May 2013
97 posts
antovega asked: LIGHTS. Is upgrading to Profoto, Broncolor or Elinchrom from a P.C.B. Einstein E640 worth it (as a student)? I have been working in and out as a photographer in my hometown for 2 or so years now with the E640 and I love it. It has its limitations in power and is not weather resistant at all (i'm always extra careful withit). I'm moving two NY in two weeks after 3 years of savings and a...
Anonymous asked: sometimes i think this whole rejection of DSLR thing you are on right now is more about you trying to be 'different rather than better' being different for the sake of GETTING better is one thing. being different for the sake of being stubborn teeters on annoying. If you "love Canon full frame sensors" than who cares how much it weighs? You are now carrying one giant ass camera...
Anonymous asked: Zack, my website content/portfolio, which is my most public facing image, is years old and not an accurate representation of my current work, but I have no time to update it because I have a bunch of kids, a wife, I'm busy, I stubbed my toe, and Game of Thrones is on. I could wake up an hour earlier a few days a week to find some time or or spend less time goofing off online, or I could spend...
ropalmer82 asked: Hello Zack, Have you abandon your website as far as photographic content? Seems you occasionally update your blog but apart from that it seems pretty outdated... Just curious! I'm sure it has a lot to do with the other million things on your plate!
Anonymous asked: I am shooting an event this weekend, around 30 guests, for 4 hours. Nevermind that they said they wanted me to put my 5d mark ii in "Point and Shoot" mode, want the pictures before I leave,not to use my flash since it will be indoors, and worse of all, they want me to just keep taking pictures non-stop..SPRAY AND PRAY!! :( ..What I really was wondering was how to get pics without...
Anonymous asked: God, can you imagine an Avedon button, I bet that'll be the next progressive of these filters within camera. Bresson button, Avedon Button, Arias button?
ozthekeymaster asked: Quick one Zack. I have a 5Dmk2 and a 50d. Want to have two full frames bodies. Can't afford 5Dmk3. New 6d or secondhand 5Dmk2 in your opinion?
wisda asked: Do you think you'll ever move out of ATL? Where to and why? (Pssst you should move to LA)
cossphotography asked: Canon 70-200 f2.8 Or 135 f2 Over all?
Anonymous asked: I noticed that a couple of times now you've mentioned that you have a Canon 6D that you use on occasion. Why the 6D and not the 5D Mk III?
mlboom asked: After typing up a handful of overly specific questions, I decided it'd be best to get your general thoughts and/or concerns on this topic. Adobe Creative Cloud. Good/bad/why? Cheers.
Anonymous asked: Zack - your lowlight post was awesome, and I found it to be a great help, thank you. But there are still people who only ever use "crappy light" like Jeff Ascough. And thats why it still makes a lot of sense for wedding photographers to have 5d mk3 and the 1.2 lenses! Its one of the few forms of photography, other than sports and nature, which requrie expensive gear!
scottmeide asked: I have been working on my carrer as a editorial/commercial Portraiture photographer for the last 6 years. I have hit the street and have had a couple of portfolio viewings but no hits on jobs. Well I now have a deadline on staying in LA or moving to Charlotte in 6 months. I have decide to contact "i heart creative" to use there service as a consultant. What i am looking to get is -...
Anonymous asked: When for weeks I compulsively check your blog several times a day to learn how the story of Pentax ends and every time I'm confronted with the March 22nd picture of Esin Görür laughing, is she laughing at me?
bensemisch asked: What are "Must Have" elements to a photographers website? Also are there any photographers you feel who have totally nailed the website thing?
Anonymous asked: Which card do you use with your new fuji x100s?
ernestgarver asked: Zack, as a well known and respected photographer I wonder if you still get the occasional client that may balk at your rates and even go as far as to ask why it should cost so much? I've grown comfortable with my pricing and quality of work but I still struggle with explaining why my rates are what they are to the average client to be. Any advice on how to better explain why a good pro...
Anonymous asked: Hey Zack! Lens hood or NO lens hood? Do you think they really have effect on the images? Can't really find on the net a good lens hood vs no lens hood comparison. Thanks!
Anonymous asked: Hi Zack, I have been photographing weddings with 550D & a 50mm f1.8, 35 mm f2. I had some focusing problems at 1.8 with the 50mm. Many shots go out of focus and they are not sharp even at 1.8. Could you help me with. What is the best way to get sharp focus shots in a wedding specially a Indian wedding. Another thing I wanted to ask is Back button focusing. Do you use it, does it really help....
Anonymous asked: Most often I feel that taking good photos is all about being a good retoucher - creating dramatic skies when none exist, popping that extra colour in the eye (adding a tinge of coloured hue) et al. Unfortunately, from what I see - photography is nothing but creative canvas. Has the concept of photography shifted from freezing a moment to creating a fantasy story?
michaelrpdx asked: To pick up on that "shoot with an 85, nothing but an 85, for a year thread. OK, the year is up. Now spend a year with a 28 or a 35 or a 200? Or does a year with one focal length give you the needed lessons of zooming with feet, thinking/seeing the world that way, etc. (if new year, new lens I'll assume which one depends on the person and their interests.)
michaelrpdx asked: Way back when a photojournalist visiting our photo class said "all you need is a 28 and a 200". It's been over 30 years and her words, and a couple of the images, still live in my brain. What's your take on the advice?
Anonymous asked: What's your favourite "I just want to go and shoot stuff for fun" location in Atlanta and why? Do you ever actually get to go out and just shoot for fun?
abepak asked: How do you place priority on which questions you answer first? Is it the first one to catch your eyes? The order in which it was received? Registered users questions first then anonymous? Just curious about how you go through, what I would imagine would be, a large amount of questions.
greggevanwhite asked: I am thinking of getting the new Pixel chromebook, and changing my workflow to simplify and just shoot jpg's sooc with my X Pro1. I have been happy with Chrome, both the browser and other chromebooks for general dorking it. I plan to keep an Apple machine going for when I shoot RAW. Just thinking about doing this for my next laptop upgrade to keep things interesting. Are you seeing any flaws...
garyplais asked: Hello Zack, I've been into photography on and off since 1975 but I'm now interested in getting serious. I recently purchased a new to me Nikon D300 and have several prime manual focus lenses (50 f1.4, 24 f2.8 and 105 f2.8). I am looking for some good online courses for both the basics and advanced topics such as lighting and posing. My goal is to make photography my 3rd career (at...
Anonymous asked: Dear Strong Bad,How do you type with boxing gloves on? - Mike, Bend Oregon. Loved the Homestar reference in the onelite outtakes ;)
Anonymous asked: Chetah q box vs Westcott Apollo 28 "
Anonymous asked: I still shoot most everything with my 90mm fuji 6x9. My post process is to develop then scan. This is time consuming, but every time I try out digital cameras I become frustrated by all their needless features and lack of focus on the essentials that I simply decide to just stick with what works for me. Could you recommend any <$3k (used) digital cameras that you think could replace my fuji...
Anonymous asked: Hey Zack, I'm Looking to build a studio, white backdrop 'cyc wall'. Would you go with wood or concrete? Any suggestions for ideal curve? Does the surface have to be super smooth? Perfect size in a dream world? Will be used for standards size groups/portraits. Going to setup a studio in Asia, costs will be cheaper than here, so up for ideas. Thanks!
Anonymous asked: Hey Zack! I'm currently shooting with a D700, 50 1.4 and 35 2 with a battery grip. Love the set up, but I feel like I'm missing moments and shots by not having the camera with me when I'm out. I like to document things and take portraits. Would moving to an x100s or X Pro 1 be a dumb move? The selling of my gear would also help pay off some debt.
Anonymous asked: Any advice on how I can improve my ability to take pictures of my kids, all of whom are under 5. I feel like my pictures are flat. Do you recommend reading more books, workshops, etc.? I feel like I take a million pics but have not improved much. Thanks and welcome back.
buttondownphotography asked: zach, I know I've asked a couple of questions on here. I value the input you give and appreciate your honesty. I haven't been able to find any responses to my questions, even when using the search. You get a lot on here, and it's unreasonable for me to think that you could always tend to them all. Maybe you do, and hats off to you if so! Am I just missing your response?
themagicaxeman asked: Hey Zack, I'm just an amateur who enjoys his photography but I have a few problems, namely that I'm severely disabled and bed bound 24/7, been in the same bed, same room for the last 4.5 years, now I'm not a miserable sod in fact I'm cool with how life has gone for me and most days I could find something to shoot, but lately its like I've lost my mojo, hell its like its...
Anonymous asked: What documents do you carry with you for your gear when traveling internationally? Do you always travel with a carnet or 4455? Can you please share and explain when to use what forms? Is there any difference in what forms one must travel with traveling internationally on assignment versus personal?
Anonymous asked: How did you not end up shooting yourself while researching medium format digital systems? I'm looking into getting a used setup for fine art still life and portraiture, and I'm going bananas. I was an inch away from a Hasselblad HD3 system and then I saw how expensive Hasselblad lenses are (even the adapter to use V lenses is $1,000). So it's back to square one for me. How did you...
whatspencerlikes asked: Zack, I'm glad that someone said something about the whole Jonathan thing from yesterday, and I'm glad that you addressed it the way you did. Sadly, to me, it came off the same way, but now that I know more of the background then your answer makes a lot more sense. I read it and thought to myself, "Wow Zack" and then moved on because I didn't think you needed to explain...
Anonymous asked: Wow, have a bad day? Was there any reason why you had to be a total ass to jonathanthomaspage with him saying that he's not confident in telling people his prices and selling himself short? No, let's not address that directly, let's go off on a tangent/rant full of snark. If he wasn't shy before, he is now. It's like telling someone who's in a deep depression to...
jonathanthomaspage asked: I've never felt comfortable taking money for something I enjoy doing. Fundamentally I guess I don't see the value in my work. I feel like any price I pick is too high, my shots could be better, or I could deliver more. I *literally* freeze up when people ask me how much for xyz and then proceed to sell myself short. It sucks. Any tips on how to get over it and stop shooting myself in the...
Anonymous asked: Are you related to Jodi? Both photographers, both murderers? Da daa dummmm
wmckim asked: Hi Zack, do you have any tips on how best to deal with cash flow problems from long term/big jobs? Do you have a credit line for these situations or do you give the client a specified payment schedule to avoid any problems? Is it best to avoid these bigger jobs early in your career altogether?
Anonymous asked: What do you have to say about the 'shoot to share' syndrome?
momentspause asked: Zack: I'm an older (38), hobbyist photographer with little self-esteem and difficulty approaching people but who loves the process of creating images. I admit I seek approval and some recognition of my work, but photography isn't my career-its my main creative outlet. I use DSLRs and some film,am mostly self-taught,can't afford fancy gear & certainly couldn't dream of...
Anonymous asked: "If you don't have it, don't show it" But, here's my problem...I've been working for someone else for 7 years and have recently started my own business. The studio where I worked owns all the copyrights on all the photos I've made there, so I don't have much personal work to show. What do I do?!
Anonymous asked: Hey Zack, A follow up on the ratio post please. I'm missing something. You said "You can only know ratios by using a light meter.". I don't follow. I don't get why you need to meter it to know the ratio? Before you say that you talk about how so many stops equate to a certain ratio, e.g. 3 stops difference equals a ratio of 1:8. Can't you just say my key is full 1/1...
Anonymous asked: Could you please explain to us what light ratios are ? Heard it in one of your videos :)
adamrasheed asked: Hey Zack! First of all, thanks for making the how to guide on seamless. It helped me start doing press kits! Secondly, I'm currently rocking a Nikon D200 and some decent glass. I have a couple of hundred dollars to invest. Should I get 1) my 50mm first prime 2) a couple of YNG flashes (I'm currently using Chinese strobes for the seamless stuff) Or 3) some moo business cards and a premium...
Anonymous asked: I've seen your white seamless tutorial and love it, I have 3 speedlights with 3 Pocktwizards, but don't have access to more powerful studio lights. Do you have any tips for making white seamless headshots work with speedlights?
jpmanninen asked: Not really a Q, but: I've put down 3000 EUR in a camera and a lens. I put more money in speedlights and triggers. Umbrellas. Stands. Damn 3/8" studs. I read your and Hobby's X100s reviews. I want that camera. I look at used X100 cameras. I want a new lens for 300 EUR. I want a new workstation and monitor. All this want is not getting me better photographs. Which is why I put down...
josepach asked: OK Mr Arias, this is the second and final round of the amazingly normal game of PICK ONE: Joe McNally or Mark Seliger? Creative Suite or Creative Cloud? Fuji or PhaseOne? Einsteins or Elinchrom? Twitter or Instagram? Cuba or India? Rolling Stone or TIME? Jack White or Deepspace 5? and for the 1 million kudos prize: Wells Bombardier or Newcastle Brown Ale? Thanks for sharing your knowledge and...
