$15,000 to spend for my business, what to get.

blackwaterstudio

As the title says, I have (or will have shortly) $15,000 to spend for my photography business.

I need to get a new body, 1-series, a couple of lens (what I already have is in my sig) lighting equipment, backdrops, reflectors, PW, etc. Also need to spend some on advertising, news papers, tv, etc.

So from all the pro's and down, how would you go about spending it?

JimM

Okay, I'll start the answer with a question.... what are you looking to focus on for your business (type of photography)???

Why do you need a 1-series?

Jeffro

Wow....lucky you! Gee where would I start?

blackwaterstudio

My business has slowy grown from when I opened it in October. The equipment I have now is listed in my sig.

As for what I'll be doing, I'm going to focus on sports, and portrait, model photography. However I plan to open it up to do weddings, and some commerical product photography.

The 1-series will be for the sports mostly, because of the super AF performance you get.

Jeffro

blackwaterstudio wrote:

My business has slowy grown from when I opened it in October. The equipment I have now is listed in my sig.

As for what I'll be doing, I'm going to focus on sports, and portrait, model photography. However I plan to open it up to do weddings, and some commerical product photography.

The 1-series will be for the sports mostly, because of the super AF performance you get.

One Mark 1D II N to start, and maybe a 5D too, then....

DanielB

1DmkIIN a 5D, a 17-40 f/4L for wide, an 85 f/1.8 for portrait, a Canon 100 macro for product shots, a 70-200 2.8 IS for the sports.and whatever else you think you need...

blackwaterstudio

I was thinking about the Mark II N and using my 20D as a backup. Not really into the full frame stuff just yet.

Bob Bell

blackwaterstudio wrote:

I was thinking about the Mark II N and using my 20D as a backup. Not really into the full frame stuff just yet.

The 1DN is a very good body. Very popular with sports and nature shooters.

Assuming you have commercial insurance with umbrella coverage for your shoots, etc... I would think about:

I would pick up a set for power pack Profotos, Elinchrom, Speedotrons. 3 ~800 watt lights plus what you need to flush out a background. I am guessing thats around 4 grand. So your at 8 grand spent so far.

I am assuming you need a portable background setup. I would allocate a grand to that, although you would probably spend less since a good portait background stand is only like $2-250 and I am guessing you will pick up 3-4 backgrounds.

So that leaves you with 6 grand.

Lenses, I would suggest a 24-70 and 70-200. I use both (28-70/L instead)for portraits and the 70-200 works for sports when your on the sidelines.

That leaves you about 3 grand for marketing.

Just an idea.

blackwaterstudio

Ok guys, after doing some messing around here's what I've come up with. Let me know what you think;

Camera Equipment;
• Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, 8.2 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera = $3995
• Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens = $679.95
• Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Lens = $1149.95
• Sekonic L-558R Dualmaster - Digital Incident, Spot and Flash Light Meter = $484.95
• Sekonic Digital Radio Transmitter Module = $49.95
• Pocket-Wizard MultiMax 32 Channel Transceiver Radio Slave = $276.95
• 4 x Pocket-Wizard Radio Slave Plus 4 Channel Receiver = $704.00
• Savage Widetone Seamless Paper Background - 107"x 12 yds. Super White = $39.95
• Savage Widetone Seamless Paper Background - 107"x 12 yds. Super Black = $39.95

Lighting;
• B1600 AlienBees B1600-Alien Green x 3 = $1079.85
• LB11 Boom Arm Attachment with 11-pound Counterweight x 1= $89.95
• V300 The Vagabond 300 System x 1 = $499.95
• CF20 Set of 20 Color Gels x 1 = $48.95
• HG4X Four Honeycomb Grids x 1 = $99.95
• LS1100 Backlight Stand x 1 = $24.95
• LS3050 10-foot General Purpose Stand x 1 = $39.95
• LS3900 13-foot Heavy Duty Stand x 2 = $139.90
• LSB48 Stand Carrying Bag x 1 = $49.95
• SB3060 Giant Softbox (with LGSR) x 3 = $419.85

What I still haven't added to the list is two 4gb CF cards, and background stand. That brings me to right about $9900, which leaves me with $5138.47 left over to advertise with and put the rest in the bank.

If anyone can come up with something cheaper and better let me know please

Bob Bell

blackwaterstudio wrote:

Ok guys, after doing some messing around here's what I've come up with. Let me know what you think;

• 
  Camera Equipment;
• Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, 8.2 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera = $3995
• Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens = $679.95
• Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Lens = $1149.95
• Sekonic L-558R Dualmaster - Digital Incident, Spot and Flash Light Meter = $484.95
• Sekonic Digital Radio Transmitter Module = $49.95
• Pocket-Wizard MultiMax 32 Channel Transceiver Radio Slave = $276.95
• 4 x Pocket-Wizard Radio Slave Plus 4 Channel Receiver = $704.00
• Savage Widetone Seamless Paper Background - 107"x 12 yds. Super White = $39.95
• Savage Widetone Seamless Paper Background - 107"x 12 yds. Super Black = $39.95

• 
  Lighting;
• B1600 AlienBees B1600-Alien Green x 3 = $1079.85
• LB11 Boom Arm Attachment with 11-pound Counterweight x 1= $89.95
• V300 The Vagabond 300 System x 1 = $499.95
• CF20 Set of 20 Color Gels x 1 = $48.95
• HG4X Four Honeycomb Grids x 1 = $99.95
• LS1100 Backlight Stand x 1 = $24.95
• LS3050 10-foot General Purpose Stand x 1 = $39.95
• LS3900 13-foot Heavy Duty Stand x 2 = $139.90
• LSB48 Stand Carrying Bag x 1 = $49.95
• SB3060 Giant Softbox (with LGSR) x 3 = $419.85

What I still haven't added to the list is two 4gb CF cards, and background stand. That brings me to right about $9900, which leaves me with $5138.47 left over to advertise with and put the rest in the bank.

If anyone can come up with something cheaper and better let me know please

I am curious why you are picking Alien Bees for professional studio conditions?

gluwater

I'm no pro, barely an amatuer but I'm wondering what you'll be doing with the 17-40? For portraits or model shots? I always thought that was to wide for shots like that? I would think you would be fine with just the 24-70.

blackwaterstudio

Bob Bell wrote:

I am curious why you are picking Alien Bees for professional studio conditions?

Bob, I've not settled on the AB, its the first site I went to and I really haven't had a chance to look at the others yet.

And I know quite a few professional model photog's that use AB's in their studio's. You can't beat the customer service AB has.

blackwaterstudio

gluwater wrote:

I'm no pro, barely an amatuer but I'm wondering what you'll be doing with the 17-40? For portraits or model shots? I always thought that was to wide for shots like that? I would think you would be fine with just the 24-70.

I've been thinking about replacing the 17-40 with either the 50 1.4 or 85 1.8, possible the 85 1.2

Jamoke

blackwaterstudio wrote:

And I know quite a few professional model photog's that use AB's in their studio's. You can't beat the customer service AB has.

I was about to buy the same AB's you listed... I didn't know there was anything, sub-par about these products. I'm interested to know why you wouldn't/shouldn't consider these professionally

Jamoke

blackwaterstudio wrote:

I've been thinking about replacing the 17-40 with either the 50 1.4 or 85 1.8, possible the 85 1.2

85 1.8 - Perfect lens for portraits... Unless you have an extra 5,000 and you want to spend some on a 1.2... I think the 1.8 is plenty perfect of a lens. I think Andy Sold his 1.2 about 4 months ago in preference to the 1.8. (Could be wrong...)

Bob Bell

Jamoke wrote:

I was about to buy the same AB's you listed... I didn't know there was anything, sub-par about these products. I'm interested to know why you wouldn't/shouldn't consider these professionally

The few times I have been around them, the color temp wanders as they heat up. Kind of a bad thing if you are going for accurate color reproduction. I would assume this is a huge thing for wedding shots with all of their pure whites and blacks. Assuming he is going to run a photo studio, I would expect products more specific to that market like power pack strobes.

Maybe this is just a personal nit pick but its too much post to fix it.

I don't think there is anything wrong with them for casual use.

This is my opinion but I do think its the right choice.

Jamoke

Bob Bell wrote:

The few times I have been around them, the color temp wanders as they heat up.

Maybe this is just a personal nit pick but its too much post to fix it.

I don't have any experience with them, but it looks like I have some research to do before I pick up my set. I hadn't heard this, thanks for your opinion/experience!

Bob Bell

Jamoke wrote:

I don't have any experience with them, but it looks like I have some research to do before I pick up my set. I hadn't heard this, thanks for your opinion/experience!

Your mileage might vary. I push lights pretty hard in studio shoots and they usually only cool down when models are getting their makeup or hair changed. I use a speedotron brown line and the power pack was getting fixed for a couple weeks so I borrowed either AB or WL. Can't remember but its the same company.

ReddKatt

blackwaterstudio wrote:

Ok guys, after doing some messing around here's what I've come up with. Let me know what you think;

• 
  Camera Equipment;
• Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, 8.2 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera = $3995
• Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens = $679.95
• Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Lens = $1149.95
• Sekonic L-558R Dualmaster - Digital Incident, Spot and Flash Light Meter = $484.95
• Sekonic Digital Radio Transmitter Module = $49.95
• Pocket-Wizard MultiMax 32 Channel Transceiver Radio Slave = $276.95
• 4 x Pocket-Wizard Radio Slave Plus 4 Channel Receiver = $704.00
• Savage Widetone Seamless Paper Background - 107"x 12 yds. Super White = $39.95
• Savage Widetone Seamless Paper Background - 107"x 12 yds. Super Black = $39.95

• 
  Lighting;
• B1600 AlienBees B1600-Alien Green x 3 = $1079.85
• LB11 Boom Arm Attachment with 11-pound Counterweight x 1= $89.95
• V300 The Vagabond 300 System x 1 = $499.95
• CF20 Set of 20 Color Gels x 1 = $48.95
• HG4X Four Honeycomb Grids x 1 = $99.95
• LS1100 Backlight Stand x 1 = $24.95
• LS3050 10-foot General Purpose Stand x 1 = $39.95
• LS3900 13-foot Heavy Duty Stand x 2 = $139.90
• LSB48 Stand Carrying Bag x 1 = $49.95
• SB3060 Giant Softbox (with LGSR) x 3 = $419.85

What I still haven't added to the list is two 4gb CF cards, and background stand. That brings me to right about $9900, which leaves me with $5138.47 left over to advertise with and put the rest in the bank.

If anyone can come up with something cheaper and better let me know please

What about looking at the Canon EOS 5D. That is a higher pixel camera *12.7 megapixels I believe it is* and the body is selling for ...hrm..$2700 or so. That is the camera I am planning to purchase when my loan comes through. I can use all my Canon lenses and assorted equipment from the analog Canon bodies I have. I just looked at a head to head review between the Canon 5D and the Nikon 200D I believe it was? The Canon scored VERY well..higher overall in the reviewers opinon.
Also, don't forget to look on eBay for backdrops, light kits, boom arms, lightstands, etc. There are some GREAT deals on there. I am getting more than a little addicted *drool*. lol

Kathie

Owen

I do find the color temperature wanders on my AB but not enough to warrant calling them sub-par. They are excellent and many photographers use them, professional and not. One up-and-coming fashion photographer that comes to mind is Pamela Reed. All ABs.

Shay Stephens

My suggestion would be to not blow your wad on equipment. Figure out what you need, to earn enough money in profit, to afford the extra equipment as business needs dictate. How is the 1D going to earn it's keep? How much profit will it make above an beyond the 20D? Don't think like a photographer when it comes to buying equipment or you will easily overspend on things that won't show a payback.

Many times, the equipment outlay is not justifiable. Many would benefit more by having some ready capital at hand to market, finish big jobs, cover emergencies, etc.

Buy what you need, of course, but be wise about what you get, and put each decision through the profit ringer before commiting.

David_S85

I'd stop at $10,000 for the equipment.

You're also going to need photographer's or business insurance, advertising and marketing, licenses and fees depending where you shoot. Possibly travel expenses, and don't forget working capital in a bank.

Subscriptions, and memberships in trade organizations, the local chamber of commerce (sometimes it's a lot of money - our local ones charge a few hundred per year per full time employee), etc., etc. Accountant/lawyer? It all adds up very fast.

If you ever need another loan to propel your business forward, if you don't have business cash assets in the bank, commercial institutions will find little justification in loaning you more money.

Spend 2/3 on equipment, and take a long pause.

Better yet, before you spend penny one, do a business plan, a projected income statement, and THEN buy equipment.

David_S85

Shay and I were typing similar thoughts at the same time.

I was a retailer for 30 years, and placed things in the wrong order very early on and made plenty of mistakes. Physical assets don't count as much as a sound plan and having reserve funds to be job flexible at a moment's notice.

JohnR

blackwaterstudio wrote:

Ok guys, after doing some messing around here's what I've come up with. Let me know what you think;

• 
  Camera Equipment;
• Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, 8.2 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera = $3995
• Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens = $679.95
• Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Lens = $1149.95
• Sekonic L-558R Dualmaster - Digital Incident, Spot and Flash Light Meter = $484.95
• Sekonic Digital Radio Transmitter Module = $49.95
• Pocket-Wizard MultiMax 32 Channel Transceiver Radio Slave = $276.95
• 4 x Pocket-Wizard Radio Slave Plus 4 Channel Receiver = $704.00
• Savage Widetone Seamless Paper Background - 107"x 12 yds. Super White = $39.95
• Savage Widetone Seamless Paper Background - 107"x 12 yds. Super Black = $39.95

• 
  Lighting;
• B1600 AlienBees B1600-Alien Green x 3 = $1079.85
• LB11 Boom Arm Attachment with 11-pound Counterweight x 1= $89.95
• V300 The Vagabond 300 System x 1 = $499.95
• CF20 Set of 20 Color Gels x 1 = $48.95
• HG4X Four Honeycomb Grids x 1 = $99.95
• LS1100 Backlight Stand x 1 = $24.95
• LS3050 10-foot General Purpose Stand x 1 = $39.95
• LS3900 13-foot Heavy Duty Stand x 2 = $139.90
• LSB48 Stand Carrying Bag x 1 = $49.95
• SB3060 Giant Softbox (with LGSR) x 3 = $419.85

What I still haven't added to the list is two 4gb CF cards, and background stand. That brings me to right about $9900, which leaves me with $5138.47 left over to advertise with and put the rest in the bank.

Does that include taxes and/or shipping?

Andy

blackwaterstudio wrote:

I'm going to focus on sports, and portrait, model photography.

Unless sports is going to be generating the majority of your income here, nothing in this list of work screams 1DII N to me (versus your existing 20D).

Justiceiro

Rollei 6008 AF with phaseone digital back. 17MP and sweet sweet Medium Format glass.

That would be great for protraiture.

Or you could spend about $10,000 on an Ixpress V96C (16 megapixel digital back) for the hasselblad 500 series. $2000 bucks or so for a nice 500 series body, less for a used one. $3000 for a zeiss planar 100mm lens- you're at $15,000 and you have a great system.

If you are thinking about doing studio work, why do you need to stick with a DSLR?

ziggy53

Sigma 18-50mm, f2.8

blackwaterstudio wrote:

I've been thinking about replacing the 17-40 with either the 50 1.4 or 85 1.8, possible the 85 1.2

Also look at the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC. It's a crop only lens, but it's not bad wide open and spectacular at f4 (same as the Canon 17-40 wide open), but a little longer working range.

I just shot an event (pro-bono) yesterday, and I was very pleased with the results. Very little post-processing work. I was able to work the images last night to give to the family this week.

I used a dRebel XT with the Sigma 18-50mm exclusively, with a Sigma EF-500 DG Super flash. I had about a 97% keeper rate, although about 4 of those were before the flash caught up (a little under-exposed because of stained-glass in the BG, but correctable in post). I used f5.6 mostly for DOF, not because there was a quality problem in the larger apertures. I also brought a Canon 70-200mm, f2.8L, but just didn't need it. I also had 3 extra GN120 slaves that I brought but didn't need.

It was an award type ceremony, in a church (middle sized) and a short reception after. Very similar stuff to a wedding, except I could shoot w/flash almost anytime except during the Benediction (when I didn't shoot at all). The flash was mostly bounced with a large card rubber-banded for fill, and occasionally the flash was angled to "feather" the flash across a table, i.e. (Thanks to Shay, I now know the technique is "feathering". I used to do it, but didn't know what it was called.)

Good luck,

ziggy53