A simple zoom lens 24-70mm can give someone a best pictures for their wedding. You can buy all prime lens and get stack when you are in a small area. There is good and bad for all so don’t let zoom lens look bad.
Thank you for always teaching so well! YES TO MORE FLASH VIDEOS! I'm confident in my photo abilities, but I am SO confused by flash and I'm entering the wedding photography field this summer!
You're absolutely right John. There is a disconnect when shooting with zooms. I have the Canon R5 and 28-70 f2 and thought it was such a convenience. But my last event I felt that disconnect that you talked about. I'm going back to primes. I'll keep my 28-70 f2 for smaller events. Thanks John.
I started with a zoom kit lens and used it like normal. Then I started switching to Sony and used primes. I started seeing the different qualities of the focal lengths. Then I went to full frame so y and have a 24-70 zoom and now I feel like I can get more out of a zoom because I know what look I can gets out of each focal length. Plus shooting weddings, you don't always get as much of a choice as you want on where you can stand so being able to zoom a little saves some resolution instead of heavy cropping in post to get a little closer. I still always have an 85mm on a second body too
i might have to disagree with the zoom lens. In my honest opinion it's versatile and you can still know your gear with zoom and still have intimate sessions with your couples. Also with newer camera body you can push the ISO safely so you have useable photos. again each to their own and how each person use their gear. I've been a prime user as well and transitioning to zoom change my perspective on zoom lens.
If Fuji comes out with a zoom F1.4 or F2 zoom that's not a variable aperture...I can agree with you. But with cropped sensor if you want that bokeh and low light...you need primes.
Fantastic Video John! We love to hear people preach the, “there is no best body” because at the end of the day you are right. It’s what works best for the photographer and inspires the person shooting!
Be sure to read my story about KEH in the comments. I'm a satisfied customer and you helped me help some kids in need. I really appreciate your help and generosity.
I'm glad to hear you use a crop sensor. I have an a6400 and am looking to start doing some wedding photography and I have been feeling a little pressure to get a full frame camera thinking I need it for low light performance. I think some people get caught up on specs and I fall pray to that sometimes! The other reason I feel the pressure to go up to a full frame sensor is because I like my sony cameras... but the crop sensor cameras only have 1 sd card slot. Which is really unfortunate. I'm hoping to get away with it for the first year before relegating the a6400 to a backup camera before upgrading to an A75 when it comes out.
I do social events, motorsports (mostly WRC and other rally events), weddings and portraiture. I own 2 camera bodies and 9 expensive lenses but I do 99% of my work with only two lenses and rarely ever use any of my other lenses. The two lenses that are on my cameras 99% of the time are the 35mm and 105mm. I used to use 35mm with an 85mm instead of 105mm but I noticed that my images shot with 105mm look much, much nicer, especially when I do portraits and outdoor events and if I ever want a wider look or composition, I can always do a few steps back and have the 85mm look, whereas if I was using my 85mm, I could step closer and get the similar composition to an 105mm but I can't get that 105mm look, I can't get that 105mm compression! Anyhow, whenever someone asks me which lenses they should buy first, I always recommend a 35mm and either an 85mm or 105/135mm! Most useful pair of lenses across all fields of photography!
If you shoot RF from canon just get the 28-70 F2. For weddings I use to have to run to the camera bag and get different lens or carry them on me, be fumbling around changing lenses and missing what is going on. For weddings there is no reason to shoot at 1.4 because one eye is in focus and the other is soft. Canon has changed the game with the RF 28-70. 3 lens needed for a wedding with the R5/R6 = 28-70, 70-200, 100 macro.
That’s the thing tho. You have to have a set up where you don’t need to run back to a bag. My wedding setup I have 4 prime lenses physically on my body at all times. So Switch if/when needed is not hard at all. I’ve set up a system and prioritized the feel of the photos rather than the ease it is for me to take photos.
I used to be a prime snob, and with Fuji, I will always be a prime snob. But with the EOS R5 for weddings, my 28-70 f2 stays on my camera like 90% of the day. That lens is a beast. I definitely can replace primes for most situations.
@@jessicamedaris2593 It's such a great lens! Primes are great especially on Fujifilm, but it's hard to go back to using primes solely without feeling limited.
When I shot on my old Nikon d3s my go to lens was a 28-70 f2.8. great versatile lens. Now that I've been using Fuji for a few years I love my 50mm f2 and adapting old lenses for portraits. That kit lens is shockingly good in the right conditions
17-40mm f4 L, 50mm and 85mm f1.8 primes covers everything for me. Would like faster lenses but for now very happy. I have a 70-200mm lens but rarely use it.
Yes. It would be a bad idea. Now I will tell you the only time I start using flashes is during the reception when it starts getting dark. Throughout the day before that I don't use a flash. But once you're at reception time you NEED to have a flash. It's honestly non-negotiable.
Great advice. I shot Nikon for years, left for Fuji. Went back to Nikon for Z5…turns out I didn’t like the smaller form factor and I preferred how much I can operate the Z5 with one hand. One thing about Fuji I loved…the fuji community has enthusiasm and content not found anywhere else
No. That’s correct. Shooting primes only with one camera body is not the way. If you’re going to go single body then go ahead and use a zoom. Thanks for sharing that wisdom. It’s so true.
Definitely make a video about where to place, power levels, and how to use on and off camera flash. How to use on camera only, how to use off camera flash and how to use on and off camera flash at the same time. And why you'd use them in such ways.
Question. I thought full frame sensor is better for large group photos. Otherwise if you use crop sensor body, you have to go 24mm lens which has distortion
I agree with you on the crop sensor. I have just invested in a full frame, but only to take advantage of my great lenses, my 70-200 and 85. For that ff depth of field. I still love crop sensors.
Firstly, excellent and informative video thanks very much. I am a Nikon user and have a D750. I have to confess to going for the 24-70 and 70-200 zooms when I first started but having since bought 50mm and 85mm primes I am a complete prime convert. You are spot on when you say that you feel part of the process with primer lenses. Dare say the zooms will have their day but at the moment they are gathering dust.
Great info... you mentioned that you use two cameras but didn't mention that as part of what you "need" for weddings. It's my opinion that anyone who is getting paid to shoot a wedding must have at least two cameras. Even if you shot 100% of you shots on one camera having a second camera that works with your lenses is critical for the moment when a camera stops working or is damaged. Even if you need to rent or borrow a 2nd body for every wedding until you make a little money -- do it.
I haven't shot pictures at a wedding yet. I shot my Granddaughter's Junior prom with a Canon 90D, and the EF 50mm f/1.2. It wasn't a problem on individual shots, but it was a major problem on group shots, which was a great lesson on aperture. I was shooting manual, still taking lessons, and I had owned the lens for 2 weeks. I was shooting everything with the aperture wide open. I should have been around f/8 to f/11 on the group shots, since they were 2 to 3 rows deep. Every group shot had out of focus people, depending on where I focused. With giggling girls, my shutter speed was to low. I was shooting on continuous, and that was a smart move. Next time I will hopefully do better. That lens is actually sharpest at f/5 on my camera body.
As a broke photographer, for wedding photographies i usually use my A6000 and Nex 6 with an la-ea2 adapter so that i can mount Amount lenses on it. The Amount lenses i typically use are 16-50 SSM 2.8, Minolta 50mm 1.4 AF and Sony 300mm f2.8 SSM....Only e mount lens i own is the 50mm fe 1.8. Overall they are working out great and havent given up on me during weddings.
@@spost26 Yes the autofocus is great and spot on with la-ea2 adapter. No hunting. Only downside is during video...the adapter only supports f3.5 as the fastest apeture even with a f1.4 lens.
for me the photography tools... Nikon D7200, Sigma art 18-35 1.8, Sigma 50-100 1.8 and if your budget can handle it the Sigma Art 200 prime.... get a second Nikon D7200 for backup... for strobes... use the Youngnuo 560 series or even better the Godox line. 3 speedlights should be more than enough
I just got the Sony a6400 and might be doing my very first wedding in August. I only have a kit lens but I think I'll have enough time to save up for 1-2 new lenses before then. Any recs for a quick buy?! I'm kind of freaking out 😅
How would someone start out on becoming a Professional Photographer on any paying gig without a portfolio no ad's + never charging anyone in the past? So Day #1 Rookie what would you do today if you were just starting out and already have enough G.E.A.R. camera bodies lenses backpacks for cameras lenses SD cards computers tripods lighting speedlights etc. etc. Thanks for your time and amazing videos.
Hi there what would you recommend for a versatile camera, looking for something to do amazing with rodeo/motor cross sports, boudoir, and wedding/engagement?
Now you got me interested in Holdfast...and I must admit, it looks FANTASTIC!! My Nikon Z8 is on its way and I wonder if SIghtseer would be big enough for full frame lenses and gear....
John I I love your videos. I’ve learned so much h from you. Ouse a Nikon D750 with nothing prime and zoom lenses. But when I add the 24-70 I tend to forget I have a 35 and 50mm. i have the Godox speed lights as well as the AD200 but I have problems synching them. I would love a lighting set up video.
Thanks for such a helpful video as always! I’d love to see more flash-related videos from you! I got 2 v860iii’s because of your videos re Godox flashes. I’d love to learn more about bounce flash + off-camera flash from you as I love the way you teach! Thank you 🙏🏼
1. "When you're using a zoom camera you're like separated from what is happening. When I use a prime I have to step into my photos". With my 24-70 @24 I'm separated while with your 50mm prime (=85) you step in. Okaaaay... 2. "Where as with a zoom you just stand back and you're like zooming the whole time". It may come as a surprise to you but with zoom lens you can zoom in but you can also zoom out. 3. "I know, when I use a 35mm where I need to stand". Right, but if you're not there, you have to walk there. While with a zoom lens... 4. "With a zoom, you're just like... you're always trying to figure out where the zoom is. Guess what! You can set your 24-70 constantly at 24, or 35, or 50 or 70 and all this with a twist of the wrist. No lens changing! 5. " ...and your focal length is never the same ... With the zoom sometimes you're like 33, you know, 38mm". What's wrong with 33 and 38? BTW, your "50mm" (35mm with a crop factor of 1,53) is actually 53,55mm. Ughhh... 6. "I know what my 35mm looks like, I know what 50mm looks like". What does that even mean? You never crop? Nothing against primes! John, I'm just teasing you. I love you man!
You said it Fuji film brought back your love for photography again. I guess why did you fall out of love from photography. I’m going through a similar phase.
Regarding Zooms. As I'm " old skool " and prefer to zone focus ( especially for portrait & product photos) with exception of tracking of action shots, I tend to preset my Zooms Focal length for the effect I'm trying to achieve and them position myself as if it where a prime.. ( You might find this interesting).but to shoot soft I use my 1.7 50mm + 2x Teleconverter ( as you stated in your bright sunlight day video) not only does the 50 double up as a 100mm by the teleconveter also behavies as a 2stop.ND .. All the Best 🤗
ps: I'm not a great fan of variable NDs. Especially the types that don't have stops to prevent you using it beyond its intended range .! Nothing like discovering that you've missed up some of your shoots because you've accidentally ventured into the dreaded X distortion region .. 🤔
I re-watch just about everyone of your videos content is perfect and informational man. keep up the good work I know this video is a year old but I've watched it about 5 times in the last year
Love this video so much, thanks for sharing! Can you do a video on off camera flashes? I’m new to wedding photography and like to learn in which scenarios would a off camera flash be useful? Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with all of us! ✨
IMO, first thing to do is buy lessons, e.g. SLRlounge Wedding Course etc.. Learn OCF. Then invest in a 2 body setup with something like a 35/85 or a 24-70/70-200 Doesn't matter if you're into primes or zooms. If you learned what a focal plane is and how distance works with depth of field, you'll realize that primes or zooms becomes a preference at that point. Also, if all you're doing is bokeh, then you're using a crutch. Once you learn OCF, anything is possible. What people need to realize is that lens choice doesn't matter. Photography is all about light. With the right light, even a phone camera can take great photos. So invest in a good light! I agree with investing in flashes. Great video as always!
Hi John, just your opinion : i 'm sony shooter ( full frame), i have 24/1.4, 35/1.4 , 50/1.2 and 85/1.8; a longer lens ( weddings , portraits, some conferences etc..) should be the new sony 70 200 gm ii or sony 135/1.8 ( both of them super sharp and very fast autofocus)
So you have 4 bodies with the 4 primes hanging around ? If not how do you switch from 24 to 85 if you have to ? Will never understand primes for events
I just want to say thank you for the detailed and full send vibed videos RE: wedding photography. From my very green beginnings (with my fuji xt-4) I've really enjoyed your videos. Maybe it's my fuji love or it's your vibes (hell maybe it's your smooth style) but I've enjoyed learning (and I am learning) through your videos. Keep u[ the great work. (I assume you are in for a crazy busy wedding season after the pandemic peak... wish I was ready because this is about to be a busy wedding season. THanks again for your work. I went from thinking weddings are just an inevitable for photographers to make money at a stage to being genuinely excited at the prospect of sharing and documenting such an important and magical day for the rest of the clients lives.
@@jbivphotography Most welcome mate, you're very skilled as a photographer and educator. It's nice to see you getting the accolades you have most certainly earned at this point. Thanks for all the great information :)
Using the Canon R5 I like to use my RF 70-200 as my all rounded then RF 100 macro for ring details and such. I have the rf 15-35 for wides and video too of course. I'm itching to buy one of the RF 85s but haven't budgeted for it yet lol
This might sound dumb but can you make a video or short showing how to use the holdfast money maker properly. The way you had the sightseer strapped i didnt know that was a thing. the straps holding the sightseer is usually what i have my camera hanging on.
Can you talk a little more about what you would suggest with the lenses if I don’t have a full frame camera! You mention with the lenses this is on a full frame! Do you still suggest the same lenses?
I'm of the firm belief that 24/50/135 is the best prime trio. If I'm gonna shave it down to two, I'll stick to the 24 and 50, leaving the 135 in the bag or at home, but I completely get why others would go 35/85, instead. The one point I wanna bring up, and you may have caught onto it, is that having too many lenses is a cluttered experience. Bringing a 24/35/50/85 lens kit is just too much, you'll wanna swap lenses too often.
real Nice video Thank you. quick question the lenses you use are for a fullframe right? I have crop censor camera what lenses will u recommend similar to urs? or close to those. thank you
I used Canon when I started photography, but then I bought a the Sony A7Riii, however I love Fuji cameras as well. I just love that vintage look as well and the picture quality. Good Stuff
I use a crop sensor camera as well. You mentioned 24, 35, 50 and 85mm lenses, all good but with my camera all those jump up by 1.5. That being said my 24 acts like a 36 and my 50 like a 75. My concern is using something as wide as the 24mm to achieve the "35mm" look may distort the image.
I'm an enthusiast wedding photographer. Though I have experience, I've not been able to invest as much as I wish I could into my gear. I have a Canon 760D and an M50 (recent purchase). I use my M50 as my main.. and hope to ditch the 760D soon and replace with another mirrorless camera. My gear at the moment is 24mm 2.8, 50mm 1.8, 17-50mm 2.8 (Sigma) and the most expensive part of my kit - 70-200mm f 2.8 DG OS HSM. But my issue isn't my gear, I think. As an enthusiast I'm usually approached by couples on a very tight budget. That includes venues. I shot at a restaurant that had a stage setup and had the ugliest, unflatteing fixed ceiling spotlights directly above the couples heads. I'm so, so disappointed by the photos. The shadows on their faces are absolutely angering to me. I tried using my speedlight, but the space was too tight and overexposed even with exposure adjustment. There were also reflective surfaces on the sides. I had light bouncing off everything. I've never been so disappointed. I knew I'd struggle when it came to those lights but I just have no idea how to work around it in the photos. My aim, and the same for the couples, are more to get clear, focused images of their day. They weren't looking for fancy, stylish shots (though my style is candid, Asian weddings often have stage photos and stage lighting is not appealing) but even though I've got those, I cant even edit it out. I'm in dire need of advice here. How do I avoid this next time?
I love your vlogs. You are very fair and unbiased, though you use Fuji gears. I happen to use Fujis, as well. Thanks for sharing and for your great videos. I learn a lot from them.
I'v been a high school photographer for over 15 years, everything from sports, plays, evens and proms/dances. I guess proms are as close as I have come to a wedding, but I am pretty confident I can do a wedding. My question is, where and how do I get started in weddings? Do I look for a "second shooter" opportunity to get a wedding portfolio going? Your advice would be extremely appreciated. Thanks!
Excellent video and excellent advice! I'm with you on your gear recommendations, including the use of Fuji. I'm glad this was sponsored by KEH, from whom I've bought gear in the past. I want share a story about KEH with you and others here. My Episcopal church has an arts center and they do community outreach, including to a local private home for troubled teenage boys. This home is their last hope before heading into the system. The arts center approached me to hold a photography course for a semester since the boys expressed an interest. I was told there would be 12 boys. My ideal would be for each boy to have his own camera to use and care for. The arts center secured a grant to allow us to buy equipment. I called KEH and explained our need. I wanted a DSLR with a zoom lens as the kit and told them how much money we had. I asked for as many cameras as we could get for the money, thinking at least some boys would have to buddy up. A few days later I got a call back saying they could provide 12 kits for the money! They provided Canon Rebels with a kit zoom. All the cameras were in great shape and the boys and I had a blast learning the fundamentals and taking lots of photos. At the end of the course they had their own showing at the arts center and some even sold some of their photos! This was made possible by KEH working with us to support a good cause.
I'd love a video on wedding OFC with the godox/flashpoint gear! I'm new to the game, but I'm shooting with a Fuji ecosystem also (team Prime, all the way) and I just picked up a pair of AD300s and an AD400. I would love to see how you're setting up everything! And thanks for being an awesome source of inspiration & knowledge for me!
Who else is team primes??
🙌
I am!
I’ve got a combo of 24-70mm and 50mm. I’d love to just have primes but until then I’m happy with my set up
Me! Just added 2 more. 16mm,30mm,50mm and 85mm.
I would love to but at the moment I could only afford 24-70. 😭 I use Sony
Sorry to disturb your scrolling, we don’t know each other but i wish you all the best in life and may all things work out in your favor.🙏
I really appreciate that!
Thank you, I really needed to see this.❤
Isn't there something so honest, authentic and genuine about John. Looks such a cool dude too.
A simple zoom lens 24-70mm can give someone a best pictures for their wedding. You can buy all prime lens and get stack when you are in a small area. There is good and bad for all so don’t let zoom lens look bad.
I done the whole wedding with a 24-70mm 2.8, it works beautiful
F1.4
Thank you for always teaching so well! YES TO MORE FLASH VIDEOS! I'm confident in my photo abilities, but I am SO confused by flash and I'm entering the wedding photography field this summer!
Yes! Do a video where you explain your lighting set ups during crucial events during a wedding like father/daughter dance, speeches, etc.
You're absolutely right John. There is a disconnect when shooting with zooms. I have the Canon R5 and 28-70 f2 and thought it was such a convenience. But my last event I felt that disconnect that you talked about. I'm going back to primes. I'll keep my 28-70 f2 for smaller events. Thanks John.
I started with a zoom kit lens and used it like normal. Then I started switching to Sony and used primes. I started seeing the different qualities of the focal lengths. Then I went to full frame so y and have a 24-70 zoom and now I feel like I can get more out of a zoom because I know what look I can gets out of each focal length. Plus shooting weddings, you don't always get as much of a choice as you want on where you can stand so being able to zoom a little saves some resolution instead of heavy cropping in post to get a little closer. I still always have an 85mm on a second body too
i might have to disagree with the zoom lens. In my honest opinion it's versatile and you can still know your gear with zoom and still have intimate sessions with your couples. Also with newer camera body you can push the ISO safely so you have useable photos. again each to their own and how each person use their gear. I've been a prime user as well and transitioning to zoom change my perspective on zoom lens.
If Fuji comes out with a zoom F1.4 or F2 zoom that's not a variable aperture...I can agree with you. But with cropped sensor if you want that bokeh and low light...you need primes.
@@HokkeeKun i was referring to full frame cameras and if you're using a flash, you should be fine throughout the whole reception
I love your reasoning for using primes for weddings. it makes total sense, especially with weddings where its all about the emotions.
What works best for me is: 35mm, 24-70mm, 85mm and 70-200mm
Awesome. Thanks for sharing. 👏👏
Out of the three, which one is an ultimate must have?
@@angelaalor 24-70mm
@@angelaalor at least a V860ii + trigger for on camera and off camera flash
Great points it takes a long time to figure out which camera and lens
Fast lens are sharpest
Thanks for watching!
Fantastic Video John! We love to hear people preach the, “there is no best body” because at the end of the day you are right. It’s what works best for the photographer and inspires the person shooting!
Be sure to read my story about KEH in the comments. I'm a satisfied customer and you helped me help some kids in need. I really appreciate your help and generosity.
Loving a7iii’s dual slot card! I agree with you!
I'm glad to hear you use a crop sensor. I have an a6400 and am looking to start doing some wedding photography and I have been feeling a little pressure to get a full frame camera thinking I need it for low light performance. I think some people get caught up on specs and I fall pray to that sometimes!
The other reason I feel the pressure to go up to a full frame sensor is because I like my sony cameras... but the crop sensor cameras only have 1 sd card slot. Which is really unfortunate. I'm hoping to get away with it for the first year before relegating the a6400 to a backup camera before upgrading to an A75 when it comes out.
Great video, John. And YES, please make more on-camera flash videos!
Thanks! Will do!
I do social events, motorsports (mostly WRC and other rally events), weddings and portraiture. I own 2 camera bodies and 9 expensive lenses but I do 99% of my work with only two lenses and rarely ever use any of my other lenses. The two lenses that are on my cameras 99% of the time are the 35mm and 105mm. I used to use 35mm with an 85mm instead of 105mm but I noticed that my images shot with 105mm look much, much nicer, especially when I do portraits and outdoor events and if I ever want a wider look or composition, I can always do a few steps back and have the 85mm look, whereas if I was using my 85mm, I could step closer and get the similar composition to an 105mm but I can't get that 105mm look, I can't get that 105mm compression! Anyhow, whenever someone asks me which lenses they should buy first, I always recommend a 35mm and either an 85mm or 105/135mm! Most useful pair of lenses across all fields of photography!
If you shoot RF from canon just get the 28-70 F2. For weddings I use to have to run to the camera bag and get different lens or carry them on me, be fumbling around changing lenses and missing what is going on. For weddings there is no reason to shoot at 1.4 because one eye is in focus and the other is soft. Canon has changed the game with the RF 28-70. 3 lens needed for a wedding with the R5/R6 = 28-70, 70-200, 100 macro.
That’s the thing tho. You have to have a set up where you don’t need to run back to a bag. My wedding setup I have 4 prime lenses physically on my body at all times. So Switch if/when needed is not hard at all. I’ve set up a system and prioritized the feel of the photos rather than the ease it is for me to take photos.
Do you have a video on how to use off flash and connect the flash to the camera?
I used to be a prime snob, and with Fuji, I will always be a prime snob. But with the EOS R5 for weddings, my 28-70 f2 stays on my camera like 90% of the day. That lens is a beast. I definitely can replace primes for most situations.
Nice. Yeah those Canons are looking really good.
I rented this exact same setup for a wedding this weekend. The 28-70 is amazing and shoots like a prime.
@@jessicamedaris2593 It's such a great lens! Primes are great especially on Fujifilm, but it's hard to go back to using primes solely without feeling limited.
Same here I love my 28-70 f2. Weight doesn’t bother me.
When I shot on my old Nikon d3s my go to lens was a 28-70 f2.8. great versatile lens. Now that I've been using Fuji for a few years I love my 50mm f2 and adapting old lenses for portraits. That kit lens is shockingly good in the right conditions
17-40mm f4 L, 50mm and 85mm f1.8 primes covers everything for me. Would like faster lenses but for now very happy. I have a 70-200mm lens but rarely use it.
Ive never shot a wedding before would it be a bad idea to not use any speed flashes?
Yes. It would be a bad idea. Now I will tell you the only time I start using flashes is during the reception when it starts getting dark. Throughout the day before that I don't use a flash. But once you're at reception time you NEED to have a flash. It's honestly non-negotiable.
Great advice. I shot Nikon for years, left for Fuji. Went back to Nikon for Z5…turns out I didn’t like the smaller form factor and I preferred how much I can operate the Z5 with one hand.
One thing about Fuji I loved…the fuji community has enthusiasm and content not found anywhere else
Team prime here. But for starters, be aware of the extra budget. You will need more than one camera body to shoot prime only. Am I wrong?
No. That’s correct. Shooting primes only with one camera body is not the way. If you’re going to go single body then go ahead and use a zoom. Thanks for sharing that wisdom. It’s so true.
@@jbivphotography thank you for sharing yours! Excellent content!
Would love some event flash setups .
Awesome. I’ll make sure to try and put that in my pipeline.
Definitely make a video about where to place, power levels, and how to use on and off camera flash. How to use on camera only, how to use off camera flash and how to use on and off camera flash at the same time. And why you'd use them in such ways.
YES!!! More off camera flashes for weddings video please 🙏🏾
Team Prime all the way 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Question. I thought full frame sensor is better for large group photos. Otherwise if you use crop sensor body, you have to go 24mm lens which has distortion
I agree with you on the crop sensor. I have just invested in a full frame, but only to take advantage of my great lenses, my 70-200 and 85. For that ff depth of field. I still love crop sensors.
I know videography is more so the future so I’m looking to buy my first camera in a while. Can’t decide between the Sony fx30 or Sony a7iv
Firstly, excellent and informative video thanks very much. I am a Nikon user and have a D750. I have to confess to going for the 24-70 and 70-200 zooms when I first started but having since bought 50mm and 85mm primes I am a complete prime convert. You are spot on when you say that you feel part of the process with primer lenses. Dare say the zooms will have their day but at the moment they are gathering dust.
This is good to her thank you. I have the lumix g9. I love the camera so slowly getting better glass. Ie olympus pro zooms and fast primes.
The prime lense sizes you mentioned are for full frame sensors? What size prime lenses do you recommend for crop sensors?
I'd really appreciate a video on lighting a reception with the godox flashes. So +1 for that idea.
Awesome! Thanks for letting me know.
suuch a good point about the zoom lenses!! i'll keep that in mind when i think about using the 50-140mm 🙂
Yes, sir. I agree. A crop sensor camera is just fine. Picture quality is primarily a reflection of the photographer’s skill. Thank you.
Well said!
Great info... you mentioned that you use two cameras but didn't mention that as part of what you "need" for weddings. It's my opinion that anyone who is getting paid to shoot a wedding must have at least two cameras. Even if you shot 100% of you shots on one camera having a second camera that works with your lenses is critical for the moment when a camera stops working or is damaged. Even if you need to rent or borrow a 2nd body for every wedding until you make a little money -- do it.
Its a hands down absolute masterpiece video
That's great to hear. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I haven't shot pictures at a wedding yet. I shot my Granddaughter's Junior prom with a Canon 90D, and the EF 50mm f/1.2. It wasn't a problem on individual shots, but it was a major problem on group shots, which was a great lesson on aperture. I was shooting manual, still taking lessons, and I had owned the lens for 2 weeks. I was shooting everything with the aperture wide open. I should have been around f/8 to f/11 on the group shots, since they were 2 to 3 rows deep. Every group shot had out of focus people, depending on where I focused. With giggling girls, my shutter speed was to low. I was shooting on continuous, and that was a smart move. Next time I will hopefully do better. That lens is actually sharpest at f/5 on my camera body.
Yes please for the off camera light setup video.
As a broke photographer, for wedding photographies i usually use my A6000 and Nex 6 with an la-ea2 adapter so that i can mount Amount lenses on it. The Amount lenses i typically use are 16-50 SSM 2.8, Minolta 50mm 1.4 AF and Sony 300mm f2.8 SSM....Only e mount lens i own is the 50mm fe 1.8. Overall they are working out great and havent given up on me during weddings.
I love my Minolta A-mount lenses! So good and so affordable! Does the autofocus work Ok on your a6000?
@@spost26 Yes the autofocus is great and spot on with la-ea2 adapter. No hunting. Only downside is during video...the adapter only supports f3.5 as the fastest apeture even with a f1.4 lens.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Broke photographer?
Fuji have crop sensor but the quality is amazing
Thanks John. Thanks for all that you do and for taking a minute to chat with me on the WPPI expo floor. You’re the real deal and I appreciate you.
I really appreciate that! Glad we had a chance to chat at WPPI. Love being able to meet viewers. 👏👏
I was on SONY APSC and Change to Fullframe and it gets me way better quality in low light / but apsc is good enough for anything as u said.
Thanks for the explanation, I always wonder why someone would use Fuji cameras nowadays
for me the photography tools... Nikon D7200, Sigma art 18-35 1.8, Sigma 50-100 1.8 and if your budget can handle it the Sigma Art 200 prime.... get a second Nikon D7200 for backup... for strobes... use the Youngnuo 560 series or even better the Godox line. 3 speedlights should be more than enough
I just got the Sony a6400 and might be doing my very first wedding in August. I only have a kit lens but I think I'll have enough time to save up for 1-2 new lenses before then. Any recs for a quick buy?! I'm kind of freaking out 😅
How would someone start out on becoming a Professional Photographer on any paying gig without a portfolio no ad's + never charging anyone in the past? So Day #1 Rookie what would you do today if you were just starting out and already have enough G.E.A.R. camera bodies lenses backpacks for cameras lenses SD cards computers tripods lighting speedlights etc. etc. Thanks for your time and amazing videos.
How did you achieve the effect on that photo that you got an award for? Did you use flash?
Sorry if that’s a dumb question
The shot in the church? That was mainly all lighting. No flash at all.
14-24 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8, and 70-200 f2.8 and your set.
Hi there what would you recommend for a versatile camera, looking for something to do amazing with rodeo/motor cross sports, boudoir, and wedding/engagement?
Now you got me interested in Holdfast...and I must admit, it looks FANTASTIC!! My Nikon Z8 is on its way and I wonder if SIghtseer would be big enough for full frame lenses and gear....
It all comes down to preference
Hey, would love to know the name of the straps you have not sure if You have mentioned it but I couldn’t see it? Thank you. Thanks for the video.
John I
I love your videos. I’ve learned so much h from you. Ouse a Nikon D750 with nothing prime and zoom lenses. But when I add the 24-70 I tend to forget I have a 35 and 50mm. i have the Godox speed lights as well as the AD200 but I have problems synching them. I would love a lighting set up video.
Thanks for such a helpful video as always! I’d love to see more flash-related videos from you! I got 2 v860iii’s because of your videos re Godox flashes. I’d love to learn more about bounce flash + off-camera flash from you as I love the way you teach! Thank you 🙏🏼
Also what is the biggest you’ve been able to print without using a full frame sensor ?
Would absolutely love a full video tutorial on flashes and lighting!
1. "When you're using a zoom camera you're like separated from what is happening. When I use a prime I have to step into my photos". With my 24-70 @24 I'm separated while with your 50mm prime (=85) you step in. Okaaaay...
2. "Where as with a zoom you just stand back and you're like zooming the whole time". It may come as a surprise to you but with zoom lens you can zoom in but you can also zoom out.
3. "I know, when I use a 35mm where I need to stand". Right, but if you're not there, you have to walk there. While with a zoom lens...
4. "With a zoom, you're just like... you're always trying to figure out where the zoom is. Guess what! You can set your 24-70 constantly at 24, or 35, or 50 or 70 and all this with a twist of the wrist. No lens changing!
5. " ...and your focal length is never the same ... With the zoom sometimes you're like 33, you know, 38mm". What's wrong with 33 and 38? BTW, your "50mm" (35mm with a crop factor of 1,53) is actually 53,55mm. Ughhh...
6. "I know what my 35mm looks like, I know what 50mm looks like". What does that even mean? You never crop?
Nothing against primes!
John, I'm just teasing you. I love you man!
I need a good tutorial or class on using speed lights. I have a canon m50 and Sunpak speed light. I need help. 😫
I your content. I would love to see how you use the flashes
Awesome video man! Very helpful tips
Appreciate it!
Helpful AND entertaining! ...Thanks.
You said it Fuji film brought back your love for photography again. I guess why did you fall out of love from photography. I’m going through a similar phase.
Regarding Zooms.
As I'm " old skool " and prefer to zone focus ( especially for portrait & product photos) with exception of tracking of action shots, I tend to preset my Zooms Focal length for the effect I'm trying to achieve and them position myself as if it where a prime..
( You might find this interesting).but to shoot soft I use my 1.7 50mm + 2x Teleconverter ( as you stated in your bright sunlight day video) not only does the 50 double up as a 100mm by the teleconveter also behavies as a 2stop.ND ..
All the Best 🤗
ps: I'm not a great fan of variable NDs.
Especially the types that don't have stops to prevent you using it beyond its intended range .!
Nothing like discovering that you've missed up some of your shoots because you've accidentally ventured into the dreaded X distortion region .. 🤔
I re-watch just about everyone of your videos content is perfect and informational man. keep up the good work I know this video is a year old but I've watched it about 5 times in the last year
Excellent! Love your enthusiasm and positive approach. 10/10.
Thank you so much!
Please tell us which mode are you using to shoot wedding.
I shoot my weddings in manual
Love this video so much, thanks for sharing!
Can you do a video on off camera flashes? I’m new to wedding photography and like to learn in which scenarios would a off camera flash be useful?
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with all of us! ✨
I'd love to see more videos on how you're setting up your OCF in wedding scenarios. I always like seeing/hearing everyone's approach to learn more!
IMO, first thing to do is buy lessons, e.g. SLRlounge Wedding Course etc.. Learn OCF. Then invest in a 2 body setup with something like a 35/85 or a 24-70/70-200 Doesn't matter if you're into primes or zooms. If you learned what a focal plane is and how distance works with depth of field, you'll realize that primes or zooms becomes a preference at that point. Also, if all you're doing is bokeh, then you're using a crutch. Once you learn OCF, anything is possible.
What people need to realize is that lens choice doesn't matter. Photography is all about light. With the right light, even a phone camera can take great photos. So invest in a good light!
I agree with investing in flashes. Great video as always!
Hi John, just your opinion : i 'm sony shooter ( full frame), i have 24/1.4, 35/1.4 , 50/1.2 and 85/1.8; a longer lens ( weddings , portraits, some conferences etc..) should be the new sony 70 200 gm ii or sony 135/1.8 ( both of them super sharp and very fast autofocus)
So you have 4 bodies with the 4 primes hanging around ? If not how do you switch from 24 to 85 if you have to ? Will never understand primes for events
Did you make a flash video
KISS: Keep it simple & stupid! Love it! Thanks for a great video. Keep´em coming.
Thanks so much for watching. happy it was helpful.
I just want to say thank you for the detailed and full send vibed videos RE: wedding photography. From my very green beginnings (with my fuji xt-4) I've really enjoyed your videos. Maybe it's my fuji love or it's your vibes (hell maybe it's your smooth style) but I've enjoyed learning (and I am learning) through your videos. Keep u[ the great work. (I assume you are in for a crazy busy wedding season after the pandemic peak... wish I was ready because this is about to be a busy wedding season.
THanks again for your work. I went from thinking weddings are just an inevitable for photographers to make money at a stage to being genuinely excited at the prospect of sharing and documenting such an important and magical day for the rest of the clients lives.
Congrats on winning the Range Finder award!
Thank you so much. That's really appreciated
@@jbivphotography Most welcome mate, you're very skilled as a photographer and educator. It's nice to see you getting the accolades you have most certainly earned at this point. Thanks for all the great information :)
Using the Canon R5 I like to use my RF 70-200 as my all rounded then RF 100 macro for ring details and such. I have the rf 15-35 for wides and video too of course. I'm itching to buy one of the RF 85s but haven't budgeted for it yet lol
Here for flash videos!
Yes flash video pls. Including ur style on setting up a room with several off camera flashs : )
This might sound dumb but can you make a video or short showing how to use the holdfast money maker properly. The way you had the sightseer strapped i didnt know that was a thing. the straps holding the sightseer is usually what i have my camera hanging on.
Can you talk a little more about what you would suggest with the lenses if I don’t have a full frame camera! You mention with the lenses this is on a full frame! Do you still suggest the same lenses?
Please do a video on how you setup your lights for the receptions
Awesome! I'll make sure to put something together.
I'm of the firm belief that 24/50/135 is the best prime trio. If I'm gonna shave it down to two, I'll stick to the 24 and 50, leaving the 135 in the bag or at home, but I completely get why others would go 35/85, instead. The one point I wanna bring up, and you may have caught onto it, is that having too many lenses is a cluttered experience. Bringing a 24/35/50/85 lens kit is just too much, you'll wanna swap lenses too often.
I got a canon g7 X mark 11 camera I love it but not too sure which lens to get anyone ?
What do you think about the D3X for the wedding?
I'm not sure I'm familiar with the D3X. I'll have to look into it.
real Nice video Thank you. quick question the lenses you use are for a fullframe right? I have crop censor camera what lenses will u recommend similar to urs? or close to those. thank you
John would love to see more on flash and how to set that up. Thanks!
I used Canon when I started photography, but then I bought a the Sony A7Riii, however I love Fuji cameras as well. I just love that vintage look as well and the picture quality. Good Stuff
I use a crop sensor camera as well. You mentioned 24, 35, 50 and 85mm lenses, all good but with my camera all those jump up by 1.5. That being said my 24 acts like a 36 and my 50 like a 75.
My concern is using something as wide as the 24mm to achieve the "35mm" look may distort the image.
Nikon 14-24mm
I'm an enthusiast wedding photographer. Though I have experience, I've not been able to invest as much as I wish I could into my gear. I have a Canon 760D and an M50 (recent purchase). I use my M50 as my main.. and hope to ditch the 760D soon and replace with another mirrorless camera. My gear at the moment is 24mm 2.8, 50mm 1.8, 17-50mm 2.8 (Sigma) and the most expensive part of my kit - 70-200mm f 2.8 DG OS HSM.
But my issue isn't my gear, I think. As an enthusiast I'm usually approached by couples on a very tight budget. That includes venues. I shot at a restaurant that had a stage setup and had the ugliest, unflatteing fixed ceiling spotlights directly above the couples heads. I'm so, so disappointed by the photos. The shadows on their faces are absolutely angering to me. I tried using my speedlight, but the space was too tight and overexposed even with exposure adjustment. There were also reflective surfaces on the sides. I had light bouncing off everything. I've never been so disappointed. I knew I'd struggle when it came to those lights but I just have no idea how to work around it in the photos. My aim, and the same for the couples, are more to get clear, focused images of their day. They weren't looking for fancy, stylish shots (though my style is candid, Asian weddings often have stage photos and stage lighting is not appealing) but even though I've got those, I cant even edit it out. I'm in dire need of advice here. How do I avoid this next time?
I love your vlogs. You are very fair and unbiased, though you use Fuji gears. I happen to use Fujis, as well. Thanks for sharing and for your great videos. I learn a lot from them.
Thanks a bunch!! I really appreciate that.
Hallo John,
which Variante from the money maker strap and size you use?
Thanks for your Feedback.
KR Tom
Don't need any more presets but bought yours to say thank you for all the sharing (your presets are great too).
Hands down a great video! Is your camera a APS-C sensor? Can the Fuji Lenses be adapted to LUMIX?
I'v been a high school photographer for over 15 years, everything from sports, plays, evens and proms/dances. I guess proms are as close as I have come to a wedding, but I am pretty confident I can do a wedding. My question is, where and how do I get started in weddings? Do I look for a "second shooter" opportunity to get a wedding portfolio going? Your advice would be extremely appreciated. Thanks!
I would love to see a video about flashes and how u set them up for ur weddinggigs
Excellent video and excellent advice! I'm with you on your gear recommendations, including the use of Fuji. I'm glad this was sponsored by KEH, from whom I've bought gear in the past.
I want share a story about KEH with you and others here. My Episcopal church has an arts center and they do community outreach, including to a local private home for troubled teenage boys. This home is their last hope before heading into the system. The arts center approached me to hold a photography course for a semester since the boys expressed an interest.
I was told there would be 12 boys. My ideal would be for each boy to have his own camera to use and care for. The arts center secured a grant to allow us to buy equipment. I called KEH and explained our need. I wanted a DSLR with a zoom lens as the kit and told them how much money we had. I asked for as many cameras as we could get for the money, thinking at least some boys would have to buddy up. A few days later I got a call back saying they could provide 12 kits for the money!
They provided Canon Rebels with a kit zoom. All the cameras were in great shape and the boys and I had a blast learning the fundamentals and taking lots of photos. At the end of the course they had their own showing at the arts center and some even sold some of their photos! This was made possible by KEH working with us to support a good cause.
You're a good teacher. Thanks for making such a useful video.
You're very welcome! Thank you so much.
I'd love a video on wedding OFC with the godox/flashpoint gear! I'm new to the game, but I'm shooting with a Fuji ecosystem also (team Prime, all the way) and I just picked up a pair of AD300s and an AD400. I would love to see how you're setting up everything! And thanks for being an awesome source of inspiration & knowledge for me!
This is the most informative video I’ve watched! Thank you
Glad it was helpful!