Hello All~
Several posts ago I talked about equipment buying/selling, sharing, borrowing, and renting. Since then I had the opportunity to try out one of the rental joints, Cameralensrentals.com.
I'll save you all the suspense, the experience was good. I placed the order online. Shortly thereafter, they confirmed availability and acceptance of my order. Lens arrived on a Thursday just like they said they would. I ordered a Canon 24-70 f2.8L and the Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS. My official rental period (I chose 10 days) didn't start until the Friday. I like that.
The lenses were wrapped in bubblewrap inside softcases (with UV filters, caps, and hoods) and then packed well in lots of scalloped foam in an appropriately sized box. Also in the box was instructions, an invoice, and a return Fedex label (shipping was part of my original cost).
The price was cheaper or at least on par with the other 1/2 dozen places I shopped and CLR offered a 10% for a first-time user. Not too shabby.
The lenses seemed to be in fine shape, although I expected more out of L glass. They weren't as amazingly or consistently sharp, bright, or fast as I thought they would be. Of course, this is no reflection on CLR. Just on these lenses and perhaps my overzealous expectations.
The day before I was due to ship the lenses back, I received an e-mail reminder from CLR just as they told me they would. The day of shipping I got an email asking that I replace the return label with a new one they were sending via email (apparently to change the shipping from ground to air or express). They wanted the lens back on Wednesday rather than Friday. As long as it was their extra dime, fine by me!
Then I got a call to once again remind me to ship, but it was already happily with the Fedex/Kinko's folk by that point! So, as long as they are happy with the condition the lenses are in when they see them tomorrow (and I believe them to be the same way I got them), I'd have to give the whole experience a big thumbs-up. CLR was easy to work with and did everything they promised. Having said that, I see no reason not to use them again, but I am interested to know how the other rental joints work. So, if you have experience with other photography equipment rental outfits, please comment on this blog and let everybody know about it. Thanks!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Dolar Wedding
Just a quickshot from the end of the ceremony for Michelle and Nate this past Saturday. It was a super laid-back beautiful wedding at the Church of the Beatitudes and a rockin' party at the home of the bride's parents. Nice work, Pat and Mike! (who was the caterer? The dinner was amazing!) Everybody was having such a good time that I went an hour OT because I didn't want to miss anything!
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Dolar!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
happy couple
Another shot of Chris and Erin (I've got a wedding today, so you'll get some new faces, soon, but aren't these two just a handsome couple!??!!).
Friday, March 27, 2009
finger pointing friday: march 27, 2009
Haven't done one of these in a bit. So today we point you toward great photo info from all around cyberspace.
- The online photo mag PhotographyBB Magazine has just released their latest issue, #14. All their issues are print quality PDF's. Always a few good bits of info and lots of pix. This issue includes info on Photography and the Law, Ireland, post-processing, and more.
- Dslr sensor cleaning tutorial over at Camera Dojo!
- Chase Jarvis recommends going above and beyond. For your client, of course, but also to expand your own creativity.
- David Hobby (the Strobist) points us to Nick Turpin, UK street and commercial shooter. He really pulls off a great look with just snooted and boomed speedlites.
- Fancy product shooting at Lighting Essentials.
- Bunch of great stuff, once again, from Digital Photography School:Capturing Energy and Emotion in Children , 50 must-have wedding shots , Macro Photography for Beginners Part 1 , Macro Photography for Beginners Part 2
Thursday, March 26, 2009
sunset at the dawn of love
One more Chris and Erin and a glorious sunset. How can you go wrong with that?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
the wedding of erin and chris
Yesterday was the terrific wedding of Erin and Chris over at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort. Great place for a wedding. Beautiful grounds, gardens, etc. For some formals, the coordinator wisked us off in a golf cart partway up the mountain to get some great images near sunset. Sunset in the desert can be a beautiful thing, but I think it was trumped this time by the beautiful bride and her beaming new hubby!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
first faves from the lineberry rehearsal dinner!
Just a few immediate favorites from Friday's rehearsal dinner for the Lineberry wedding. Mostly the adorable kids, but they always liven up any event. Can't wait for the real thing in just about 13 hours! Congratulations Erin and Chris!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
you can't afford bad photography
Just saw this over at the PixelatedImage Blog and had to filch it.
Friends don't let friends (or relatives) shoot their weddings! Just say no! This is your wedding. This is your wedding on bad photography.
See my article Why Hire a Pro? for lots of good reasons why you are better off with a professional photographer. Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
a very large group shot
Here's one way to do a very large group shot, compliments of our friends over at Squeeze the Lime...
LIME012 - 800 people groupshot from Lime Photography on Vimeo.
LIME012 - 800 people groupshot from Lime Photography on Vimeo.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
sharing equipment & equipment rental
Equipment. Camera bodies, lenses, flashes, brackets, remote triggers, lights, stands, umbrellas, softboxes, filters, cases, computers, software, plugins, etc. etc. etc.....
Adds up. Fast and to a high sum. So what's the little guy supposed to do? For starters, most of us do what I did. Start small and trade-up, trade-up, trade-up. It's a little trickier than it sounds because in the age of digital equipment, you have to time your trade-ups, sales, and buys very carefully. Sell too soon and you're not getting all the value out of your gear. Wait too long and the equipment is fast obsolete and worth only pennies on the dollar.
Another appealing option, especially in the current economic climate is some sharing within the community. When all your photographic acquaintances are busy and perhaps feeling competitive, this proves difficult. In tougher times like we are experiencing now, I suspect that many photographers are more idle than they like and their gear is just sitting around, too. In this situation, I think sharing or even renting gear from person to person is an ideal solution.
Between the economy and the influx of newbies because of the relative ease and accessibility of digital, photography as a business is under attack. Working together in the photographic community to foster the maintainance of commerce and quality is one way to preserve our craft and our business. And renting gear from person to person (rather than from the online sources that I will discuss shortly) keeps cashflow in the hands of the photographers.
Of course, another option is online rental of equipment. There are many outlets for renting equipment. Primarily lenses and bodies, but in some cases, lights and other equipment as well.
Some options include:
I've heard good things about all of these. I just placed an order with the last one, CameraLensRentals. I'll post something about that experience in a few weeks after I see how that goes.
And lastly, perhaps the best option of all might very well be a rich relative that likes to spoil you or a winning lottery ticket, or some insider knowledge on the stock exchange!
Please comment with ideas about how we can maintain our business and the quality of our work in these uncertain economic times. Also, any personal experiences with the online rental joints mentioned about or any others that you recommend.
Adds up. Fast and to a high sum. So what's the little guy supposed to do? For starters, most of us do what I did. Start small and trade-up, trade-up, trade-up. It's a little trickier than it sounds because in the age of digital equipment, you have to time your trade-ups, sales, and buys very carefully. Sell too soon and you're not getting all the value out of your gear. Wait too long and the equipment is fast obsolete and worth only pennies on the dollar.
Another appealing option, especially in the current economic climate is some sharing within the community. When all your photographic acquaintances are busy and perhaps feeling competitive, this proves difficult. In tougher times like we are experiencing now, I suspect that many photographers are more idle than they like and their gear is just sitting around, too. In this situation, I think sharing or even renting gear from person to person is an ideal solution.
Between the economy and the influx of newbies because of the relative ease and accessibility of digital, photography as a business is under attack. Working together in the photographic community to foster the maintainance of commerce and quality is one way to preserve our craft and our business. And renting gear from person to person (rather than from the online sources that I will discuss shortly) keeps cashflow in the hands of the photographers.
Of course, another option is online rental of equipment. There are many outlets for renting equipment. Primarily lenses and bodies, but in some cases, lights and other equipment as well.
Some options include:
I've heard good things about all of these. I just placed an order with the last one, CameraLensRentals. I'll post something about that experience in a few weeks after I see how that goes.
And lastly, perhaps the best option of all might very well be a rich relative that likes to spoil you or a winning lottery ticket, or some insider knowledge on the stock exchange!
Please comment with ideas about how we can maintain our business and the quality of our work in these uncertain economic times. Also, any personal experiences with the online rental joints mentioned about or any others that you recommend.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Johnson Ranch Daddy Daughter Dance
Some pix from the Johnson Ranch Daddy Daughter Dance of 2/13/09. Disks go in the mail on Monday folks!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
short finger point
Perhaps I should call it a pinky point, today.
Just wanted to clue everybody in on a contest that offers an amazing opportunity.
Imagine if you dare: You devise, in that crazy Rube Goldberg mind of yours, the perfect photo shoot. Perfect location, perfect subject, props, and gear, everything - bodies, lenses, lights, PW's, powerpacks, the works. Stylists, makeup, assistants, whatever it takes. Now imagine $50,000 to make it reality!
That's what the contest is all about. You submit an idea, and if you win, you get to fulfill the dream with 50 Large!
Photocritic tipped me off to it with this blogpost
and here is the actual contest site with further information. It appears to be sponsored by Lenovo and Microsoft, so the deeps pockets are all lined up. Anywho.... it seems like too good an opportunity to let slide by. So, my brainstorming will have to start with location.... Tuscany?, Bangladesh? Patagonia? hmmm.....
Get thinking, friends!
Just wanted to clue everybody in on a contest that offers an amazing opportunity.
Imagine if you dare: You devise, in that crazy Rube Goldberg mind of yours, the perfect photo shoot. Perfect location, perfect subject, props, and gear, everything - bodies, lenses, lights, PW's, powerpacks, the works. Stylists, makeup, assistants, whatever it takes. Now imagine $50,000 to make it reality!
That's what the contest is all about. You submit an idea, and if you win, you get to fulfill the dream with 50 Large!
Photocritic tipped me off to it with this blogpost
and here is the actual contest site with further information. It appears to be sponsored by Lenovo and Microsoft, so the deeps pockets are all lined up. Anywho.... it seems like too good an opportunity to let slide by. So, my brainstorming will have to start with location.... Tuscany?, Bangladesh? Patagonia? hmmm.....
Get thinking, friends!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Part 2 with Lime
Sounds like a recipe, doesn't it? Squeeze the Lime posted a follow-up video to their real engagement photo shoot video from a few weeks ago. Take a look.
LIME009 - A real life engagement session - Part II from Lime Photography on Vimeo.
LIME009 - A real life engagement session - Part II from Lime Photography on Vimeo.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
spirit
It seems there was a haunted house on the outskirts of town which was avoided by all the townfolk - the ghost that resided there was feared by all.
However, an enterprising photojournalist decided to get the scoop of the day by photographing the fearsome phantom. When he entered the house, armed with only his camera, the ghost descended upon him, clanking chains and howling a terrible, tortured din.
The photographer told the ghost "I mean no harm - I just want your photograph for my newspaper." The ghost thought about it for a moment and decided that photographs might help him spread fear all the more efficiently. He posed for a number of ghostly shots.
The happy journalist rushed back to his dark room, and began developing the photos. Unfortunately, they turned out to be underexposed, completely black.
Apparently, the spirit was willing but the flash was weak.
However, an enterprising photojournalist decided to get the scoop of the day by photographing the fearsome phantom. When he entered the house, armed with only his camera, the ghost descended upon him, clanking chains and howling a terrible, tortured din.
The photographer told the ghost "I mean no harm - I just want your photograph for my newspaper." The ghost thought about it for a moment and decided that photographs might help him spread fear all the more efficiently. He posed for a number of ghostly shots.
The happy journalist rushed back to his dark room, and began developing the photos. Unfortunately, they turned out to be underexposed, completely black.
Apparently, the spirit was willing but the flash was weak.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Masters of Photography
A video about wedding photography featuring a number of the photographers whose work I follow, admire, and learn from.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Joey Lawrence gets around
Just a fun video of JoeyL shooting in Ethiopia for seven weeks or so. This kid is living the life. Be warned, the video is long (about 16 min.) and there is some nudity, profanity, and livestock slaughter, but it's not really as bad as all that. Enjoy.
Joey L in Ethiopia from Joey L on Vimeo.
Joey L in Ethiopia from Joey L on Vimeo.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Finger Pointin': Mon., 2.16.09
Big news on the wireless transmitter front. Pocketwizard has announced the Mini and the Flex and several outlets are already talking about them. As I am still on the fence about what to buy, I'll have to move Pocketwizard back to a place higher on my list. Pocketwizard, Radiopopper, and Paul C. Buff's stuff are my current top three in no particular order. On the plus side, Pocketwizard's new items are coming out in Canon compatible versions first. Nikon and pro strobes later. Here are a few links and then other news:
- For starters, Chase Jarvis is pretty excited about the PW's. Check out his post.
- Not to be outdone, David Hobby is right there with more info and a vid.
- Of course, we should post Pocketwizard themselves.
- In other news, parody site Fake Chuck Westfall is getting some flack.
- Here is a really interesting interview with Bil Zelman over on the Strobist - pay special attention to his comments on green uplighting, blur, and visual texture.
- DPS's take on indoor sports photography
- David Ziser on shooting the bouquet toss
- The Digital Trekker BlogFAQ: How do you shoot/approach people?
- Strobist: Fancy setup to shoot a hummingbird / very cool!
Enjoy these and stay tuned!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Bride's Choice Award for 2009!
WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced that Ron Warren Photography has won the 2009 Bride’s Choice Awards™!
In its inaugural year, the Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and honors vendors from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. This year’s recipients represent the top three percent of WeddingWire’s vendor community, which includes over 100,000 wedding vendors from across the US. That means Ron Warren Photography is one of the very best photographers.
Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the company, the Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews.
“We are excited to launch this annual award program to honor high-performing vendors based solely on the experiences of our WeddingWire community,” according to Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s recipients have set the bar high, exhibiting excellent service and expertise in the wedding industry.”
We'd like to thank our past clients for speaking on our behalf and helping us win the 2009 Bride’s Choice Award!
Monday, February 09, 2009
father/daughter dance
Had the privilege to shoot formals at a father/daughter dance at a local elementary school on Saturday. I had intended to shoot formals and get candids out on the dance floor, but I had a line of people for the formals the entire evening! Knocked off over 50 portraits in under three hours. Here is one of my favorites...
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