What's new

Camera recommendation for startup studio

Status
Not open for further replies.
As usual, you jokers are beating on some guy because he doesn't know his DSLR models, and extrapolating from that to "he must not know anything about photography or business" based on, well, nothing much. Well done, TPF. Don't ever change!

Dude--are you not reading the posts????? "He" is a "she"...the "guy" you say the mob is beating up on is actually a "gal". Let's get things right, mmmkay???
 
Definitely, and 3K is a pretty small budget, especially without any equipment.
 
And that is why I signed up to this forum.

I know you may be a seasoned photographer but that is no reason to ridicule someone who is not. I'm a film student but I'm into photography. I've taken a photography class. But because I'm a film student that doesn't mean I'm ignorant to photography. Sorry my photography class didn't cover cameras and it's specific details and features.

I came here for advice on a camera which, obviously, you think the t3i is not a good fit. But I'll await opinions from others.


your being ridiculed because your wanting to start a business with a huge lack in knowledge. Would be like me going into film school and saying im going to start a movie company is this $300 camcorder good?

Well it's rude and people should be able to answer questions without ridiculing others who are less experienced. Don't think that's the premise of this forum. Is it a good camera or not and why is what I wanted to know. Wasn't expecting anyone to indirectly tell me I'm too stupid to start a photography business.

Wah. Lol...
 
I don't think it's a ruse. I saw this question over at indietalk (an independent filmmaking forum) and referred her over here. You guys are rough - but there have been some nuggets of excellent advice - I hope that, on balance, it was helpful.

Best of the New Year to all,

Bill

there are a lot of photographers here that do studio work. and a few that have their own studios. and a good many that do other pro work like weddings and other freelance stuff. I was pretty serious, and sincere, with my post. especially about having adequate lighting AND backups of your equipment. it is difficult to market yourself, and build a good reputation for doing quality work. it is EASY to half-a$$ it, put out sub-par work, and never be taken seriously. ONE client that has a bad experience can do more damage to your reputation as a business than TEN clients that had good experiences can help it.
 
Why do you think the t3i can do the job? What 'features' are you talking about - its pretty run of the mill, IMO.

it doesn't even have a PC sync, which isn't a huge problem - but it is a drawback.

Can it not do the job? Would you not use it in a studio is what I'm really getting at I guess. I don't want my customers coming in saying I don't have a good camera. Not really worried about PC sync (I have a macbook pro). I can just take out the memory card and transfer the pics that way. I figured the canon would look a lot more professional than the olympus I have


Im with the rest of every one else. How are you going to start up a studio if you don't know what camera is good. T3i is an entry level camera, you'll need lenses, flashes, strobes, light stands, modifiers, triggers, insurance, rent, business license, etc... think about it logically.

PLUS you need the skill. you can't just buy your way into owning a studio
 
I think everyone needs to chill out a little here. After all it's not about the gear but how many Facebook and Instagram likes you have. That makes a true PRO.

Just saying...
 
This is a situation where you would need a backup body as well.

I am surprised that nobody has recommended a 1ds Mark II.

Body Recommendations:

1ds Mark II--$1200
(2x) 5d Mark I--$600 each
5d Mark II--$1300

I would choose 2x 5d Classics.

Lens Recommendations:

85mm f/1.8--$350
70-200 f2.8 non-is--$900
35mm f2--$280
50mm f1.4--$300

I would choose the 35, 85, and 70-200.

Lighting Recommendations:

Paul C Buff

(3x) Alienbee B800--$280 Each
(Estimate) $500 in Modifiers and Softboxes
(Estimate) $300 in Paul C Buff Radio Triggers

Extras:

White Seamless--$100
Amazon.com: Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod with GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head: Camera & Photo--$230



But really, don't jump into photography. Listen to the advice here; you are not ready, it is the truth.

Best advice so far has been this post...I as well vote for TWO, used Canon 5d "classic" bodies, and a handful of lenses. Plus some lights and modifiers.
 
As usual, you jokers are beating on some guy because he doesn't know his DSLR models, and extrapolating from that to "he must not know anything about photography or business" based on, well, nothing much. Well done, TPF. Don't ever change!

C'mon. man. I know you love being all counter-culture and elitist on here but sometimes a spade is a spade. Otherwise you come off looking like an Internet White Knight.

$Whiteknight.webp
 
As usual, you jokers are beating on some guy because he doesn't know his DSLR models, and extrapolating from that to "he must not know anything about photography or business" based on, well, nothing much. Well done, TPF. Don't ever change!

C'mon. man. I know you love being all counter-culture and elitist on here but sometimes a spade is a spade. Otherwise you come off looking like an Internet White Knight.

View attachment 30071


 
Last edited by a moderator:
well, lets talk about business for a minute. since you are asking about equipment I will assume that you are already set up to get your business license, fictitious name registered, liability and equipment insurance, and tax ID.
once you decide on a camera, you need to get TWO of them. you cant realistically set up a business with ONE camera, ONE lens, and PRAY that nothing goes wrong. you will also need studio lighting. we do mostly weddings, and not a lot of studio work. when we DO use a studio, we rent space from a local photo shop and bring our own equipment. you will need several flashes, stands, and diffusers/umbrellas. backdrops in multiple colors, props, stools or chairs. several different types of lenses in different focal lengths. you could go with several fixed focal lenses, or a zoom or two...preferably both. a GOOD tripod and head. radio triggers if you need them. backups of your lenses. an extra extra flash or two as a backup and/or additional lighting. the list for studio equipment is as long as a wedding photographer. not only do you have to be prepared equipment/knowledge wise to shoot 1 person, or 2 people, or any number of people, but you also have to be prepared for any piece of your equipment to quit working at any given time. AND be able to grab your backup and get back to work within minutes. hopefully this is all stuff you are prepared for BEFORE you start taking clients.

The business part of it...I'm working on it. I'm aware of all I need to do to keep the business police off my back. Everybody doesn't think so but I'm taking this a step at a time. I'm not going to buy a camera and say hey I'm open. I'm starting this biz on a very low budget (don't care what anybody says about that so keep it to yourself); therefore I won't have EVERYTHING on opening day. It's my own money, no banks, no investors, no loans from family/friends. I'm only going to do portrait photography. Some of the things you mention will be gotten along the away
 
I think 97 posts about what camera to buy is a little ridiculous, LOL some even forgot her gender. :)
 
To answer TheStar: yes, you can use a T3i. Is it optimal? No. But yes, you can use one.
 
this really has nothing to do with anything....

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I'm not going to buy a camera and say hey I'm open. I'm starting this biz on a very low budget (don't care what anybody says about that so keep it to yourself); therefore I won't have EVERYTHING on opening day.

So, you are buying a camera and saying "hey I'm open"? Assuming a camera is one of the things you will have on opening day.
 
well, lets talk about business for a minute. since you are asking about equipment I will assume that you are already set up to get your business license, fictitious name registered, liability and equipment insurance, and tax ID.
once you decide on a camera, you need to get TWO of them. you cant realistically set up a business with ONE camera, ONE lens, and PRAY that nothing goes wrong. you will also need studio lighting. we do mostly weddings, and not a lot of studio work. when we DO use a studio, we rent space from a local photo shop and bring our own equipment. you will need several flashes, stands, and diffusers/umbrellas. backdrops in multiple colors, props, stools or chairs. several different types of lenses in different focal lengths. you could go with several fixed focal lenses, or a zoom or two...preferably both. a GOOD tripod and head. radio triggers if you need them. backups of your lenses. an extra extra flash or two as a backup and/or additional lighting. the list for studio equipment is as long as a wedding photographer. not only do you have to be prepared equipment/knowledge wise to shoot 1 person, or 2 people, or any number of people, but you also have to be prepared for any piece of your equipment to quit working at any given time. AND be able to grab your backup and get back to work within minutes. hopefully this is all stuff you are prepared for BEFORE you start taking clients.

The business part of it...I'm working on it. I'm aware of all I need to do to keep the business police off my back. Everybody doesn't think so but I'm taking this a step at a time. I'm not going to buy a camera and say hey I'm open. I'm starting this biz on a very low budget (don't care what anybody says about that so keep it to yourself); therefore I won't have EVERYTHING on opening day. It's my own money, no banks, no investors, no loans from family/friends. I'm only going to do portrait photography. Some of the things you mention will be gotten along the away

i suppose this begs the question then...what do YOU think the minimum amount of equipment is that you will need on opening day?
because everything I listed is pretty much what I would consider the bare minimum for a studio.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Most reactions

New Topics

Back
Top Bottom