PLEASE chime in... A new member needs your help!

Simon is misunderstood too.

Reading only the first few posts of the thread... you want to be a professional photographer just by buying a camera? You don't even have a DSLR yet? I say give it a year with your first DSLR, the first 6 months learn to use it, then the second 6 months try to second shoot. In a year spend another $5K or so the gear you need, including backups.

I replaced my Tamron 28-75 F2.8 as its focus wasn't 100% consistent. Great lens and it did me pretty well for my first 10-15 weddings, then I got the 17-55 F2.8 IS, which I do like more. I still use the Tamron sometimes, but not at weddings.

The FAQ I wrote covers this pretty well. Apologies if the thread has changed course since the first page, I didn't read much.

mizuno wrote in post #4286655
Simon is misunderstood too.

Agree with you. Actually many times I agree with Simon. Harsh but honest.
Some of those contestants need that kind of thing (REALLY BAD)

bcap wrote in post #4286260
In my opinion, a great kit for getting into weddings, if you're serious about it, is the following:

- 2 bodies - either a 20D, 30D or 40D
- 70-200 2.8L IS
- 17-55 2.8 IS
- A fast prime. Normally I would say the 85 1.4, but, after playing with Jeff's Sigma 30 1.4, I may suggest that one instead.
- 2 580ex flashes for your 2 bodies
- If you are interested in off-camera lighting, at least 2 other 430exs (serve as a backup for the 580s as well)
- At least 15GB memory

Run the numbers, but, off the top of my head, that's going to run you about $8,000. Budgeting $1500 is going EXTREMELY low.

Budgeting $15,000 is pushing it. And you left out the studio.

bcap wrote in post #4286276
I didn't mean that following your heart will make you famous. I'm saying that following your heart and passion is what will push you to put forth the effort to go further.

I needed to quote something which i think is quite special...

Bryan: you need to blog that line!

liza wrote in post #4289137
Budgeting $15,000 is pushing it. And you left out the studio.

I know I'm only a beginner in the world of pro photography, but I don't think that's necessarily true. You definitely don't need a studio to do pro photography, and certainly not wedding photography. My entire business model is based on not having a studio. Will I get every client in town looking for photos? No. But that's not what I was going for, and there are plenty to go around. I don't think a budget of $15000 would be pushing it. I'm sure that would be considered an adequate budget to start a business with by any standard.