May 2013
115 posts
thisdale asked: Hey Zack, regarding charging a client and the "Cost of doing business", i'd like your take on this; Say you know your CODB is 3K per month (rent, food, kids, car and so forth...). Does that become your base quote for clients (from which you will not go below)? Do you charge a minimum of 3K for a portrait shoot? or do you divide somehow?
caseybennettphotography asked: Hey Zack, I have a question -- up until now, all of the work I have done and received has been by word of mouth. I haven't done a lot of advertising, either. Recently, a big organization approached some photographers, myself included, to write up a proposal to bid on a contract for an upcoming campaign. Now, I'm sweating bullets -- I've never had to write a proposal before and...
Anonymous asked: in a previous post you say you didn't get a gig becasue your bid of $4500 was too low, and it should have been around $25000. You said you emailed the lady to ask why you didn't get the job. Could you explain why you asked about not getting the job? I thought we weren't supposed to be overly annoying to the people who book us? Expecting a hiring agent to give us an explanation is a...
Anonymous asked: How do you make the distinction between beeing choosen and being called by photography. I have been doing this "Photo thing" a very long time, I have dropped it in the past and it keeps coming back. Thanks for any input. Kevin
Anonymous asked: OK here's the situation, at what point do you leave your 'crappy day job' and go for photography full time? Do you stop the job all together or fade into photography gradually?
Anonymous asked: 100-400mm or 300mm
tiaanb asked: Is there much of a difference using 600w strobes over 300w? I'm on a tight budget and 300w much more in my budget.
Anonymous asked: Is a canon flash unit 580ex ii compatible with the canon eos 1000 slr camera.
Anonymous asked: Hi Zack. Do you have any recommendations in the area of Film Scanners, specifically 35mm negatives and slides. Since digital exploded, we seem to have less choices, no unanimous raving reviews on any of them and older models being sold at very high prices.
Anonymous asked: Hi Zack, I have some money to invest in my photography. I have to chose between a internet base portfolio review or pay a good new face model for a session to increment my actual portfolio (portrait, lifestyle). Want to do both but only have money to one. Any sugestion??Thanks, Fabiano, Brazil
scottalanphoto asked: I would love to shoot med. format for the sake of the large sensor. I can't afford a 10k system. I own a Bronica & a 7D. I shoot part time for extra money. Go 120 film & get the negs scanned @ 18 meg files or dont bother & just keep shooting the 7D?
Anonymous asked: You were saying that you scheduled shoots in the Middle East while traveling as "trades" rather than paid shoots... What did you trade for??
Anonymous asked: I've been reading the blog for a few weeks now and I need to ask: Are all photographers unbelievably bad spellers? Do they lack a spell checking function in their browsers? Is proof reading too much of a chore? I hate to be "that guy", but often I need to read the questions a couple times to pick through the crappy grammar. This is a semi-professional blog and not a text...
tommjohnson asked: Hi Zack, I apologize if this question has been asked before, but how do you find the time to be a husband, a father of 4, a photographer, and answer all these questions, some of which are fairly mundane?
Anonymous asked: Why did you name your son Hawke Danger? It seems like a joke to make you (the parents) look quirky and offbeat. What if he turns out to be a criminal? Just imagine the headline: "Hawke 'Danger' Robs 17 Banks in One Day in Crime Spree". Or worse: what if he wants to be an accountant? Hi, my name is Hawke Danger and I'm here to do your taxes. I'm not going to tell you...
johnwangelin asked: Do you have any suggestions for somebody wanting to get into shooting with an 8x10 camera? I've never shot film before should I try shooting a smaller format first? After seeing a few photographers shooting in this format I really like what I see.
Anonymous asked: Hey Zack. Has being a Fujifilm X-Photographer helped your career in any way?
Anonymous asked: Got caught in the pouring rain today with my X100s, kept it in the bag for the most part, however there were a few shots I snagged here and there, and a few shots I wanted but missed being quite frightened as its a $1400 Camera that is not weather sealed... Have you used yours in not so good conditions? or do you have any advice of where to put some Gaff Tape/ Silicone to improve the usability?
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.
