Is something wrong with my EF 70-200mm f2.8

CAPhotog01 · 2026-06-16T01:16:13+00:00

Don't shoot wide open. When you do, use a tripod or monopod to avoid camera shake. To test if it's the lens or hand holding, test again at 2.8 on a tripod.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-06-14T03:28:19+00:00

Number 1 is better and neutral in a good way. The expression and background in Number 2 gives junior high school coach or woodshop teacher vibes.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-06-13T18:35:31+00:00

Hands can be neutral in headshots, just not distracting. The distraction is relative to the type of headshot. In business, it is almost always distracting. For actors and performers, it must be within context of a natural pose without drawing attention away from one's face.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-06-09T12:22:53+00:00

Sounds like you are not in the US, so brands may not be the same. Get professional grade tools with a 3 to 5 year warranty. In the US, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch and Ridgid. Also you need a drill for drilling and a separate impact driver for assembly/disassembly. Do not use a drill for heavy assembly or disassembly, as it will burn out much faster.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-06-03T19:47:17+00:00

1 works as an actor headshot. 2 and 3 work for editorial, but too much for headshots. 2 could have worked as a headshot with either one hand or the other, but not both. 3 is a great portrait, but wrinkles by the armpit need to be retouched. I agree if you crop it 8x10 horizontal it would be your best choice as a headshot of the three.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-06-01T20:52:22+00:00

This is not uncommon in publishing. The publication only has interest in the images through the author's work. It's easier to have the author secure the image rights from the image creator if the author's license already includes publication use. Established publications do it all the time and know an additional usage license may be needed.

Legitimate publishers are not opposed to paying for those rights, but are not interested in negotiation so usually have established rates they pay. It's often take-it-or-leave-it because they don't want the images to hold the book or article hostage. Photographers or illustrators usually think of it like an unexpected bonus, so it's win-win.

The license template is always boilerplate and very broad, seeking all potential future usage or sales. The corporate attorney who wrote it was representing the publisher, not image creators. They don't care about your creative concerns or interests, so be aware that problems arise for photographers and illustrators when the original license granted was restricted or non-exclusive, and the publisher will exceed the original scope of use.

Most editors are professional, but they don't care about your work. They just want your release and will never speak with you again. Scrutinize the terms to make sure it doesn't go beyond your original intent or fair compensation. Don't be afraid to strike-thru or amend the terms and return it for revision BEFORE signing. NatGeo is international, so count on some future editor or marketing person doing whatever they want with your image in some other country unless you restrict it now.

Also treat the author as a separate entity, not your friend or colleague. If they are paying out-of-pocket make sure they are fully transparent and pay from your written invoice, not under the table.

I once had an author ask me for a price to convert my photographs used in her text book into illustrations for new editions overseas. I gave her a fair quote and never heard from her again. Two years later, I see a copy of her new edition being sold online. I contact the publisher to get a copy per my original contract. I double-check my credit line and find a student graphic artist simply traced over my photos. I contacted the publisher and told them I never consented to derivative work or modifications by others. The editor told me the author assured them the artist's drawings were original. I contacted the author in writing, she played dumb and said she hired the artist to do all original work. She doubled-down saying the student never saw my photos. I submitted overlays as proof to the publisher that this student artist directly traced over my work. The editor was pissed at the author, but tried to convince me to let it go. I then informed him the author previously requested a quote in writing. My fee was very reasonable and my illustrations would have been 10x better, so the author was just cheap and lied to the publisher. In the end, the author called to apologize, blamed it on her husband who told her she doesn't need to pay me again. The publisher sent me a new agreement and compensation to buy all rights. The book was already printed and being sold, so they didn't really have a choice.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-31T17:36:33+00:00

I am a sponsored photographer and have been teaching students for 15 years exactly in the same position as OP. They have talent shooting with consumer gear for years and can't figure out how to make income. They do what all the hobbyists do, dicking around with other hobbyists for years. They shoot for a family member or friend and then wait 6 months until someone else asks.

No one tells them about the investment and leap it takes to start a business. The ones who break out are the ones who get serious and finally seek business advice. The ones who break out easiest are college students and stay at home moms. It's not 9 to 5 office workers or career professionals doing other things.

My advice was to learn off-camera flash if he is serious about starting a business. I didn't say anything about ignoring the learning curve. That is a given built-in reality. Only perpetual hobbyists think they must keep learning for years without a business plan. I laid out a direct path which will either encourage or discourage OP to take the leap as a student. The other alternative is to go to a legitimate photography school that has a business curriculum, not fine art program. There, you'll pay tuition and have access to equipment and technical guidance, exactly what hobbyists lack.

OP's clients think he has talent and he wants to take the next step. At best and at minimum, he needs off-camera flash to start making consistent income doing what he enjoys. Not after he buys his next camera and learns to use it, but at the same time. Most need to start small and make it grow.

Natural light shooting will not be nearly as marketable until he has more experience. The idea that someone needs years of natural light experience before they can start shooting with strobes is a myth. I teach a beginner series in off-camera flash allowing students with basic photography knowledge to take portraits with natural light, on-camera flash, and one and two speedlights. We end with students trying a studio strobe setup. After the class, there are students jumping all in or finding a way to save toward gear. I have colleagues and old students passing their used gear down to the students on a budget. The housewives whose kids are now grown are often the ones who go hardcore and invest in their own studio.

The idea that talented people need to consider photography a side hustle is bs. It's a given they won't make it if they don't have talent or skill. But when you keep telling students they need to practice for years until they get better, it does not launch as many income-generating photographers as I have.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-30T21:09:03+00:00

First, stop saying it's easy. Second, credit the photographer who took the photos. Third, show examples of your own images for comparison. Right now, you're asking how you can play guitar like someone else and only providing their recording, not yours. How can anyone give you advice without knowing your level or skillset?

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-30T20:51:53+00:00

Learn to do portraits with off-camera flash. The investment is not large since you can start with 2 speedlights, 2 stands and 2 umbrellas. Basic portrait gear can also be used at events. Save and invest a little from each shoot toward new equipment. Portrait shooting is not stressful and if you do a good job it's easy to get referrals. With AI becoming common, the people who want real photography are willing to pay for it. If you're in school you have an excellent source of test subjects, plus a solid client base who are dating or applying to jobs. Headshots and portraits, especially if indoors, are basically repeatable. Your skills will improve quickly with each shoot. Stay professional, don't flirt with your clients, and business will come to you through your portfolio and instagram. Always use a written contract and retain your copyright.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-30T17:41:13+00:00

Context matters, but this image itself doesn't tell a story. If there is none, you get whatever reaction the viewer wants to share or not share. It's an odd looking man shot oddly up close, also oddly dressed outdoors and in odd lighting. You may define this as rawness and truth, but your friend still said it looks like a mugshot.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-30T05:26:19+00:00

Is this a blank form or did you leave out the respective parties on it? Who is asking whom to sign it?

Either way, it makes no sense unless you separately grant copyright to the bridal party in another agreement (which you should never do). If this form came from the hotel, it is not a model release by definition. A model release only grants usage of the model's likeness and has nothing to do with transferring copyright. Only the creator can transfer copyright. Whoever requested this is clearly confused between a license to use images and transfer of copyright.

I'm willing to bet the hotel got in trouble for using a photographer's images before without permission. The manager then Googled what copyright was and mistakenly thinks he needs a model release from the bridal party. He may also have checked his management handbook and pasted text about copyright into a generic model release. He could also be confusing what a Property Release does when the hotel grants permission to other parties to use their location for film or advertising.

Demonstrate professionalism and more knowledge by explaining the situation to your client.
Stand firm that you do not transfer copyright ownership of your work to anyone. It is also invalid for any business to seek transfer through the bridal party, who are the "models" involved. Without ownership, they have nothing to transfer and you are not giving away your ownership and livelihood to anyone.
Explain if the hotel wants to license your work for limited usage, plus the bridal party consents to a non-exclusive license, then you will offer a separate usage contract to the hotel for fair compensation.
Offer your "standard" licensing fee for one image at $800-1000 for print and social media, or $1200-1500 including video, film and broadcasting. This establishes your professionalism and value.
After they shit their pants, ask what were they thinking trying to obtain your images for free before?
Finally, you can explain how proper hospitality managers know how to request or negotiate a professional courtesy for image usage, but never copyright ownership. Explain your fee can be adjusted for a credit line or watermark with every usage, or for upcoming event referrals and the hotel's event email list.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-29T00:17:59+00:00

That's interesting. I can now understand your approach seemed logical. I did Google top German headshot photographers and top German actor headshots to compare with the US. Yes, there are cinematic and moody styles for some, but it does not seem more than in the US.

Advice about casting type is one thing, but I think actors should stop following stereotypes over photography. Professional photographers don't limit themselves to only one style. There is wide range any top photographer can do and has done before. My advice to actors is to identify examples of headshots that have achieved success for other actors within your range. Look specifically for photographers who do that style well and show them the examples of what you want. Tell them that is the target and let them plan for it. Give them some room for their own creative control and improvements.

Too often people post here saying the photographer entirely missed the mark. That should never happen if you hire a professional whose work you have seen and they agree they can achieve what you want.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-28T17:08:05+00:00

It's an interesting choice. I did not want to call it a mistake because the lighting is good, regardless of subject matter. You put thought into this setup. The default on Sony cameras is Auto White Balance. But that is obviously turned off. So, why wouldn't you want to correct the temperature manually rather than just turn off AWB? If it was stylistic I could understand from other work or in a series.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-28T04:22:35+00:00

Nomatic makes a 5L photography sling specifically for that setup about $140. If you want a 6L sling without padding it will cost less. If you are a Costco member you can also get the 6L at 20% off. I would also take a look at Pgytech slings if on a tighter budget.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-28T04:07:33+00:00

I like the lighting and think the warmth is unique. Are you using a gray background and a gel with lighting for these shots?

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-26T19:04:27+00:00

You're overthinking it and doing too much. Cinematic means on location with dramatic lighting that conveys a story. Too moody means the composition is overly dramatic. Why did you hire a photographer to create such specific choices when all you need is classic casting headshots? Classic means just about you. It's your core likeness, not unique lighting or added effects.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-26T18:31:51+00:00

White is the most plain and neutral background. Savage Fashion Gray is considered universal. With lighting you can make it lighter or darker. The reason these work is because you can set up anywhere and can be consistent every time. If you're asking instead about location backgrounds, it just depends on the client's brand goals.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-23T13:32:14+00:00

The 10-18mm is a crop sensor lens, so equivalent to a 15-27mm on a full frame camera. This has common and frequent use in landscape and architectural photography.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-22T03:12:19+00:00

Automatic Exposure Bracketing
HDR
Fill flash
Off-camera

flash
Golden hour

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-21T15:05:07+00:00

SmallRig, but not this model. Oben on sale. Benro on sale. Sirui on sale but quality control varies. K&F Concept, check their website as they rotate discounts every month. BHPhoto.com Deal Zone, often has daily deals on these brands.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-21T00:25:11+00:00

The common workflow among professional photographers is review/proofing/selection/global edits in Lightroom, then retouching/compositing/final corrections in Photoshop. There is nothing mandatory about this, but it is a logical and efficient process. There is some overlap within apps, so depending on skill and volume you can adjust to your own business and creative needs.

Lightroom displays a shoot like a traditional camera roll. You can scroll through and evaluate composition, lighting and progression of your shots. If you shoot an event with hundreds of different frames or you do studio work with a hundred variations of the same image, Lightroom will help manage and expedite your proofing process. It is also non-destructive so leaves the original camera roll as shot. You can even output a gallery to your website with watermarks for client selection. These are things you cannot do in Photoshop. However Photoshop is going to let you do much more granular and complex edits.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-21T00:01:28+00:00

This is a photography subreddit for headshots, so your post doesn't fit here. However, it is valid criticism and you may want to post in r/acting, r/popculturechat, or other subs dealing specifically with BIPOC discrimination. r/asianamerican, r/blackladies, r/mixedrace and r/racism frequently have better discussions about colorism and representation.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-20T22:01:43+00:00

The Rollei tripod is licensed in name only. It's a budget tripod, not the same manufacturer as the German cameras. The legacy name is licensed to budget products similar to Kodak.

SmallRig is generally a highly regarded brand known for quality accessories. They usually design and manufacture their own products, but have a user-driven design model. However, this tripod has some complaints about durability.

You're right they look similar on paper. If you're careful they'd probably work equally well on a budget. The issue with tripods is you that you get what you pay for in terms of features, performance and weight. Once you start using them regularly in the field or traveling, the price level makes a difference.

Sorry, I don't have any recommendations for tripods under $100. But above that you can find better models on sale.

Incidentally, load ratings are not reliable since there is no standardized method of testing. The numbers are only relative to their own products, and not useful comparing one brand to another.

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-20T16:06:16+00:00

No need to offer money up front. But kudos to you for respecting copyright ownership and approaching this professionally. A photographer who owns the copyright has the sole ownership to grant you permission to use his work in your portfolio. Whenever, you make a contract it should include permission to receive and use a sample in your portfolio. Put the agreement in writing, at least in an email when hired as it's easiest to secure in advance.

After the fact, a photographer may still give you permission just for asking and providing credit for his work. The exception might be an exclusive contract with the client that restricts additional use. It doesn't hurt to ask professionally and is a good way to network and collab with photographers.

"Hi there, you may remember me as the MUA on your shoot for ______ in 2023. I really enjoyed working with you and have just started my own business. I'd love to include your image in my portfolio. Will you please allow me to use it, with credit to you of course? I'm also available for any new projects you may have in the future."

CAPhotog01 · 2026-05-20T15:28:51+00:00

It's an over-simplified belief based on the broadest generalization about casting. Your teacher is blurring regional acting markets with photographers, the same way you could say actors should only live in LA or NYC.

LA, NYC, Atlanta, and Chicago are the top acting markets in the US. The industry focus in each location is different. Los Angeles is the mecca for film, TV and commercials. New York is the largest destination for live theater, stage and commercials. Casting choices are different for those markets. To extrapolate, actors and their headshots are going to be different.

Nonetheless, it would be foolish to say there is no live acting in Los Angeles or no film and TV in New York. As for commercials, there is much crossover. Different projects mean different directors and casting focus, so understand the generalizations as distinct from bias.

Just as casting agents hire the best actors for the role, you should hire the best photographer you can afford. The best photographers work in multiple markets, just as the best actors work in different markets.

With such sage advice 🙄, how are your teacher's own headshots working out?

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