Portrait and Event photographer kit?

jamiebonline

jamiebonline

Messages
194
Name
Jamie
Edit My Images
No
Hi all

What would you recommend as a set up for a portrait/event photographer... camera bodies, lenses and anything else. Budget is 3000 GBP. Nikon preferred :) Cheers!
 
•

I would suggest the D750 and a non pro zoom
size 24 to 105 +/-.

I hope you'd have spare change for a SB 900,
that would be cool!
 
JJ! said:
D750 and your choice of zoom or primes - all depends on your poison!
Click to expand...
This really.

If you're 'serious' about 'investing' in kit, you really ought to know what 'you' need.

There'll be some overlap but 20 photographers would have different kit dependant on personal choices about ergonomics, shooting style, personality etc.

It's nigh on impossible to buy a 'bad' camera nowadays, but that doesn't mean buying the right one is simple.

For portraits you can likely get away with one body, but what's an 'event'?
 
What type of events? Studio portraits, outdoor portraits, natural lighting?

For studio work I'd probably recommend the D810 along with your choice of 85mm. Depending on the events it could still be a D810, although a D750 might be better. Depending on the event you might still be OK with the 85mm, but may need something wider or longer, we need more info. You also need some off camera lighting. You can do it with flash, but may be better with proper strobe lights.
 
I would recommend having 2 body for event work ........ nothing worse then the body die during an event and you have no second body to finish off the job. Also second body allows you to put a different lens on, so you can switch easily. Nothing worse then miss the money shot because you need to change the lens .....
 
2 D750 bodies, a 24-70, a 70-200 and a speedlight.

Over your budget but literally what you'll need.
 
snerkler said:
What type of events? Studio portraits, outdoor portraits, natural lighting?

For studio work I'd probably recommend the D810 along with your choice of 85mm. Depending on the events it could still be a D810, although a D750 might be better. Depending on the event you might still be OK with the 85mm, but may need something wider or longer, we need more info. You also need some off camera lighting. You can do it with flash, but may be better with proper strobe lights.
Click to expand...

Yes, it's natural lighting mostly. Not studio but outdoors and events are festivals and concerts. Of course the concerts can be indoors but I guess that's where high ISO fast lens comes in rather than speedlight (?)
 
jamiebonline said:
Yes, it's natural lighting mostly. Not studio but outdoors and events are festivals and concerts. Of course the concerts can be indoors but I guess that's where high ISO fast lens comes in rather than speedlight (?)
Click to expand...
And why much more detail was required in your opening post. :D

'Events' covers everything from hippy festivals to black tie balls via country shows and equestrian photography.

But 'portraits' also covers a huge area, where some will specialise in lighting and studio and others will go for more 'lifestyle' type options with fast glass and natural light.

If you're planning to get serious about something you have experience of, you should know exactly what you need, if you're only half serious about a vague idea, you're gambling £3k on a whim.
 
jamiebonline said:
Yes, it's natural lighting mostly. Not studio but outdoors and events are festivals and concerts. Of course the concerts can be indoors but I guess that's where high ISO fast lens comes in rather than speedlight (?)
Click to expand...
I would suggest fast primes then, and as mentioned 2 bodies if this is going to be paid work. How close will you be getting to the acts as this will also dictate what lens you will need. Also it depends if you want to go for the same type/framing of shot al the time or mix it up. For example, some UWA shots look really good for bands/concerts rather than a narrow shot of one band member. You need to decide what it is you're wanting to achieve before spending your money. If you're not sure, then you could opt for the 24-70mm f2.8 but depending on the gig you could easily find yourself shooting at 12800 iso, hence why an f1.8 or even f1.4 prime could be better suited.
 
jamiebonline said:
Yes, it's natural lighting mostly. Not studio but outdoors and events are festivals and concerts. Of course the concerts can be indoors but I guess that's where high ISO fast lens comes in rather than speedlight (?)
Click to expand...

Primes would be my choice, but focal length will be something you need to decide for yourself as its a very personal thing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top