Photography Equipment Questions... (photographers please help)
 

I am in the midst of putting together plans to launch a couple of solo girl sites. Marketing is my gig and I know nothing about photography. I don't plan to buy any content but instead plan to shoot my own with local girls that I know. I currently have a Cannon Rebel XT for personal use and I would assume I am looking for a higher quality camera for this project.

So, if you were in my position, with limited to no photography skills, what would you suggest I start with? I would like to get a good camera as well as an HD camcorder. I have a budget of 4-5k (obviously I would be willing to invest more once I am more comfortable with my photography skills).

Is lighting an essential part of the picture? I have done quite a bit of personal shooting with my Cannon around the house with various girls without the use of lights that turned out pretty good.

Basically I am looking for advice on what to start with using 4-5k as a starting budget. If that should include camera and camcorder or also the addition of some basic lighting? Any input would be greatly appreciated! :thumbsup

I have a brand new light kit I would be willing to part with if the price was right. It was purchased when I was funding someone to start a site that they would also be shooting for, it fell through and I got the equipment back.

Sort of off topic but I really do think lighting is important, especially if you start in on HD, so I figured I would post it.

Any idea on the price you would be willing to part with it at? I am honestly a noob when it comes to photography so I was going to wait on input regarding whether lighting is essential or not. I will definitely keep you in mind, thanks! :thumbsup

lighting is essential if you want quality porn. knowing how to set it up is an art. and lighting the groin area in a fuck scene is necessary or it gets all shady and dark...not good for the viewer. that said, you've got a good enough budget to have decent equipment...but what about the skill to make it look good?

I figured it was. I honestly don't really have a max budget but wanted to put 4-5k in to start, I figured even if I were to start with the amateur style of shooting. Anything I set my mind to I excel at so I am not worried about how the photography will turn out, obviously I will do A LOT of experimenting before doing stuff for the sites. Just thought there might be some cameras which are more user friendly for someone like myself that currently has limited knowledge in the field.

MadsonMadness is correct on lighting. However you might also want to practice with natural light. Learning how to properly use lights makes more sense when you understand exactly why/when they are necessary.

attached: window light only


http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/x...can337copy.jpg


.

Thanks for the tip. Do you guys use a flash or an alternate light source? I imagine certain situations call for certain things. Is there cameras that would allow me to swap different flashes in different settings for better results?

go with what you know.... for amature content the camera you have will be fine. you can pick up a servicable HD cam for $600-$1200. I would go for a hd vid cam that shoots to card.

spend your money on a good quadcore for editing the HD, some simple work lights for the video and maybe 2 alien bees for camera work... hit me with an email if you need more details -bmb

Give me a day or so to get all of the info. I do not want to make a mistake and say what is there and is not there. Damn near 100% positive it is an alienbee kit. Want to just double check everything and then allow me to get a comparison price.

Pretty sure it contains 2 umbrellas, 2 lightstands, and the alienbee lights. Fuck I will stop speculating. Be sure to check thread is a day or so.

Thanks for the information, very much appreciated! Any suggestions on a make/model of a HD cam in the $1,000-$1,600 range? I am checking out alienbees.com and this is definitely a whole new language for me...maybe I will hit you up, I appreciate the offer. :thumbsup

Sure thing, thanks buddy I appreciate it. :thumbsup

Dont mean to jump on top of his thread but if he isnt interested please hit me up..

Great photo, totally un-wankable. :2 cents:

st0ned, while lighting is important, I'd tell you to focus more on learning how to capture a sexy image with whatever gear you currently have, or the basic gear you can afford. If your goal is to sell porn, all the gear in the world will not help you if you don't know how to shoot something a guy can beat off to. Too many people lose track of this. Everything we all do, is just for some dude to beat off to. Nothing more.

Your Cannon Rebel will be a fine cam to start with. Learn how to shoot on that and if you want to upgrade later, do so. But focus on the subject first, and don't forget why you are doing it.

if you're on a super slim budget like me get a few canon GL1s/GL2s (i have 3 of them), a wide angle lens, about 10 spare batteries and at least 2 chargers, and a decent on cam light. you can get all of this for under 2 grand if you scour ebay and craigslist. nobody has mentioned you need backup cams, batteries, etc. shit WILL break during shoots and you dont want to be all ass out with no footage when equipment doesn't act right. I would say buy 2 nikon d40s instead of 1 d80/d90. double up on your gear and you will always get your scenes done. 1 camera is too close to no cameras. and lastly another point nobody mentioned, if you do buy some new shit, get it at a REAL store like b&h or walmart or somewhere legit. I ordered my first nikon slr from soniccameras.com and they sent me a "grey market" d40. i dropped it off the table and the shutter stuck. sent it to nikon and they didn't fix it because it was grey market.... so keep all that in mind when you're shopping on a budget.

Will do. Wife is supposed to hit the storage garage today for me. So will let everyone know, just he has first crack.

Some VERY good tips in regards to additional equipment, thank you! :thumbsup

I appreciate that ASM! :thumbsup

I'm very happy with my Canon Vixia 30 that was recommended to me here. It's a miniDV tape camera though, which I prefer. I don't shoot porn with mine, just videos of my family and baby. I don't trust hard drives with my baby videos! Having everything on a whack load of tapes is an instant effortless archive for me. Also when I go on vacation I don't need to bring a laptop to transfer stuff off to, just a bunch of $2-3 tapes and I'm set.

Yeah even though I back things up in multiple places I HATE using HDs and CDs for family photos and stuff. Might be a good idea to get a miniDV also. Thanks for the info Socks. :thumbsup

Oh I also happen to have a Sony Handycam hdr-hc5 HD camera. Was used maybe once or twice. Still has box and all components. Not a pro-cam but can shoot most stuff as a starter camera.
If your going for high end from the start then this would not be for you. These just are the types of cams I had used for many sites while staying in smaller budgets.

Is it much more time consuming working with miniDV in regards to getting the media on the PC? As mentioned I am a noob in this field. I think I am looking for a higher grade but what are you asking for it?

I never payed much attention to the time of transfer. I let a dedicated machine handle that. Someone else can chime in.

Figured you would after a higher end camera but also figured others are lurking the thread.
I checked prices real quick on google. Suppose I could let it go for 500 obo. (reasonable best offer)

$500 seems like a good deal. I need to get something for personal stuff anyway so I will give it some thought and let you know. Thanks again!

Have you considered a DSLR which also offers (proper) video? eg the Canon 5D Mark II, which does 1080p 30fps. I'm not making any recommendation as I've never used this camera, just putting out an alternative. Perhaps some others who have gone for a hybrid can comment.

Ummm, YES! Lighting is THE MOST ESSENTIAL part. Without high quality lighting, you can do nothing. Get a flash to mount on your camera's hot shoe (the bult-in one just isn't good enough) and get strobes when you get good. And learn how to take a custom white balance measurement. Does these things and get shooting.

I also may have some more stuff. Trying to get it all rummaged together. Like I said I have paid for a few peoples sites when they started, some changed mind quickly and sent back equipment to me, others upgraded quickly and I got the stuff back. I then get a tad lazy and mean to sell it and then forget about it.
By the time I get the light info, I will also know if I have any spare SLR's, lenses, strobes, light meters, tri pods, etc.

both ASM and BMB are good connections, have done business with all 3 of you on some level..and all positve experiences
you might consider a sony fx1 used $1500 for your HD video, it shoots well and uses minidv tapes which are easy to work with and reasonable priced used
get sony vegas for your editing needs

use what you already have, dont spend $ until you make $ off the sites, no need to rush out n spend a bunch of $

Generally speaking I will agree with you, but to make money in porn, it is not necessary. Some of the hottest and best converting sites have the shittiest content. Why does it sell? Because it's real and not made in a studio with perfect lighting.

Love my Nikon D90 but the video at 24 FPS is no good the Canon 5D Mark II is much better for video but honestly for what you are doing, buy a dedicated video camera.

PS the 2 camera idea floated before is a must as well as tons of batteries, cards and extra chargers

Basically you play the miniDV into your computer so each minute recorded is a minute of loading to your pc.


.

I would suggest a D90 to start like suesheboy did also. Grab ASM's light kit too.

For HD video to start you'd be fine with a Canon S10 or S11, get a few good accessories for them also.

Oh, you'll want a nice pc to use with that video.

Build your own equipment. :)

Here's my DIY beauty dish:
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...er/beauty2.jpg http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...er/beauty1.jpg

I have a ring flash in the making, too. First tests are quite positive.
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h.../ringflash.jpg

you can always do like zack and miri and tape flashlights to a broomstick. seriously though, get some torchiere floor lamps with bendable arms. they're like $10 or less at walmart and do a much better job than all the umbrellas and shit i paid big bank for. i would suggest a ringlight like dude said too but i have no clue how to build one

Best answer - invest some time and money in a photography/video/audio-media course.

I stopped answering these questions after realizing 99.9% of the advice is already posted 1000x on GFY.

Search is your friend. Use your own time to search rather than ask everyone to spend time rehashing everything.

Lots of good advice in this thread and two posts stand out for me.

While shimmy2 pointed out it would be nice to have backup equipment, it's not essential and your money could be spent on other more important things. Once you have everything covered THEN you can begin to add backup equipment.

DWB had the best advice. The bottom line is you will have to produce an image that has the desired result on the viewer. That has WAY more to do with style, composition and subject matter than it does with equipment. You can have the best equipment that money can buy and still take unusable pictures or you can have a simple setup and get the job done nicely. It really depends on the person behind the equipment.

Definitely sounds like something to consider, I have heard many good things about the Canon 5D Mark II.

Sounds good, thanks for the input.

Sounds good, I will keep and eye on the thread for sure. Thanks for your time ASM!

Yeah I have always respected them from their post history also but never actually spoke to either of them 1 on 1. Thanks for the suggestion on Sony, checking it out now. :thumbsup

Makes sense in most instances, if I only had 4-5k to my name I probably wouldn't be spending it. I just tend to be the type that if I am going to do something, I want to do it big, or at least as big as I can at the time.

I have thought about taking the amateur approach also, or mixing them together, with a lot of "self shot" content in the members area also.

Thank you for the suggestions! :thumbsup

Cool, thanks. Does seem like it would be quite a bit more time consuming then. Any advantages to miniDV aside from having the content on tapes?

I keep hearing about the D90, might definitely be the way to go. Thanks for the input!

Haha I don't think I know enough about the equipment yet to be building it on my own. Cool looking stuff though!

No kidding? I wouldn't have imagined I would get near the same light from one of the regular lamps. Definitely something to consider if I don't buy ASM's kit. Thanks!

Might be something to consider. I imagine I wouldn't find an adult oriented one and not that it matters as they would be teaching me how to use the camera, but I might almost be more willing to just jump in and do my tests on actual people.

GFY search is horrible. I know there are many threads on here for people asking about the best camera, etc. I thought my situation was a little different and wanted to explain my stand (noob) on things and get suggestions based on that.

In your opinion do you think it might be best to start the amateur style route with the equipment I already have, then blend in professional stuff as the site ages and the models get "professional help" or something along those lines? I personally like amateur stuff over the professional, I imagine many surfers are the same. As mentioned I do have minimal experience just not in the adult game, so with some time, trial and error, I think I will be fine.

Just really would like to pin down 1 camera and one HD camcorder to start, more than likely also a light kit and a few additional things.

holy *&%$# batman that was the longest quote i've ever read on any board. correct me if i'm wrong but it sounds to me like you have never filmed a girl before. i would suggest you go hire a whore, or pick one up who won't rob you... any whore for $100 for the hour and take pics with a disposable camera and video with a little 50 dollar flash drive POS just to get the feel of what its like. the shoot experience and fuckups you make the first time around are priceless and you don't need expensive SLR and 3ccd equipment to shoot your first rough, unsellable scene. experiment with gonzo and pov style for starters and have fun.

Then shoot THAT. You will be better at it.

Close the thread, you just answered your own question. :2 cents:

What they all said, especially DWB.lol


And i use the Canon Vixia HFS 10 hard drive camera for my 21 month old daoughter. That camera rocks!! It took my 5.5 wide angle lens that i used to use on my sony vx2100.

I use it for video and photography. It has a pretty bad ass onboard flash and onboard light. It gets used every day and it never had a problem. I only use this camera for my daughter, but it would seriously rock for POVs or fulll scenes if i needed a camera not to be seen. Would be perfect for DWBs situations at work.lol


The best is that i can shoot the files to the hard drive or SD card at any size and quality that i want. Its very important to me because at high quality HD i end yo with 12 gig files for every 45 min of footage. on a lower quality setting which is still really good the same 45 min. is 80 megs. which one do you want to work with and archive? I archive on DVDs and 2 hard drives.:2 cents:

For pics, your DReb is fine. But with the 1.6 crop, you're going to want something uber wide, esp if you're shooting in a small space. I kinda like the images from the Sigma 10-20mm ultra wide zoom lens. It's under $500 too. For video, you might want to consider the Canon XH-A1. It's about $4k MSRP though (but you can find them in the mid $3k's). It's like having a 5DMkII except more geared toward video. Check this one out:

http://vimeo.com/5694952?hd=1

Invest $100 in photography/art books, and pay special attention to framing and composing of your image/frame.

:thumbsup I picked up a little Sony that is just like it. Just started playing with it and it's great for POV or on the fly shooting.

Off hand here is what I located without searching to much.
Two Alienbees B400 Lamps (black, with zipper cases) Suggested Retail: 224.95 ea. (+s/h)
Two Umbrella reflectors (white on black 38") Suggested Retail: 29.95 ea. (+s/h)
Two tripod stands (black, 10') Suggested Retail: 39.95 ea. (+s/h)
Total Suggested retail: $589.70 (+s/h & possibly tax)

Since they are for the most part unused, aside from taking them out of their packaging. I figure I could let then go for $400.00 + actual shipping charges (total amount I receive, so may be slightly more depending on how funds are sent).
Will accept paypal, check, money order, cashiers check, wire.

You can pick carrier of your choice and insurance. Though I will say the USPS has pretty good rates via their flat rate boxes.
You would be looking at 2 poster sized tubes, 2 sm. & long rectangle boxed (3' maybe), and 2 12"x12" boxes.
Will supply pictures if you want.

Thanks ASM for looking into that for me. Honestly this skin on gfy leads me to believe that the pay site model wont be lasting much longer, kinda having second thoughts on starting sites. Give me like a day please to let you know on the alien bees, otherwise the second guy can take them.

Do you still have the Sony miniDV? I have been thinking more and more about getting that for home videos of my kids.

Yeah I do still have it. It has been listed on craigslist but so far I had only been getting scam paypal offers on it. No plans on bumping it on there anytime soon.

Can understand the concerns about the tube issues and the paysite model. I personally disagree (honestly if you do not buy my thoughts would not change) with the idea of the pay site model wont last much longer.

I am sure you have seen how others have spoken about protecting their content, that is one way to know they will stick around. Unique/Exclusive will always have a market just like microniche will. As a business standpoint you should also think of all of the ways you can make money from your content. It all does not depend 100% on the membership model. You can supplement it with VOD and Clip sales, especially if you understand and can add in a niche or microniche into your sites (guessing solo sites perhaps).

Money wise I still would find it hard for someone who knows what they are doing loosing money on a paysite even in todays market. You could start with pure clips for instance. Invest in a camera, lighting, possibly some props (clothing, niche stuff, toys), for under 2k. Hire some models, shoot out a bunch of niche material for the clip stores and building a multi model niche site. Figure the starting budget for models and contracts was another 3k. I can almost guarantee that you would be back in the black within 6 months and have doubled your money at least by the end of the year. Honestly if you got it all nailed down and really pushed what you were doing, there would be no reason to not see much larger figures. Even with the amount of piracy today.

I have officially went off topic and that is something I do not like doing. Just hate the idea of people giving up because of this crap.

Appreciate you giving your thoughts. It is not that I am giving up, just having thoughts of focusing majority of my efforts elsewhere. I earn xxx,xxx yearly as an affiliate, and figured I could double or triple that launching some pay sites. I know I could make good money from it, using unique approaches, etc. BUT I wouldn't make anywhere near the money I would have before all of the tubes, shady cross sales, etc etc.

Time is money, I am balancing what markets will bring a larger return on time spent. Adult isn't heading in the direction I would like to see it moving in. I generally have the "adapt of die" mind set but I am not about to go launch an illegal tube.

Anyway enough about all of that. $500 for the Sony? It has minimal usage right?

The sony was used off and on during 1 day.
This one was purchased as an oh shit, nobody brought a camera to x-mass at a relatives house and we had a relative who may not be around next year present. So I rushed out and grabbed it.

I will take it off your hands. Mind hitting me up when you have a minute? Contact details are in my sig, but wont be on ICQ until I am back to work tomorrow night. Thanks! :thumbsup

You have an email.
You also have a day or two on the lights, unless you pass them onto the other person.