BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Christina Phorimavong		Engagement Photos First let me start by saying I am a newbie! Currently taking 'Learning you Canon DSLR' With that being said, I want to take some engagement photos for a friend not only for her but for my experience. I have a Canon Rebel XS with the 18-55 and 70-300 lens. I would like to buy an external flash for taking portraits like this. Can you recommend one? Also, what other equipment would be good for a starting set up for these types of photos (filters, and what not)? Thanks, Christina To love this question, log in above January 09, 2009

Oliver Anderson		Buy the Canon 580ex or 430ex...don't charge her since your a newbie...in fact don't charge anyone till you can guarantee the quality of your work. I didn't charge anyone for 4years... One thing I did was make them pay COST for the prints but made them order one for my book. To love this comment, log in above January 09, 2009

Christina Phorimavong		Thanks. I definately was not planning on charging her! Its more for my experience then anything else. What is a reflector? To love this comment, log in above January 09, 2009

BetterPhoto Member		Are serious Oli, 4yrs! But you're a natural. I flet ripped off making $150 a day. I had to carry around that darn pelican case with a hasel blatt 5 bodys with lenses and a oversized backpack. I was litterly a mule and a film changer. To love this comment, log in above January 09, 2009

Oliver Anderson		I was a location booker, permit attainer, talent scout (best part), equipment boy and baby oil application expert(I take pride in my work) for amazing photographers. I had a great day job that allowed flexibility. To love this comment, log in above January 09, 2009

W. Smith VIII		Hi Christina, for those engagement photos you only need an external flash gun – the Canon EX580 II would be ideal for you. You can also use with excellent effect during the daytime. If you want to shoot without flash, in the daytime, a (D-I-Y) reflector may be very helpful to open up, fill, and soften shadows. A D-I-Y reflector is a good-sized board or panel, 12 square feet or bigger, covered with crumpled, then carefully stretched out household aluminium foil (shiny side out), attached with spray-glue. Have fun! To love this comment, log in above January 09, 2009

W. Smith VIII		Oh, and if those engagement photos are to be the 'formal' type you may need a good tripod. Whatever type of photos you may want to make, a good tripod and a good external flash gun are basic add-ons to your kit. Indispensible, really. To love this comment, log in above January 09, 2009

Christina Phorimavong		Thanks again...I got a tripod today and wow..makes a big difference. To love this comment, log in above January 09, 2009

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