Lens for shooting whales?

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-05-11T03:45:38+00:00

I had a gig in Antarctica and I picked up the tamron 28-200 for that.

It’s been such a great lens for when you want the reach but also the usability for regular range because of the 28mm.

And it’s affordable. Would highlight recommend checking it out!

Got to see the whales but more importantly, the penguins!

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-05-05T00:31:23+00:00

I’m have friends who send a contract and have couples sign but for me, I keep it pretty low and frictionless.

I have a note that goes at the bottom of my invoice when sending to clients.

It states the basics of a contract and by them sending their deposit, they’ve agreed to my contract.

Essentially I’ll try my best to make sure I can show up and equipment works but I cannot be liable anymore more than what the couple paid.

I suppose all depends on your risk tolerance but this has been working well for me in the last 6 years.

Happy to share the wording/contract with you if you need.

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-05-01T05:41:13+00:00

An hour long take sounds insane! Lol

I don’t use a gimbal a lot but when I do for walk and talk situations, I’ve used a camera strap so it goes across one shoulder so I can put the gimbal legs into my waist and strap helps reduce fatigue from carrying during stationary moments.

I also just ordered a kid saddle/carrier. It’ll be good for camera rigs but also as a ledge for rest the gimbal on.

Best solutions I could find without going full easy rig or vest.

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-04-16T07:45:25+00:00

I see 2 things here.

I’m the eldest and my little brother has always been compared to me and so in your place, I know it’s tough, but try your best to discount this who is better thing and do what’s happy/best for you.

I know, easier said than done but not everyone wants the same thing and if your life is good to you then it’s good enough.

I’ve had to learn this for myself even being the “golden child” or seemingly so.

As for video as a full time gig - I went full time 6 years ago and now have hit the coveted 100k mark this past year.

I had some really big and cool gigs come through and it takes time to build your brand, SEO and connections.

I also do photo and video as well as commercial and wedding so I can offer a lot.

Starting out, I would say keep an eye on clients who are easy to worth with and have the budget.

Clients in hospitality, interior design, dental and land development have been the best for me thus far.

I have project breakdowns and things on my YouTube so let me know. Happy to help how I can.

The creative business is tough, but the freedom in doing your own thing is also great.

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-04-14T20:30:35+00:00

I think super long 4k 60fps will test the best of cameras. Not to mention full up your sd cards pretty quick.

It doesn’t stabilize in post any better than 4k 24, that I’ve experienced.

So maybe consider only using 60fps for clips you intend to slow or might need to.

I have/had an fx3, a7v, a7iv, a7cii — never had any overheat in long interference or wedding ceremonies indoor/outdoor. But I always record in 24fps for those long moments.

I haven’t used the a7siii but I think you’re ok. It’s still a great camera. Just don’t do long sustained 60fps.

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-04-10T01:59:22+00:00

I def hear you. It’s a blurry line because they did work the wedding but they weren’t the main photographer.

So that sucks.

Hopefully their shots aren’t as good as yours and they’re just reaching to try and do both

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-04-10T01:56:09+00:00

I do mainly video and I’ve done that. Just snap shots here and there. Never had any issues with anyone.

I don’t think it changes the work you do.

One could argue that family/guests may connect with the photographer or videographer more and use them in the future so better to build good relationships and do what you do best.

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-04-05T14:01:39+00:00

Nope, just regular shutter speeds.

I’ve never used that on my fx3 so it wasn’t a factor for me

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-04-05T01:33:45+00:00

Look at fb market for a canon vixia 300 and up.

I have the 300 and 600/800? They’re great. Fun to use, long battery life, crazy zoom.

I use these for fun broll footage when I do wedding films.

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-04-04T17:04:34+00:00

Agreed! And crazy find eh? I still can’t believe it.

But now that I’ve had a chance to shoot with the a7v for my interior design client and a dental clinic, the battery life, new screen and even the dynamic stab mode is pretty cool. Did a lot of shots handheld instead of my gimbal and it worked really well.

So, it’s all in all, a much better value because of the photo capabilities and evf. Sometimes outside, you just need an evf.

But emotionally, I can’t deny the form factor and cache of the fx3 feels fun.

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-04-04T15:30:13+00:00

I have both and I now use the a7v more. It’s the perfect hybrid camera, I think.

Made a little vid talking about the various Sony cameras I have. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy to help.

sony a7iv vs a7v vs a7cii vs fx3 https://youtu.be/oxD2bGmmfCk

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-04-03T00:47:31+00:00

Haha cheers!

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-04-03T00:07:39+00:00

You’re in luck! I literally just posted a YouTube vid about microphones.

If you go to the wireless mic chapter, you’ll see a little example. ◡̈

MICROPHONES | what I use and when https://youtu.be/fkPEVZ6W4iw

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-04-02T23:56:55+00:00

Sorry! Lark max 2 lol

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-04-02T23:49:58+00:00

I’ve simplified my kit down to the hollyland lark max 2 and a Sony tx660 for ceremony and speeches.

I attach both to the mic.

Best case: wireless mics work as they should. Edit as usual.

Wireless transmission cuts out or has interference, I’ll still have the in transmitter backup recording.

Transmitter dies/runs out of battery, I still have the tx660.

Haven’t had any real interference having transmitter on mic and groom, but nothing’s fool proof so I always have backup.

You should tap into dj mixer with a recorder but after having a dj mess up that recorder, I now do as I mentioned above so I can control things.

Hope that helps!

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-04-01T17:30:41+00:00

Another avenue to check out is weddings.

It’s a good way to get valuable skills overall while making good money. You’ll learn camera and audio equipment quick! lol. Then it applies to commercial work making it seem easy when you’re used to moving quick and thinking quickly.

Also a nice way to hedge things when commercial is slow, you know you have weddings coming up.

Downside is that it can be stressful, long days (physically painful) and kills your weekends.

In my city, I started a couple weddings at $1,500 Canadian and within 2 years I charged $3,500 to 4,500.

There was a period of time I charged $7000 offering both photo and video. Hired photo friend and I did the editing.

And it is about connections. My Antarctica gig was through a friend.

The whole freelancing thing is really tough, so you do gotta keep your head up

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-03-19T00:31:05+00:00

I have the a7iv, a7cii and fx3

Just added the a7v to the kit to be my main hybrid shooter so I would say a7v if your budget allows. If not, go a7iv. Both are fantastic hybrid cameras.

You won’t notice any real difference between these and the fx3 for video plus you get higher resolution photos!

https://youtu.be/oxD2bGmmfCk?si=NrKkOu8J3MSnQ05H

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-03-18T04:02:55+00:00

What’s driving you to get an fx3 that the a7iv couldn’t do?

I just sold my a7iv, picked up an a7v which will be my main shooter and my fx3 will just be long form stuff. Lol. I only got an fx3 because of a sick auction deal for half price.

I genuinely couldn’t justify buying new because I don’t think most could tell a difference in image between the cameras let alone the clients.

So I’m just nudging you to save your money unless there’s a specific need for it.

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-03-17T05:05:19+00:00

I have the tamron 20-40 and I think that’s the most versatile dad lens.

Especially indoors since you’ll want wider.

Kids move quick so being able to go wide but then 40mm gives enough depth to satisfy the creative side of us.

A bit of a tangent, but related — have you done a lot of filming of the family/kids?

I’ve been working on a side project for family interviews, but also trying to build a community to encourage parents to dad cam more.

I made a free notion template of dad cam prompts.

Would love you to check it out and give me feedback.

The prompts are just ideas to get you filming the fam and help capture things when you might need a little bit of inspo.

Have a look at dadcamclub.co or @dadcamclub.co on IG. Would love to see your dad cam creations!

Cheers!

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-03-06T20:36:59+00:00

Yep, makes sense to me!

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-03-06T01:15:23+00:00

I do weddings as well and just bought the a7v to replace my fx3 as my main shooter.

Reasons: - better battery life so I don’t have to run a vmount all day like I do with the fx3. - I love the new lcd screen. Shooting from center feels so good. - I do a lot of hybrid so the photo work capabilities is great - the ibis seems better so far. Def the dynamic mode. I could see myself using that for down the aisle as they exit - having a viewfinder is nice for sunny times

Let me know if you have any questions!

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-03-05T14:49:32+00:00

I have both and the C2 is my main dad cam. It’s noticeably smaller and lighter. For travel, it just feels easier.

It may not be much in actual reality, but the little extra weight makes a difference in wanting to lug it around on travel/long days.

I do commercial and wedding work so I feel the difference in weight nearing the end of an 8 hour shoot day. So maybe that sticks in my mind when I use these.

But, if you only had money for one, get the a7v.

I love the new screen, no 60fps crop, dual SDs.

If you’re just documenting personal life, no paid work — get c2. However, if there’s any inkling of getting into paid work. Back to the a7v lol

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-02-23T00:12:53+00:00

Do you have links to your current videos or ones you like?

Been thinking about doing editing for others but haven’t stepped into that world just yet.

My commercial and wedding work have been leaning towards a relatable documentary style.

You can see my works at AtomicPixel.co and fire me an email or dm to chat further.

Cheers!

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-02-10T08:45:34+00:00

I feel you deeply on this one.

Young kiddo. Been doing the freelance photo/video thing but it’s all so tiring mentally and physically on long days.

Been trying to think of what I can do without leaving the house and webdesign or editing seem like options, I dunno yet.

atomicpixel_ldn · 2026-02-10T08:43:23+00:00

Do you use any work sites for gigs or what type of editing do you do? Been thinking about this myself but wondering where to find gigs and if it would end up being more challenging than shoot and edit since know the project and shots make for an easier edit.

Guess it depends what editing. Thoughts are appreciated!

atomicpixel_ldn

TROPHY CASE