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Author Topic: Essential Gear for a Pro Photographer?  (Read 14625 times)

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« Reply #25 on: September 30, 2010, 16:38 »
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^^^ Steady on Randy __ you just written a comprehensive post and I agree with almost every word! I shall write to 'Amazing Phenomena' magazine immediately.


PaulieWalnuts

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« Reply #26 on: September 30, 2010, 16:50 »
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If you're planning on doing stock I would suggest a large supply of your favorite lubricant.  ;)

The only thing on that list that I would have a hard time doing without is Lightroom.

The rest of it depends on what you're shooting. I would wait until you determine there's a need and then buy stuff.

« Reply #27 on: October 10, 2010, 13:06 »
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randy absolutely nailed it - agree with almost every single word!

vonkara

« Reply #28 on: October 10, 2010, 13:21 »
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I use 1 camera, 2 continious lights, 1 tripod, white background paper and photoshop. I only shoot objects, one photoshoot cost me around 12$ which I can normally get between 90$ to 500$ at the end of the year.

I must worked around 3 to 5 hours for that photoshoot.
« Last Edit: October 10, 2010, 13:25 by Vonkara »

« Reply #29 on: November 10, 2010, 07:55 »
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At least one eye and a dslr with some sort of a lens. Maybe even an iphone is enough if you know how to use it:
http://fstoppers.com/iphone/


Wow. I don't believe it.

helix7

« Reply #30 on: November 10, 2010, 08:34 »
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Is any gear really "essential"? I mean, for stock there are some minimum technical requirements that have to be met, and only some cameras have the capability to meet those requirements. But beyond that, I can't imagine there is anything you absolutely need to have.

grp_photo

« Reply #31 on: November 10, 2010, 11:35 »
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If you wanna be a real pro you need Gaffa Tape lots of it, I don't know a single pro which travels or work without it!

RacePhoto

« Reply #32 on: November 13, 2010, 02:32 »
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I realize this is a broad question, and it will depend in part on the type of photography you're specializing in. With that said, let's say you decide you want to make a full-time living as a pro photographer. What would be some of the first items you would purchase - your Top 10 pieces of essential gear that could be used in different shooting situations, including stock photography?

1) DSLR, two minimum

2) The best lenses on the market, not cheap knock off lenses or kit lenses.

3) Camera mounted flash ETTL - with diffuser

4) Monopod

5) Spare camera batteries, flash batteries, second charger 12V and extra memory cards

6) Camera bag(s), lens protectors, rain gear, comfy shoes, wide brimmed floppy hat to keep the Sun off your head and viewfinder ;)

7) Editing software - Elements is actually just fine for photo work, but if you are spending, Lightroom.

8) Fast computer with loads of memory and a high quality color balanced monitor. It makes no sense to shoot pictures and try to edit them on something that doesn't show what you really have.

9) Good solid tripod and remote shutter release

10) Retirement pension that pays all living wages so you don't need the pro-photo income, or optionally independently wealthy.


Things you won't need: (to start with)

Big Ass color photo printer (or any printer!)
fancy "studio"
Photoshop
Ball head for the monopod, or some carbon fiber device. A stick with threads on the top will work!
reflectors,
soft boxes,
umbrellas,
Lighting systems,
wireless remote strobes
white balance cards
all kinds of other devices and toys that are not essential to taking good photos,
most of the filters (except carry a CPL just in case you need one!) and I use UV to protect my lenses but that's a whole debate in itself

Details depend on what you are shooting and what direction you want to go.

Start with the essentials and fill in the rest as your path defines itself.

« Reply #33 on: November 15, 2010, 20:30 »
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Beer!

« Reply #34 on: November 16, 2010, 09:06 »
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Here is a short list of items that most of the serious hobby photographers doesn't have (even if they boast with their cameras, lenses and studio flashes):

Big and heavy light stands (used where lighweight stands just aren't enough)
C-Stands or other leveling leg stands
Long and sturdy boom arms
Big Scrims, silks
Light gels (extensive collection of colors and sizes for both color correction and effects)
Aluminum step ladder
Clamps, super clamps, magic arms, goosenecks, adapters etc.
Duct tape, fishing line, steel wire, blu tack, styrofoam etc.

Things I need to shop someday: (this is the real pro stuff :))
Portable power generator (you know the kind that works with gas, for lights and stuff)
Portable flash systems (Elinchrom Quadra or such)
Haze machine
Wind machine
Megaphone
Walkie talkies

These are better rented when needed:
Small skylift
Scaffolds


Oh, one more thing about street cred. It isn't the new and shiny stuff that makes you a credible pro, it's the old, worn and beaten stuff that gives you street cred :)
« Last Edit: November 16, 2010, 09:12 by Perry »

« Reply #35 on: November 17, 2010, 12:02 »
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Oh, one more thing about street cred. It isn't the new and shiny stuff that makes you a credible pro, it's the old, worn and beaten stuff that gives you street cred :)

OMG, thanks for that.  I must look like a total pro.  I have been saving for a new body for about 4 years now but something essential always comes up.  My speedlights are falling apart.  The springs are gone in my backdrop stands and the bar slowly sinks down on one corner.  Husband finally gone back to work though so that is about to change.  I really only long for a new body though (I DESERVE ONE * IT!)  Maybe a couple new Einstein lights.

« Reply #36 on: November 17, 2010, 12:42 »
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Creativity.  ;)

« Reply #37 on: November 17, 2010, 14:59 »
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Oh, one more thing about street cred. It isn't the new and shiny stuff that makes you a credible pro, it's the old, worn and beaten stuff that gives you street cred :)

OMG, thanks for that.  I must look like a total pro.  I have been saving for a new body for about 4 years now but something essential always comes up.  My speedlights are falling apart.  The springs are gone in my backdrop stands and the bar slowly sinks down on one corner.  Husband finally gone back to work though so that is about to change.  I really only long for a new body though (I DESERVE ONE  IT!)  Maybe a couple new Einstein lights.

Oh I didn't mean the camera and lenses... only the stands and such are cool in worn condition (not broken!) :)
(Hope you get new gear soon :))


 

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