Should I Get a Loan for Photo Gear?

http://cazillo.com/articles/37-photography/152-should-i-get-a-loan-for-photo-...

Blane had sent me a video question about whether or not to get a loan to buy new photo gear, cameras, lenses, etc. He has a good job now but wants to expand his photography business in the coming years. Check out the video to hear my answer as well as the other questions he had. Thanks Blane!

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Photograph
• Gear
• loan
• photography

[westcoasthaase]

You can blow the background with a 50! Why would he say that?

[GregoryCazillo]

@westcoasthaase But not as easily as with a 70-200. You need to get closer to the subject which could distort the image more.

[WhoUsesWhatCamera]

Instead of spending $2,200+ on just ONE unnecessary (albeit excellent) lens, this guy could buy the following and have a rig that kick ass for portraits, live music, and other work:

-40D body for backup ($500 used)

-28mm f/1.8 ($400 used)

-100mm macro f/2.8 ($400 used)

-2 LP160 flashes ($340)

-2 light stands ($100)

-cheap flash triggers including backup ($80)

-light modifiers ($200)

-Zack Arias DVD ($150)

[gregorycazillo]

@WhoUsesWhatCamera Not sure why/how everyone is missing my point. Yes, I recommend good glass because it makes your job easier. I think everyone needs that lens, plus he has options to spend anywhere from 900-2200 depending on which lens he buys.

[WhoUsesWhatCamera]

@gregorycazillo The only people that absolutely need a 70-200 are sports guys, and MAYBE wedding/event shooters. That's it. I don't know why you can't wrap your head around this and keep making this ridiculous generalization. You sound like a shady camera shop salesman. 70-200's are great. But they are not necessary. For portraits, headshots, band photos, fashion, product, low-level commercial work, etc., the average guy can get by with one wide prime and one medium-tele macro prime.

[gregorycazillo]

@WhoUsesWhatCamera This guy agrees with me too... goo .gl/f7umu

[90si]

@gregorycazillo BUT lol If your like me and are on a pretty tight budget with your photography since I have another career at the moment. They are good for the price. I have used mine for the last 3 months and have never had one misfire on me. I know cheap isn't the way to go, but if he wants to have a few bucks to toss elsewhere on a lens, the RF-603's really aren't that bad for now. You can always toss the 300$ later on some PW's. Then again this is just my opinion, Im a cheap bastard hah

[OreoCookieOreo]

This had to be your worst video Greg. I mean everything you said was impractical. You're dead wrong about 50mm as well. You assume everyone is going to sit on the subject's lap to take the picture. You can do so much with 50mm. I remember you suggested a 17 year old kid to buy 70-200 2.8 and I couldn't stop laughing. I wish the guy who needed help could send me a message so I could explain this. I too started from zero at one point. I now have better gear than Greg. I'm super disappointed Greg!

[rocknrollrac]

@OreoCookieOreo a 50mm is a prime lens, there is only so much you can do with it. the 70-200 has a lot more versatility to it and allows you to do a lot more. a 50mm is a great starter lens, but if someone wants to start taking thing more seriously and try to make a business out of this the 70-200mm is the way to go. i think greg was spot on here. this wasn't advice for a hobbyist, this is for someone who wants to be legit.

[rocknrollrac]

Something that I thought of after seeing the end of this video. I used to work in wedding videos which is what really got my into doing photography since I would photo assist every once in a while, but I was never able to keep the images I shot do to the customer not wanting them to be shared as per the contract. Maybe doing a video about contract and customer rights would be really useful to people who are just starting to try and make money from their work.

[leftylenshawaii]

Blane, hope youll see this, here's my 2cents. I shoot with just 5dMKII, the 24-105 kit lens, and a 16-35 wide. I won't lie, I've wished I had other lenses, but this has worked well for me and hasnt broken the bank. I would say start building up your canon lenses (l-series ideally) and make your next purchase a 85mm 1.4 lens. For a portrait/wedding photographer, it's key to own a sharp prime. Once youre rich and famous, upgrade your body. That's my plans anyway. Good luck!

[JoshuaBeeLoved]

The T2i is a GREAT starter body, and you can do magnificent work with it. He needs to be buying Glass First. There are many third party companies that sell external flashes for cheap. I bought mine for $30. It does me well. GLASS BRO!!! Start with the glass.

[catalin205]

At that age, if you realy wanna go big .. get a loan and do what you love most! ... But make sure you get the absolute best gear possible!