Another "is this right" thread

Goshdern · Mar 27, 2011

Hello,

First post here; and yes I am aware this has been asked a billion and 1 times already. But all I am looking for is a little guidance to keep me on the road (not a driver to get me there). I like research, I just want a little nod that I am on the right path I guess.

Little background, wife is a kickass photographer (has ZERO idea "technically" what she is doing but takes amazing shots again and again)... been taking pics for years with 35mm (did school photos and weddings etc) and I got her into digital with a 40D. Now she is using a 7D (which forced us both learn alot more about these cameras) and we are selling a piece of land to open a photo studio.

This is what my gut says;

Canon 5d Mk ii kit with 24-105L (but put that lens on the 7D). Get a 70-200 2.8L IS II for the 5d and a canon 15mm fisheye for something different now and then.

What I am "trying" to accomplish (I am NOT a photographer, I am a gadget/computer/nerd/geek/yes I play D&D) is a 2 lens setup that keeps changing lenses from happening very often. Having said this I do plan on getting the above mentioned 15mm prime and most likely a 50mm 1.4 (I just can't see spending the money on the 1.2L).

My wife loves the zoom range on her 28-135 kit lens so I figure the 24-105L is probly the best "all around" lens for her and I can always put the 70-200L on it if need be. She also loves COLOR and hates the digital noise we get alot with the 7d/28-135mm kit lens combo (I don't know which is causing it; we shoot raw and I develop in LR3). This is why I am convinced the 5dmkii is best for studio work (getting an 11k watt studio lighting kit with (2) 40" softboxes and (2) 32"ers; plus hair light on a boom to get great light coverage).

really going all out for her setup (need to keep it under $15k) if possible.

Having said that what are your thoughts? are there any glaring errors in my setup?

7d w/ 24-105L
5d w/ 70-200L
50mm 1.4
15mm fisheye

Once again I know just enough from my last several weeks of google'ing (I become overly focused sometimes hehe) to be dangerous so please by all means let me know if I am missing anything that I should be checking out.

kundalini · Mar 27, 2011

Dang, I wish you shot Nikon, then I might be of some help. But from what little I know of Canon's line-up, you're on the right track. The fish-eye is a bit fishy though. It's a specialty lens.

You haven't mentioned flash yet. That would be a bonanza to her shooting, IMO.

Goshdern · Mar 27, 2011

She likes wide angle effects so that is why I thought the 15mm would be fun for her (it IS a TON of fun for her to shoot still... I hope that stays).

She has a Sigma 530 DG Super... I got it to work offcamera fine with the 7D and love it (put a rogue flashbender on it).

Figure we will get a 580 EX II for the 5d and give a gary fong dome a drive around the block this time for a diffuser.

Should mention too she loves outdoor stuff alot and wants to offer indoor studio stuff as well; which explains why I am so worried about studio atm. The 7d has been wonderfull for outdoor photos but in tricky low light (usually indoors) seems to stuggle sometimes.

KmH · Mar 28, 2011

Goshdern said:
....(has ZERO idea "technically" what she is doing but takes amazing shots again and again).....

Imagine how much more awesome here photos could be if she understood technically how her tools and photography actually work.

She would also know exactly which tools would be best for her to use for making her art.

Goshdern · Mar 28, 2011

Yes, but she is Blissfully Ignorant and her eyes glass over every time I try to explain the science. That, she would say, is why she has me

Goshdern · Mar 29, 2011

wow I hope that the lack of response means that I have done my homework correctly and the 7d/5dmkii setup is smarter then another 7d?

And those lenses are a good for the 1.6 7d and ff cameras? I thought they would be, but like I said I don't shoot... and my wife trusts me to find the right answers.

The 15mm is a toy only. Anyone think another $600 lens would be smarter? I really am open to suggestion. I do like to know why you recommend something too.

She does only people and no action; weddings, events, families, seniors, etc. This is why I am thinking the 7d for outdoors (better AF in an environment that has alot of things at various distances) and the 5dmkii for studio work (higher IQ). Does that sound reasonable?

Fern · Mar 29, 2011

Post your question in the beginners forum - they get Loads of responses from very experienced folks.

reedshots · Mar 29, 2011

I do have one question –
Your 7D even with the 28-135 kit lens should not give you a high noise level under say ISO 1600 maybe 800 if you don’t have a lot of light – so not sure why you are getting so much noise unless “(has ZERO idea "technically" what she is doing but takes amazing shots again and again)...”

Sounds like you are going with a high $$ investment for someone who is at best able to point and shoot a camera. I just hope you know what you will be getting in to with this venture. If you could post some of these amazing photographs for us to see it could help us guild you in what gear maybe best suited for you and yours.

I am by no means saying she does not shoot amazing photographs, but if she does not know the first thing about how the camera works and what setting to use for any given environment then maybe they are not quit amazing.

orljustin · Mar 29, 2011

reedshots said:
I do have one question
Your 7D even with the 28-135 kit lens should not give you a high noise level under say ISO 1600 maybe 800 if you dont have a lot of light so not sure why you are getting so much noise unless (has ZERO idea "technically" what she is doing but takes amazing shots again and again)...

Sounds like you are going with a high $$ investment for someone who is at best able to point and shoot a camera. I just hope you know what you will be getting in to with this venture. If you could post some of these amazing photographs for us to see it could help us guild you in what gear maybe best suited for you and yours.

I am by no means saying she does not shoot amazing photographs, but if she does not know the first thing about how the camera works and what setting to use for any given environment then maybe they are not quit amazing.

Absolutely. A good photographer knows how to use their equipment and work any environment or setting best, based on their ability and what the equipment can do. And that takes knowledge of aperture/ISO/shutter, etc. A monkey can put the dial on green and aim it. Saying you are selling land to open a photo studio based on the details you've given sounds to me like you're going to end up losing thousands of dollars. And you use hot lights, which doesn't really scream "competent pro" to customers.

I'd take some of the cash and send her to community college photo school instead of trying to blaze ahead.

CCericola · Mar 29, 2011

I don't know if you have a business background or not so this could all be old news to you. 1. She should really know how to use her equipment and the technical stuff. It is the difference between ok photos and great photos. 2. You will need to register your business and take care of sales tax requirements. 3. You will need insurance. You can look into the PPA for some but you will also need business insurance. 4. Your lights and equipment have to comply with fire and safety regulations in your state and have to be inspected if you are setting up a brick and mortar studio. Renting studio space to begin with may b easier. But really, she does need to suck it up and learn photography. Her photos can only get better.