of sorts on that engagement shoot Brain.

I've been signed up/reluctantly agreed with a colleague to photograph a friends wedding in a few months time. Naw its not that bad, it'll be a challenge but I will probably have fun with it. I'm only really worried about keeping up with proceedings on the day.

I'm probably not far wrong that a flash will be required for this, and I don't have any experience yet with using one.
Been doing some internet research which is giving me some idea of what will be involved, but I'm going to need to practice and am thinking of getting some proper training and advice on what to use. I'll be renting rather than buying the gear when the time comes if I can.

I'll have my camera plus another 7D with a different lens to try and cover with minimal lens changing. I'll have time before the event to try and get close with the image settings between them.
At the minimum I guess an on-camera flash that can be rotated forward and back might do at a pinch, but I see nice things that can be done by having an off camera flash too.

So ah, any flash photography/wedding expertise round these parts?

cw_mx5

Off camera flash is the way to go. Use your surroundings as the bounce, ceiling, walls etc.

Make good eye contact with your subjects and don't hesitate to boss people around to get a better shot.

Wedding photography is more a matter of wrangling the attendees than shooting total glamour shots.

Make a plan and stick to it!

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

you need to go and buy at least (3) speedlights STAT.


the last wedding I shot, the reception was VERY dark:



DSC_0556 by Braineack, on Flickr

this was 1/160sec, ISO 3200, f/2.0. They dimmed the lights as the event went on and working without a flash was simply not an option.

you need more than (1) flash so you can light the room. There was NO DJ lights or anything in that room, and they turned off the lights directly above the dance floor. I positioned (2) bare flashes pointing in on the dance floor and had one on the camera body bouncing off the ceiling or wall behind me.

you can see how dark it was here:



DSC_2056 by Braineack, on Flickr

ƒ/5.6, 24.0 mm, 1/125, 3200

that was (3) flashes total. look how dark the BG is.

the bounce flash would light the subjects in nice even light, where the bare flashes off camera provide light to the environment and add some interest and rim lighting. I wish I had at least one more off-camera light if I had to do it again.

just a bounce flash would not have done the job.


During some of the dancing, I purposefully shot with just a single on-camera flash pointed directly at the subjects and dragged the shutter 1/4sec:


DSC_1788 by Braineack, on Flickr




vs the (3) light setup:


DSC_2046 by Braineack, on Flickr

ƒ/5.6, 24.0 mm, 1/125, iso3200




shooting a wedding is a LOT of work and you need to know how to handle a multitude of different photography challenges.



I was lucky here, because they had amazing DJ lighting that actually allowed for no flash:


DSC_6286 by Braineack, on Flickr

mreakus

Wow, man. You've got some serious skills!

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

I've always liked this video for some lighting tips -- lots of options:



same with this:

Guardiola

iTrader: (1)

This seemed like the most appropriate place to post without starting a new thread.

My daughter dropped our camera at the zoo, and it is not worth the money to repair.
Guy at the local camera store recommended the Nikon D3400, two lens kit, $600.
Initial research shows this is a decent camera for a fair price. Just looking for more input.

Do you have any other recommendations?

Mazdaspeeder

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

the new 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E AF-P VR lens is actually quite good; especially for the price. But that's a different lens.

Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 AF-P VR | DSLRBodies | Thom Hogan



The Nikon D3400 is great entry level DSLR. But I wouldn't spend $600 on that kit. You can get the same kit for under $500 if you go used: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=d3400&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+ Nav-Search=&usedSearch=1

Mazdaspeeder

Guardiola

iTrader: (1)

It looks like the second lens (70-300mm) is only marked down in the review because it lacks the VR feature. It is a $350 lens and I am paying $100 more to get it, along with a case and a few other things. Seems like it is worth getting the extra lens, even if it isn't the greatest. Most likely the 18-55mm will be used 95% of the time. I am kind of surprised Canon doesn't have a comparable camera in this price range.

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

you can get that lens used--all day long--for ~$140 in like new condition, fwiw.


Canon is overpriced and not as good. objectively.



DSC_7970 by Braineack, on Flickr


DSC_8146 by Braineack, on Flickr


DSC_8142 by Braineack, on Flickr


DSC_8088-Edit-2 by Braineack, on Flickr


DSC_8051 by Braineack, on Flickr


DSC_8302 by Braineack, on Flickr

2slow

You really dont want a kit. Buy a body and then a few decent lenses. Glass is not like new Cadillac - it rarely depreciates much if you get the good stuff. I also wouldn't hesitate to get 3-d party brand prime lenses like Sigma, Tokina, Tamron. There is plenty of quality glass out there, no need to settle for kit ones.

Nifty 50 is always a good thing to have and learn with. I've settled on 24-105mm f4 as my walk around daily after going through:
400mm f4.5
300mm f4
80-200mm f2.8
70-200mm f4
24-70mm ZA f2.8
17-35mm f4
28-75mm f2.8
50mm f1.4
35mm f2
28mm f2
16mm f2.8 fisheye

and some others...

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

I'd gladly replace my Tamron 24-70 and 70-200 with Nikon counterparts. I used to be all about the sharpness, now I'm all about the render.

Mazdaspeeder

According to Fro on YT, the Tamron G2 70-200 and Nikon VR latest are almost indistinguishable in quality and performance. Older Tamron lenses may not be the same. I remember you weren't happy with the bokeh on yours

Guardiola

iTrader: (1)

I ended up getting a refurbished D5600 with the 18-55 AF-P VR & 70-300 AF-P VR lenses for under $750 delivered. I considered the nifty 50, but the 18-55 was essentially free with the body, and I can always pick one up later.
I went back and forth on getting the D3400 or D5600 and finally decided the D5600 was worth the extra $100.
Looking at the Domke F-5XB to hold all this stuff. I have Domke bags for my film equipment and have been very happy with it.