Back in the early seventies I was using a Minolta Autocord 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 format camera and then switched to a 35mm Minolta SRT 101 and then a Minolta X700 for high school newspaper and yearbook photography. I then picked up some work from the Board of Ed for their newsletter and dabbled with a few weddings. As a volunteer fireman I took pictures for the volunteer fire department. I also did spotnews and was assigned freelance assignments for two local newspapers in New Jersey (The News Tribune and the Star-Ledger) in the mid-late seventies. I then got a job in law enforcement and became an arson investigator for a County Prosecutor's Office where we did our own evidence collection and fire scene photography. After 25+ years I retired and approached the newspaper again about doing spotnews freelance work. Within the first month of retirement January 2003, I had 3 spot news photos published. I am substitute teaching part time in the public schools. I decided to purchase digital equipment since it has become a hassel running to the one-hour lab especially around deadline time. So here are my questions, I have purchased the following after doing my research on line and speaking with the "Pros":
Canon EOS 10D (pre-ordered)
Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS Lens (USA)
Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Lens (USA)
Tiffen 77mm UV Protector Filter - Glass
Canon BP-512 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (7.1v, 1100mAh)
Canon BG-ED3 Battery Grip
Lexar 256MB 24x Jumpshot CompactFlash (Type I) Memory Card
Canon Extender EF 2x II - USA
Lexar 512mb Compact Flash Card 24x
Lexar 256mb CF card
Adorama 6 In 1 USB Card Reader/Writer for
CompactFlash, IBM Microdrive, SmartMedia,..
I have over 12 years computer experience (investigative as well as computerizing our office from typewriters to word processing, networking, datbases, programming...)
1. Do I need anything else equipment wise? I'm still researching vests, bags, electronic flash, software and so forth.
2. Most of my experience has been documentary photography.
(eg) burned building, cause of origin of fires, mug shots, scene of crime. Is it possible to change the way I see so as to not be the "documentary" photographer anymore. I look forward to talking with you and if there is anything I can offer regarding my police photography experience I would be glad to. Thanks!
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Steven the only suggestions I have to add to your well thought out list is a lens that would cover the range between 35 and 70mm. I'm a Nikon shooter so I don't know what Canon has to offer, but I am positive they can accommodate that. Also, if the funds are available a second body and for sure a second battery. You never know.
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Is it possible to change the way I see so as to not be the "documentary" photographer anymore.
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For sure it is. I constantly go onto other photog's web sites, pick up photo mags and read forums like this one to get ideas. It helps me grow as a photographer and improves my photography tremendously. There are so many great photographers with great ideas out there. Watch and listen to them. It can only help. Also when you go on assignment, know what you need to do, but don't show up with many predetermined ideas. If you see something that might work better, try it. If a new idea pops into your head, try that. Be creative, you're not shooting to gain evidence anymore.
Hello Steve: From what you've described, you have a pretty rocking set-up right now for news. Agree with the previous poster regarding glass in the middle. Without a doubt another battery or 2 is a good idea. Also, a cigarette lighter adapter for your battery charger might help for long days in the field. I sometimes go through 3 batteries and am charging on the Garden State Parkway on the way to my last job. I shoot in New Jersey (Monmouth/Ocean) as well, maybe we'll bump into each other on the road!
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
I truly appreciate your suggestions. I have just filled the gap with Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L and Canon 550EX Speedlite TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 180'/55 m at 105mm) (USA) and the Canon Compact Battery Pack CP-E2 for 550EX, and the Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce.Thanks to all for your suggestions and to Rob for this forum. I ordered two extra batteries (BP-12 Li Batt. Pack)and the camera I ordered comes with a BP-11 battery pack. Does anyone know the difference between the BP-11 and the BP-12? Finally, What kind of car charger do you suggest? Canon offers theirs for $139 or also available from B&H is a Power 2000 for $40? Any thoughts??
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Sorry, I can't answer your car charger question, but the Canon price seems a bit steep to me. I shoot Kodak/Nikon Dcs and the car adapter comes with the camera. It's just a small adapter that attaches to the same charger that I pug into the wall.
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Hey there I am glad you are getting back into shooting! That's great! I have one comment about the batteries. If the 10D is anything like the D60 (or the D100) 2 batteries in that battery grip should last you close to a week! I shoot with the D100 w/o the grip and just one battery lasts me about 600-900 shots depending on how much I use the internal flash and how much I review on the LCD. The D60 had similar results if I am correct.
Chad
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
The one gaping hole in the equipment thing is a way to take close-up photos. A lot of times newspapers and magazines need copy photos of yearbooks, snapshots, even driver license pictures. Most of the Canon zoom lenses don't handle that well. You need a way so you can copy a small photo and fill the frame with that photo, especially the face. If you can do it , your set. Make sure you can do it with a flash and get no reflections. An off camera flash cord can help in a pinch. You would be surprised at how much the major magazines and newspapers use these copy photos. Obtaining these valuable snap-shots is a skill that few photographers learn. Just think how much money you can make if you tracked down the only snapshot of one of the 9/11 hijackers. Every publications would be ringing your phone off the hook. I know personally of a photographer who copied a taxi driver photo ID card of one of the first WTC bombers and got checks every month for many years with that simple job.
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
I am glad you are getting back into shooting! That's great! I have one comment about the batteries. If the 10D is anything like the D60 (or the D100) 2 batteries in that battery grip should last you close to a week! I shoot with the D100 w/o the grip and just one battery lasts me about 600-900 shots depending on how much I use the internal flash and how much I review on the LCD. The D60 had similar results if I am correct.
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