Asking to work with a pro....

nice one Trent, I'm sure it'll go well for you.

We're still chatting before the first event. We've (read I've been after an excuse for ages) decided my 20D just won't cut it, so the 1D MK II N was purchased yesterday.

Sadly this means my EF-S lenses have to go . Still, I get to buy a nice replacement .

Sooooo looking forward to getting out there. Thanks again all and I'll update the soap-opera later.

Trent, dont get too excited here and lose your perspective on the situation, relax, calm down and start to think throuh this logically.

What I mean is think about what is best for you in this situation. You have gone out and bought a $4k camera before you have even gone to the "interview." Is that smart?

What happens when and IF you do get the job, how much is the pay? How many events will you have to do just to break even from your camera purchase? Is that smart?

Also, when you become part of the "team" as you put it, will you be staff and does that mean that his business will insure you? Does that mean that if YOUR camera breaks on a shoot that HE will fix it for you, or will that be up to you, thereby putting you even futher into a hole.

Think clearly about these things and make sure you are being smart about it. I do know how exciting it can be to think about getting your first photo job, but dont let that excitement overshadow what is smart from a business point of view.

Unfortunately, I have found way too many pros that take advantage of the rookies and their excitement, getting them to do things for them that really is only in the best interest of the Pro. Make sure you are not being taken advantage of.

I'm not saying this is the case at all in your situation, just trying to get you to think of a few things before you jump.

Good Luck.

Thanks for the comment Jim - I appreciate the frankness.

* Camera - Basically I had saved for it and was going to get it for Christmas. Now I got it before.
* I have Joined AIPP (Aust inst pro photo) to cover insurance, pay rates, and legal issues.

I am expecting to be taken advantage of initially, in fact I am relying on it to get into the door. This is a hobby for me that I am passionate about. If I get paid for my shots or whatever, then that's a bonus. I am not going to P&L analyse a hobby . That being said, I won't get screwed over either.

It's good to keep things in perspective and I really do appreciate your comments. They have given me more to think about.

Thanks,

Update time.....

I had my audition/interview last Saturday. We shot side by side at a Triathlon in Nowra (2hr south of Sydney). He said what he expected, and we chatted about settings and how he works, his style etc. We shot side by side and when there was time he looked at my images for framing and exposure (all Manual of course). If anything I learned a load of info and was amazed at what sets these pros above the rest.

We left with him saying he'd like me to shoot with him on a regular basis starting this coming Saturday at the ITU World champs in Canberra. He'd review my work (you use his cards all day and just give them in at the end) and if it was ok, then I'm on the books.

Got my call today. He was happy with my keeper percentage and my uptake of his instructions. I start earning money as a photographer Saturday (Mmmmmm accreditation). I AM STOKED!!!!

Thanks to all for your tips. While this is not going to see me quit my crap job, it a great start in the industry, and may one day lead me to a full time gig.

Thanks again,

thats pretty cool..
what body and lenses do you have?

verty wrote in post #2254703
thats pretty cool.. what body and lenses do you have?

I was running a 20D, but he "suggested" the 1D MKII N for its speed. Having gone back to the 20D for a weekend I know what he means!!!

Glass is 95% 70-200 f2.8 IS USM and 5% 16-35 f2.8 (he has you shooting at f8 to increase the keepers so the f2.8 is not essential)

Thanks,

woah thats an expensive upgrade in a body!

That's great Trent, congratulations.
BTW, why were you using the 20D if you already bought the 1D Mark II?

If your satisfied with the outcome using the 20D, why dont you just keep using it? Was there anything that happened that really held you back using the 20D, I cant imagine that shooting running like that you would need to have 8fps or incredible focus tracking.

If it were me and the 20D worked fine, I'd keep using that for such a gig as this as you will wear any camera out really quick sitting there just firing off frame after frame. Why ruin the good camera for that, especially if he is not supplying the gear.

Think about that, what would the MkII really bring to the table in this case and will it allow you to make extra money with him?

zenpro wrote in post #2255406
BTW, why were you using the 20D if you already bought the 1D Mark II?

The first 1D I got was faulty and I needed to shoot the 20D while a replacement was found. It was just not up to the task.

vwpilot wrote in post #2256757
If your satisfied with the outcome using the 20D, why dont you just keep using it? Was there anything that happened that really held you back using the 20D, I cant imagine that shooting running like that you would need to have 8fps or incredible focus tracking.

The point is, I'm not satisfied with the 20D. IMHO you DO need super fast focus tracking and that's why the 1D is the weapon of choice. In these races you have groups of say 5 runners heading towards you. You need to be able to get all of them individually. the 20D just couldn't cut this. I think if you have used both in this situation as I have the 1D is streets ahead.

The cameras are a tool not a trophy. They are designed to work hard for ages. As I am earning $ for shooting maintenance is a deduction and not really an issue. If you don't want your camera to ware out....don't use it.

Well, I just assumed that since I know guys that can track a race car at 130mph with a 20D, then it would be good enough to track a human runner at a few mph. I guess I could be wrong though.

As for my comments about saving your MkII, I have talked with people about doing a job exactly like you talk about and never would I consider the money being paid worth the amount of wear and tear that would be put on the gear (hence why I have never done it) so if were me, and I had an older piece of gear, that is what I would consider using. And I put a lot of frames on my gear as it is (25k-30k per body/year).

It isn't the speed of the single object, but the need to change between many objects quickly. You are set to single shot and you may need to crack off 3 a second on different runners or cyclists in a group. this is where the 20D really struggled.

On larger races with 1500 competitors, I'd be expecting to shoot ~5000 frames for the 17 hours of the race. The 1D has a much longer life span at that usage than the 20D.

tghaines wrote in post #2257717
I'd be expecting to shoot ~5000 frames for the 17 hours of the race.

Hopefully you'll at least get compensated for the depretiation of your equiptment...

Yeah - depreciation is between me and the tax man over here. I will probably write the gear off over a few years. I am yet to talk to my accountant over this, but I'll have something in place. Services are also a deduction, as it travel and all "costs of sale".