noobish question

[Autonomous]

hi!
I have some questions on my mind that I've been thinking of but I'm not really sure how to solve it.
1) what do I do/ where should I store all my pictures that I've taken instead of storing it in my laptop (because the memory is getting low:rolleyes:)- and this is the only computer I have.
2) I'd like to burn some of my pictures into the CD, but somehow my laptop doesn't have the CD burner installed :(, what should I do? because some people that I've took shots of, want to have their pictures in CD's but since I don't know how to do it without the CD burner installed in my laptop. Lame.
3) What should I do with the pictures that I took after a wedding? I know the couples wanted it in albums, but I don't know where to start.
4)What's the difference between XTi and a 40D? Last week I did my first wedding ever, and there were several photographers as well taking pictures and when they showed their pictures to the B&G, the B&G sort of gave this really pleased look, whereas when they looked at mine, they just gave me this plain "it's fine, okay-ish" look. Right at that moment I felt my confidence is crushed. should I stop before it's too late. I'm only 17 and all of the photographers were like 30+. (I'm sort of the main photogs since the B&G didn't have any other photogs, and I kinda settled that I would be doing this for free and all in fear that they might be dissappointed in me).
Thank you so much for taking your time to answer my questions, I appreciate it alot!

[TechTrix]

This is going to be good

1) External HDD. They are cheap these days
http://www.amazon.com/Iomega-Prestige-Desktop-External-34270/dp/B001D7REIK/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1234767896&sr=8-1

2) Get a CD burner? Cant think of any other way to burn a CD without one
3) You shot a wedding without knowing what to do with the photos afterwords? Ouch
4) Xti is more of a consumer grade body, whereas the 40d is more durable being made out of a metal frame. Also offers higher ISO and frame rate.

Certainly don't give up being a photographer. I would start small and work your way up to shooting weddings...you can't expect be amazing right out of the gate. How long have you been shooting?
The other photographers probably have way more experience that you do.

Again, I would strongly advise not shooting another wedding until you have some experience. And DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT do it for free. By doing this you are taking business away from other photographers far more capable than you.

Good luck, don't give up.

[HuskyKMA]

1) An external HDD sounds like your friend here. Since you have a notebook, you'll probably want to get a portable one. Here's a good one:

http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-FreeAgent-Portable-Drive-Silver-ST905003FGA2E1-RK/dp/B001FWCDQG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1234774501&sr=1-1

2) You'll need to get a CD burner. Either an external one, or have one installed in your notebook. You can probably take it to any Best Buy or similar store and get them to install one for you.

[neilwood32]

1) External Hard Disk Drive - seagate or similar. Buy a good size as you will fill the space (its amazing how quick it will be used when you get going)
2) Either try to get one installed in your machine (if there is a bay) or buy a good quality external.
3) You will need to work your photos up to a presentation level with your post processing package, watermark them as proofs (and reduce the size to stop them printing them themselves) and then give them a disk or book to look at. Then give them the ones they want. You should really have had all that worked out beforehand.
4) Shooting a wedding is hard ( i certainly wouldnt unless the folk were desperate). I would not have shown anyone any photos until i had done some post production on them.

You may find that some of the other photogs were family and one of 3 things might have happened:
1) the photos really were great - well done to the person taking them (bear in mind that they possibly have 10 years experience on you!)
2) the photos were passable/poor but the b&g didnt want to upset anyone by saying so.
3) the photos might have been of someone important to the b&g and thats why they were really happy.

[Autonomous]

is it allright if i just store all my pictures in the usb memory card? (i'm thinking to buy one the 16GB one since someone sells it for cheap) and because i cant afford to buy both external HDD and external cd burner...

[egordon99]

You can't afford $50?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106278

Seriously, storage is probably the LEAST expensive type of gear involved in photography. 1TB drives are now $99, buy two of them and you'll be in "business" for awhile. :)

[DStanic]

4. Shooting weddings IS hard, and it's all about the lenses. Yes the 40D is better, but not by a wide margin. A better lens on a XTi will take better shots then a cheap lens on a 40D. I've used my XTi for a wedding and got good results (but would want to use it as a backup next time). Don't give up!!!! Shooting weddings (or whatever you want to shoot) takes practice practice and maybe some money for lenses. :P

[Autonomous]

You can't afford $50?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106278

Seriously, storage is probably the LEAST expensive type of gear involved in photography. 1TB drives are now $99, buy two of them and you'll be in "business" for awhile. :)
will this thing be able to write pictures on cd's as well? because it says dvd burner, and i kept thinking that the regular cd and dvd burner must be different. am i wrong?
oh will you guys also recommend me which storage should i get? my budget is $50 :oops: (photography IS expensive)

[egordon99]

I'm 99% sure that any DVD burner would also be able to burn CDs. Regardless, it would be ALOT easier to use DVDs as pictures files are BIG! I shoot with 4GB cards, and my typical event takes up ~5-10GB worth of space, and just a "day at the park" could easily eat up a 4GB card, so using CD-Rs really isn't practical. Some small photo sessions, I can use a CD-R to deliver the final JPGs to the client, but these are few and far between. DVDs are the way to go (ESPECIALLY for a wedding!)

[sapearl]

You can, but then you may eventually run out of space, or just get tired of sorting through them in a fairly cumbersome manner. As has been pointed out, storage is really cheap. Check out the Presidents Day Sales today on external HD's.

Don't be discouraged. Wedding work is quite demanding and difficult. Anybody can take P&S snapshots, but it's all about timing, posing, knowing how to direct people, effectively interact with them and knowing where to be. Those 30+ folks are only better than you because they've been doing it LONGER. Keep plugging away at it and you will only improve. We all started somewhere once. :D - Stu

is it allright if i just store all my pictures in the usb memory card? (i'm thinking to buy one the 16GB one since someone sells it for cheap) and because i cant afford to buy both external HDD and external cd burner...

[Autonomous]

as it turns out, the b&g loved my pictures more than those 30+ old guys :lol:
(i felt happy seeing as i only used my xti+kit lens, whereas those old guys used high end cameras + L lenses). but one thing that bothers me the most is how they acted during the session, as if they're really that good and pro, acted as if they know everything, what to do, they even directed the b&g to pose (even though the b&g is technically mine because they're the ones that basically chose me). piss off!

[jennnyy]

and is it also because the other photographers were professionals whereas you're just a teenager that doesn't even know what to do with the photos afterwards? yes these people acted snobby, but that's because they probably have tons of experience and know how to work a wedding. you're young. you're going to need LOTS of shooting to get up to the level of a professional wedding photographer.

[sapearl]

How much control and direction did you give Autonomous? The bulk of the nicely composed and often memorable photographs don't just happen at a wedding. For many of key and important shots you really do have to be involved with the b&g.

Perhaps they were more assertive because you were not? Maybe they felt you were missing important poses (were you working from a shot list or just obviously winging it?).

I don't know - I wasn't there and can only speculate. But your comment that you had know idea what to do with the pictures reveals your naivete and lack of experience. This is not a criticism, just a statement of fact. Wedding photography is not for the faint of heart. The meek get run over and trampled unfortunately by the more assertive.

I'm not really clear on who the main the photographr was here now. You said "I'm sort of the main photogs since the B&G didn't have any other photogs, and I kinda settled that I would be doing this for free and all in fear that they might be dissappointed in me." Did you have a clear understanding with the B&G about what you would be doing, and exactly what you would be providing?

.....but one thing that bothers me the most is how they acted during the session, as if they're really that good and pro, acted as if they know everything, what to do, they even directed the b&g to pose (even though the b&g is technically mine because they're the ones that basically chose me). piss off!

[Autonomous]

How much control and direction did you give Autonomous? The bulk of the nicely composed and often memorable photographs don't just happen at a wedding. For many of key and important shots you really do have to be involved with the b&g.

Perhaps they were more assertive because you were not? Maybe they felt you were missing important poses (were you working from a shot list or just obviously winging it?).

I don't know - I wasn't there and can only speculate. But your comment that you had know idea what to do with the pictures reveals your naivete and lack of experience. This is not a criticism, just a statement of fact. Wedding photography is not for the faint of heart. The meek get run over and trampled unfortunately by the more assertive.

I'm not really clear on who the main the photographr was here now. You said "I'm sort of the main photogs since the B&G didn't have any other photogs, and I kinda settled that I would be doing this for free and all in fear that they might be dissappointed in me." Did you have a clear understanding with the B&G about what you would be doing, and exactly what you would be providing?

oh yeah, i even made them sign this piece of scrap paper that i wrote of the conditions and stuff, and that i am merely just a beginner and not to fully depend on me and stuff. basically, i gave them warnings and stuff and they agreed.
ironically, those so-called professionals, they may act like they know how to work a wedding and direct the b&g to pose and whatnot, even their style while taking pictures looked oh-so-pro, it seems to me they like to "show-off" their pro-ness, but when they gave their results to the b&g, the b&g were horrified at the results, and when i saw the pictures, i, too was shocked at the results cause most of it was not pleasant and lack the pop or capturing the emotions spot-on, underexposed and whatnot. and i was shooting together with them professionals too and i didn't mean to brag but i successfully captured the weddings spot-on:D

[sapearl]

Glad it worked out for you Autonomous, and that was a good idea that you got certain things in writing.

Sorry to hear that the other guys weren't able to produce - I wouldn't wish that on anyone during what is a very important event. But don't sell direction and interaction short. Personal interaction and the ability to work with stressed people in a complex situation is far more important in the long run than just photographic skills. Try an 8-12 hour wedding day shoot and then see how you feel ;).

I'm curious though - since you only did your first wedding last week, what was your basis of comparison for feeling the "so called pro's" didn't do a good job?

[SOK]

I really don't want this to sound harsh, but here goes;

I'm amazed you've had the thoughtful, measured responses posted here thus far. In all honesty, when I first read your OP, I was convinced you were pulling our leg. I'm still not 100% sure that you are genuine, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt just in case.

You've said some fairly damning things about the other photographers there (who, by my understanding, were just other guests, and not necessarily pros at all);

ironically, those so-called professionals, they may act like they know how to work a wedding...

it seems to me they like to "show-off" their pro-ness

...but one thing that bothers me the most is how they acted during the session, as if they're really that good and pro

they even directed the b&g to pose (even though the b&g is technically mine because they're the ones that basically chose me). piss off!

i was shooting together with them professionals too and i didn't mean to brag but i successfully captured the weddings spot-on:D

At the same time, you've revealed a few things about yourself;

What should I do with the pictures that I took after a wedding? I know the couples wanted it in albums, but I don't know where to start

oh yeah, i even made them sign this piece of scrap paper that i wrote of the conditions and stuff

What's the difference between XTi and a 40D?

My advice; remove the chip from your shoulder, and use the opportunity to learn from other people you shoot with/near, rather than rubbishing them. It sounds like you could pick a few things up from them.

As I said in my first line, I don't want to sound harsh, but sometimes the harsh truth is best if you really want to improve. That said, I will offer the following encouragement;

Don't give up. Research, shoot, review, then repeat. Don't worry about others, worry about your own abilities.

Apart from my own gems of wisdom, I just wanted to point out one of the best bits of advice offered thus far;

Personal interaction and the ability to work with stressed people in a complex situation is far more important in the long run than just photographic skills.

[Autonomous]

actually i shot the weddings from 7 in the morning to 4 noon (from preparation to ending)!! i was pretty beat up.. and i also interacted with the b&g a lot, even made jokes, tried to relax them up, and i mostly did the candid shots.

the comparison between my shots and the so-called pro's: everything.
i mean, i was taking the shot together with the so-called pros even when the so-called pros directed the b&g to do a certain pose, we would be taking turns, and i got the spot-on shots whereas their shot was just either plain dull, lacking the pop, underexpose and most of the shot isn't even tight.
worst of all, they were all shooting in JPEG's!!! i simply laughed when they told me that shooting in raw for an amateur like me 'would not justify anything'.
what a bunch of piss-off.

SOK: I'm sure they're not just a guests, because they kept following to wherever i led the b&g to.
i'm just pissed off at the way they acted, and they actually bragged a lot about their high end dslrs and lenses and whatnot, telling me rubbish about my dslr, and told the b&g that they picked the wrong photographer such as me.

[Autonomous]

another question:
would it be a good idea if i store all my pics in my 8gb usb memory card, and delete the ones i have in my laptop because my memory is running low. :confused:

[dcad10]

One recommendation I have that i dont think anybody mentioned is that if you are going to keep shooting weddings is that you will need to upgrade lenses. You are going to eventually find yourself in a situation where lenses that are f/4 and higher are just going to be too slow. I recommend buying at least 1 fast prime, for times when you need the speed. the 50mm 1.8 is cheap, and high quality. it will be a good way to add a little extra "pop" with its thin DOF.

[LowriderS10]

SOK: I'm sure they're not just a guests, because they kept following to wherever i led the b&g to.

lol...that does not make them pros...or even "so-called pros"

also...let's see some of your amazing wedding shots...they sound incredible!!!

[Autonomous]

lol...that does not make them pros...or even "so-called pros"

also...let's see some of your amazing wedding shots...they sound incredible!!!
lol ok ok! but give me some time because i have to process 259 of them :eek:
expect them to appear in the wedding section soon! :eek::eek::eek:

[jennnyy]

now it just sounds like you are one of those snobby pro photographers. always putting the them down and thinking your pictures are superior.

grow up. thanks.

[LowriderS10]

lol ok ok! but give me some time because i have to process 259 of them :eek:
expect them to appear in the wedding section soon! :eek::eek::eek:

why bother processing them? You said they "captured the weddings spot-on" without PP...I'm truly anxious to see these pictures!

[Autonomous]

i realized i've been too consumed in my superiority
geez idk whats gotten into me. lesson learned:o

[LowriderS10]

i realized i've been too consumed in my superiority
geez idk whats gotten into me. lesson learned:o

or perceived superiority ;)

Glad to hear you learned the lesson, though...the first thing you'll learn on this board is there's always someone (or a few dozen) photographers who'll make your jaw drop and realize you've got a ways to go...they're usually also some of the most modest.

Welcome to the board...enjoy your stay and be open to suggestions and advice...they're all given in great spirits :)

[sapearl]

Actually autonomous, guests following me around is typical behavior in a lot of instances. Had you shot a number of weddings over the years you would know this. I run into it all the time, and don't mind so long as they don't interfere with my shots. I have a friendly demeanor and don't mind other shooters.

It also sounds like you all spent considerable time standing around comparing results - that's not a complete indication of final results, considering by your own original statement that you didn't know what to do with the images. Lacking tight shots? How did you know how he was going to present the final crop? You assume a lot....:rolleyes:

As far as exposure: many of my shots are intentionally underexposed, especially those those with numerous highlights and bright areas such as the bridal gown. Otherwise you run the risk of losing highlight detail. In all fairness I wouldn't expect you to know this since you just starting shooting weddings last week. In time you will learn more about exposure.....

The point is Autononomous, you've got a pretty arrogant attitude for somebody just starting out.

You've done some things right and have an energetic manner for someone so young and inexperienced. But you can certainly improve in other areas. Perhaps your work is even pretty good - have you posted any samples for us to see? - but you can learn more from your peers with a friendlier attitude and a less antagonistic spirit. Maybe these other guys were jerks, but it's difficult to tell in view of your sarcastic, negative and detracting remarks.

......the comparison between my shots and the so-called pro's: everything.
i mean, i was taking the shot together with the so-called pros even when the so-called pros directed the b&g to do a certain pose, we would be taking turns, and i got the spot-on shots whereas their shot was just either plain dull, lacking the pop, underexpose and most of the shot isn't even tight.
worst of all, they were all shooting in JPEG's!!! i simply laughed when they told me that shooting in raw for an amateur like me 'would not justify anything'.
what a bunch of piss-off.

SOK: I'm sure they're not just a guests, because they kept following to wherever i led the b&g to.
i'm just pissed off at the way they acted, and they actually bragged a lot about their high end dslrs and lenses and whatnot, telling me rubbish about my dslr, and told the b&g that they picked the wrong photographer such as me.

[egordon99]

No! You NEED to buy proper external storage! At a minimum, that's two USB hard drives, one as primary, and the other to mirror all the files on the first drive. If you want to play the game, you need to pony up the bucks, sorry!

another question:
would it be a good idea if i store all my pics in my 8gb usb memory card, and delete the ones i have in my laptop because my memory is running low. :confused:

[sapearl]

Why should we wait?

We want to see and judge them immediately just like you evaluated the unprocessed work of the other "pro's" right away ;). Come on now autonomous, fair is fair.

As for partially deleting your images to save space, you are playing a very dangerous game and just asking for trouble. That's a terrible idea - you run the risk of losing key images with no backup. As egordon states, you need to pony up to play the game, especially with the low price of memory these days.


lol ok ok! but give me some time because i have to process 259 of them :eek:
expect them to appear in the wedding section soon! :eek::eek::eek:

[egordon99]

"Sorry B&G, I left your wedding pictures in my jeans pocket, which just went through the wash....hopefully one of those older 30s+ dudes with the L lenses can retrieve some of their crummy photos off of their hard drives for you...."

:)

(all in good fun, I swear!)

[Autonomous]

i wasn't assuming about those pros that was shooting with me because one day after the wedding (the wedding ended at 4) they all are already done with the aftermaths and gave the b&g their work in the morning and that was it. I asked the b&g if they're still going to give any more pictures but they said that this is the final results. in that very morning i saw their work (because the b&g wanted me to see it)and the pictures look like it was taken with a point and shoot cameras, and i'm not being arrogant because even the b&g told me that at least mine is better than theirs.

[sapearl]

Another very good point is being made here. Never go out of your way to alienate other photographers, amateur or pro, if you plan on spending any time in the business.

Sh*t happens.... gear fails, cards get lost, lenses malfunction, inexperienced young people new to the business make major mistakes like not having adequate backup equipment... you never know when you may need somebody's help to bail out your a$$.

Say you lose or delete all your images, but then realize that several other folks were shooting at the same time and are in a position to save the day, or worse, keep you from being sued. Can you approach them for help? Or were you too busy badmouthing and criticizing their work, and otherwise trying to prove your lens was longer than theirs?

I regularly compete with others in my area. However I treat them with respect and consider some to be friends. I have second shot for them over the years, and we've helped each other out during some unexpected hospital emergencies. Help and generosity will go a long way to creating your image in the community in addition to the quality of your work. You can't separate these. - Stu

"Sorry B&G, I left your wedding pictures in my jeans pocket, which just went through the wash....hopefully one of those older 30s+ dudes with the L lenses can retrieve some of their crummy photos off of their hard drives for you...."

:)

(all in good fun, I swear!)

[neilwood32]

or perceived superiority ;)

Glad to hear you learned the lesson, though...the first thing you'll learn on this board is there's always someone (or a few dozen) photographers who'll make your jaw drop and realize you've got a ways to go...they're usually also some of the most modest.

Welcome to the board...enjoy your stay and be open to suggestions and advice...they're all given in great spirits :)

I would have to agree with you on that - some of the wedding photog's in here have skill which I can (and a lot of others) can only dream off. I sometimes feel ashamed calling myself a photographer when i see what some of these guys can do.

Another very good point is being made here. Never go out of your way to alienate other photographers, amateur or pro, if you plan on spending any time in the business.

Sh*t happens.... gear fails, cards get lost, lenses malfunction, inexperienced young people new to the business make major mistakes like not having adequate backup equipment... you never know when you may need somebody's help to bail out your a$$.

Say you lose or delete all your images, but then realize that several other folks were shooting at the same time and are in a position to save the day, or worse, keep you from being sued. Can you approach them for help? Or were you too busy badmouthing and criticizing their work, and otherwise trying to prove your lens was longer than theirs?

I regularly compete with others in my area. However I treat them with respect and consider some to be friends. I have second shot for them over the years, and we've helped each other out during some unexpected hospital emergencies. Help and generosity will go a long way to creating your image in the community in addition to the quality of your work. You can't separate these. - Stu

It doesnt matter what their images look like at first glance, they may be brilliant with some work. Also people have different styles which dont always match with your own thoughts but if you really want to be good, you have to realise why their style is good. You have to be able to critique other peoples work in an impartial manner rather than just saying they are bad.

Oh and never, ever alienate other photographers - they can make life very difficult (or very easy) for a new upcoming photographer. Gear loans, help in an emergency, contacts etc can all be gained by keeping others on side rather than trying to get into a p*&&*%g contest with them.