Brian is now using the mirrorless system for both wedding and portrait clients alongside his DSLR kit. He can, however, see a not too distant future shooting the mirrorless system solely, for all of its growing advantages.
In the interview, learn how to integrate both systems seamlessly, how to handle client and guests questions at a paid gig and whether or not these cameras will see an influx of new professionals to the industry. You'll also hear about some of the downsides of shooting with these cameras too.
Here's some more of what we cover:
As a bit of self confessed “groupie” of the mirrorless system, in particular the Fuji X100s, I'm a little concerned following this interview. Do you feel this episode of the podcast was too lopsided? Are there questions I should have asked but didn't?
After hearing Bryan describe his workflow and seeing his wonderful images, I thinks it's only a matter of time before I introduce the camera to my paying clients… what about you?
A little extra in todays episode
Following the planned recorded interview, Bryan and I kept chatting about work and life when the conversation turned to a recent boudoir shoot featured on his blog. I was curious about the room/setting for the shoot and whether it was the clients house or a studio setting.
Bryan then revealed what I thought was a fantastic tip that I had to share with you. Bryan has an agreement and day rate with a local and exclusive hotel to use their rooms for his boudoir shoots. The room rates are built into his prices and he now has at his disposal, beautifully decorated, well lit spaces just perfect for his boudoir shoots.
I love this idea not only for boudoir shoots but any style of shoot – portraits, wedding location shoots in bad weather are two that come straight to mind. Can you see a way to use this approach in your business?
What's on Offer
Premium Members, you're in for a real treat this week with two separate items available to you.
First up, Bryan delivers yet again with a great idea (one that he's actually implemented and using) that will set you apart from your competition. I won't give away his ideas here, but you'll learn:
- Developing a product from scratch – how you can do it too
- Over delivering again and again
- Simplifying album design by creating emotional attachment to the photos you like
Secondly, as mentioned in the podcast, William Bay from Flaunt Your Site is running one of his “Get Noticed in Four Weeks” SEO courses in January 2014.
The courses are 4 weeks in total and are each 90 minute sessions, one night a week. The course is online via Google Hangouts and once signed up, you log into each session where you can see and hear William and see his computer screen in real time. You can interact and ask questions as you go – it is the next best thing to actually being there in the room as you look over his shoulder while he works and teaches SEO for your photography website.
As a Premium Member, William has kindly offered a $30.00 saving to Premium Members of Photo Biz Xposed – get over to the Members area for your promo code.
You can hear the interview with William in episode 3 of the podcast to get a better idea of what he does and teaches.
What is your big takeaway?
If you're excited about learning to recapture the passion for photography you felt when first discovering photography, I'd be curious to know if you'll be considering either trying or actually incorporating the mirrorless camera system into your paid shooting and workflow?
I'd love to know what your biggest takeaway is – what is the one thing that you'd like to implement or remember from what Bryan had to share? Let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.
If you have any questions for Bryan that I missed, a specific question you'd like to ask or if you just want to say thanks to Bryan for coming on the show, feel free to add them below.
iTunes ratings, reviews and Shout-Outs
Each week before recording the podcast, I check iTunes for any reviews and each week I'm blown away by the comments and reviews from you. This week was no exception, thank you to:
Neil Dallimore of Photography by Neil Dallimore in Australia
And Egypety… sorry mate, I'd love to add a link to your site but couldn't track down who you are – thanks though for the review and rating, I really appreciate it.
The iTunes reviews make a big difference to the podcast being ranked well and found in the iTunes store. If you have the time and are happy to leave an honest rating and review, head over to iTunes. Don't feel your comments have to be long, involved or gushy, an honest opinion is all I ask.
Don't be shy about leaving your business name in the review either – that way I can add a link in the show-notes and show my appreciation with a proper thanks and a Google loving back-link to your website.
This week on social media and email, I've had the pleasure of chatting to a bunch of great people and want to give shout outs to:
Jonathan Arlia
Alan Moyle of Alan Moyle Wedding Photography
Brad Barlow of B2X Photo at Idaho Falls
Andrew Szopory of Andrew Szopory Photography
Grant Kennedy of We Shoot Buildings
This week I also received two great voicemail messages from:
Terry Richards of Terry Richards Photography
Paul Pennell of Paul Pennell Photography
Thanks guys, I appreciate the effort and as you know, it's great to have you listening!
If you'd like to get in touch, ask a question or make a suggestion for the show, you can email me andrew@photobizx.com, find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/andrewhellmich or on Facebook at https://photobizx.com/facebook – I'd love to hear from you!
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Cassie boudoir session – all photographed with the Fuji
Fuxi XE2 Camera – official site
Cicadas are making a real pest of themselves at this time of year when it comes to recording audio – they are so noisy!
Pricing for Profit: Solid Business Techniques for a Profitable Photography Studio
SpiderHolster Black Widow Spider Camera Holster for Lightweight DSLRs and Point-and-shoot Cameras
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera with 16MP and 3-Inch LCD – Body Only
Fujifilm X100S 16 MP Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD (Silver)
Fujifilm X-E2 16.3 MP Compact System Digital Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-55mm Lens (Black)
Sony a7K Full-Frame 24.3 MP Interchangeable Digital Lens Camera with 28-70mm Lens
Sony a7R Full-Frame 36.3 MP Interchangeable Digital Lens Camera – Body Only
Leica M9 18MP Digital Range Finder Camera (Black, Body Only)
Fujifilm XF 23mm F1.4 R Wide-Angle Lens
Fujifilm XF 60mm F2.4 Macro Lens
Fujifilm XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 Zoom Lens
Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Aussie Version of Jingle Bells
The Resources Page
Don't forget about the ever expanding resources page that has a listing of products, programs, hardware, books and directories mentioned in each episode of the show. If you're looking for something that a guest has mentioned on a previous episode but just can't remember who or what it was – you'll find it listed in order on the resources page.
If you've been enjoying the podcast, I'd love for you to tell just one other portrait or wedding photographer about it – it could be in a Facebook Group you're a part of, a photography forum, a photographer friend or on twitter. Any help in growing the audience of the show means a better show for you in the future with bigger name guests and a higher quality podcast.
If you do have a twitter account, simply click here: https://photobizx.com/tweet or use the share buttons below to help spread the word.
That's it for me this week, hope everything is going well for you in life and business and you have a wonderful, wonderful Christmas.
Thanks and speak soon
Andrew
Another great episode. I have an Olympus OMD EM-5, I didn’t originally buy it to use in my business, mainly I wanted it for travel and for personal use. But it has come in handy for the business as well. My wife uses it at weddings to do a bit of second shooting, and it also comes in handy for those times where I want to be a little quieter as well. Since there is no mirror flapping you can be almost silent with it, which is nice for doing some candid shots at the ceremony without drawing to much attention to yourself. And the files that come out of it are every bit as good as my Nikon’s especially when you have the good glass on it.
I have to say thought that I am not as certain as Brian is that professional photographers will all be using small mirror less cameras in the next 5 years… although as the technology advances I could see bigger mirror less full frame cameras like the Sony A7r taking over dslr’s…. I guess we will have to wait and see!
Thanks Terry, glad you enjoyed the interview.
Your Olympus gets a big rap from its users from what I hear. Interesting to know you’re using yours for weddings too. Have you shot with it yourself at wedding or is it only used for second shooting?
The silence of these cameras really is amazing – I have passed my Fuji to other people to shoot with and they always ask – is this thing working.
Personally, If the autofocus improves, I’d make the switch for sure. My back would love me and I reckon they are just more fun to shoot with.
Have a great Christmas Terry and talk to you soon!
Hey Andrew, I have used it at weddings, but not as a main camera, my wife always has it on her and if there is a particular shot I want then I will at times grab it and use it. The only lens I have for it at the moment (besides the kit lens) is the 17mm prime, which makes it 35 full frame. Eventually I’d like to get a couple more. I think I would make the switch if they come out with a full frame sensor with enough lens options. The autofocus hasn’t really been an issue for me, it might be an issue if you were shooting sports or birds in flight or something, but its been great for my needs.
I’m in a similar position Terry and have only used the 35mm on the Fuji for some shots but I intend to use it more in the future.
A full farm version would be great.
Maybe my autofocus concerns are founded on using the D4 and not really a big issue. However, I do use the continuous focusing mode quite often on shoots and the Fuji is hopeless in that regard. And my manual focussing skills are no where near good enough to shoot a moving object.
Hope you’re well and enjoyed a fantastic Christmas and New Year!
Another great interview Andrew and Bryan – this has really got me more excited about about the future of professional photography, love Bryan’s positive spin on all situations. Thanks again guys!!!
Big thank you to Andrew and Terry Richards for sharing his voice mail at the end of this episode. Thrilling to hear that the podcasts are directly implicating peoples business – great result Terry.
Thanks for the comments, all! Have a Merry Christmas!
[…] Cameras (specifically the Fuji system) for Professional Wedding and Portrait Photographers here at photobizx (shared via […]
Wow, this interview couldn’t have been better timed for me!
I’m completely on the fence about what to do. My 5D Mark III and 24-70 /2.8L II are so heavy and a drag to tote around on family events, etc. So I completely can see why with Bryan went with the Fujifilm XE-2 and Andrew with the Fujifilm X100S.
Like everybody else I just dread questions from clients when they see a smaller camera in my hands. But on the other hand, I totally understand the part where Bryan was talking about blending in and not being that one guy with a DSLR. That’s what I want!
So the biggest question looming over my head right now is, sell the DSLR and go Mirrorless? Or just keep my DSLR and still buy Mirrorless? Either way, looks like I’m definitely getting a mirrorless camera in 2014.
Does anyone know of a really good video comparison of all the major mirrorless cameras on YouTube?
And Andrew and Bryan: Will I feel like I’m cheating on my 5D Mark III? Will it get jealous and start back-focusing on me just to spite me?
Will it feel like I’m trading it in for a slimmer and younger version? haha j/k
But for real, thank you Andrew for this interview with Bryan. I really enjoy listening to him. Great guy!
Joey Joiner
Fort Worth, TX
USA
Hey Joey
If you ever get a chance to try the mirror less cameras you take it – you’ll love them. As for cheating on your Canon’s – what happens on a shoot, stays on a shoot 😉
I have never had any intentions of buying a mirrorless camera and I almost didn’t even bother listening to this weeks podcast after seeing the subject title. Now I’m glad I listened and I’m excited about the thought of possibly adding a new little Fuji camera to my bag.
Thanks you for another great interview!
That’s funny Tim – I’ve had the same thing happen to me before with other podcasts. I see the title, think nahhh, that’s not for me but decide to listen anyway… only to be pleasantly replied.
Let me know if you take the plunge and give it a try and if it changes your outlook on what and how you shoot as a result.
My fiancée and I bought a Sony NEX-7N back in 2012. I think it deserves a bit of a mention. Bryan mentioned the newer A7 but I think the Nex is really a great camera and slightly more compact.
We bought it for personal use, but it began to gather dust until very recently, the main reason being that I was often happy to lug around the bigger 5Dmkii. That changed when I went on my first holiday overseas in 15 years. I was not willing to lug around the 5D and was somewhat worried about it being stolen, lost or damaged. So I brought the Nex and for the first time in over a year, I finally used it seriously and gave it a good work out.
I think the performance was stellar. I did miss the 5D at first but mainly because I was unfamiliar with the menu system and button layout on the Nex. Learning a new system was not that hard, though it was harder without the manual on my travels. I actually accidentally deleted a days worth of video because I wasn’t familiar with the system. Ive only played with a Fuji XE-1 but it seemed totally foreign to me.
The pictures from the trip turned out pretty good (from a camera I could squeeze into the pockets in my shorts!) I was pleasantly surprised by the level of detail I could see from images shot on a 24mp 1.5x crop sensor. The noise reduction can be pretty aggressive at high ISOs so that would be a concern for using this camera professionally. See for yourself here: http://www.kissandtellphotography.com.au/travel-photography-vietnam-2013
I havent yet used the Nex professionally. But thanks to Bryan I think I will have some serious confidence in doing so. Like Bryan I think its about explaining to your client how or why you are using it, and using it very specifically. I think I would use the Nex for wider, and older manual focus glass. If you can confidently tell your client that you’re using a pink Holga because it takes better pictures, then I dont see them having any problem with it, especially if you deliver good pictures. The other great thing about the Sony’s is that while they are small, they come in all black and look more modern, so they still look “professional”.
Hey Andy, thanks for adding your comments and looking at the photos on your link (and following you on Instagram) I can see the Sony is a perfectly capable camera!
I totally agree with you in regard to using the right tool for the job as you see fit as long as you’re delving good pictures.
Make sure you add a link to any professional shoots you decide to use the Sony on.
Hey Andrew,
Yet another great podcast. Quite like the change of having a nice in depth chat about cameras! My thing is portraits rather than weddings but anyway, thought I’d leave a comment. Right now I use a Sony a55 until I can afford a new camera. Might actually consider the a Fuji!
Anyway, I chose the Sony because I didn’t know much about the difference between mirror and no mirror, other than it’s quiet. I chose it for the price and features. I also bought it for video, not knowing I’d get into photography. So, I kinda regret not choosing something better.
One thing Bryan spoke about in the interview was about the Electronic View Finder. Mine has an EVF which is ok, but for what I shoot, ie, low light and studio, it sucks! Can’t see a thing! So I have to do a work around to be able to see, which is pop the on camera flash up, but cover it with tape. For some reason it makes the screen brighter so I can actually see stuff. Anyway, I’m coping ok for now and still getting some great shots, even if it’s only 14MP and I shoot with only a 50mm prime and the 18-55mm kit lens.
One day I shall upgrade. Probably will stay with Sony though as I’ve gotten used to it but might go for a Sony a7, although I’d hire it first to have a play! http://www.hireacamera.com/cameras/detail.asp?model=964
Anyway, love the pod casts as you know and so, keep up the good work!
Best, Rahim http://www.facebook.com/SugarBoxStudiosUK
Hey Rahim, thanks for adding your comments. I’m sure you can’t go too far wrong with the Sony cameras and from what I hear, the new models are pretty amazing.
Nice workaround with your camera for low light too 🙂
I’m listening to this as I type and as much as I hate to say it, I think Bryan is right in that the world will probably go mirrorless sooner than later. BUT I don’t think it’s because they’ll be better than DSLRs but rather because that’s how the technology business pretty much moves forward; they’re generally fixing what’s not broken for profit (case in point point, the megapixel war in the earlier days of digital, etc).
I personally dislike mirrorless for one reason: EVFs. I can’t stand them! I have an old Fuji bridge camera, which took amazing pictures (well, up to ISO 400) and apart from the lack of interchangeable lenses it looked like a full on DSLR, which was useful at family weddings back in the day haha. But the EVF drove me nuts. Apart from knowing the white balance (which is moot shooting raw) I personally saw no advantages. More often than not I found myself exposing for the EVF rather than the actual metering, which was a pain in post! Plus I’ve developed an eye condition so for me an EVF wouldn’t be optimal, so I’m actually fearing this future of photography! And unlike many people like Bryan I prefer the extra weight on my cameras haha.
I’ve also yet to have people get uncomfortable etc at a wedding because of my cameras. If I don’t want them to see me, I get the 70-200 and become a sniper 😉
I hope I’m not coming off as an old school shooter afraid of change (I’m not that old! Though do still prefer the look of film lol) but I’ve always preferred proper SLRs over all other portable formats and I guess I’m just a little concerned about any compromise we’ll be forced to make because manufacturers think we should all be shooting one way over another.
(Sorry for what I now see looks like a rant!)
I tend to agree with your opening comments Shad but I can’t see the DSLR ever going away – no matter how big the mirror-less camera manufactures push the new system.
I’m the same with the EVF but you have to try the Fuji’s (not sure about the other systems) and their optical view finder – I find it great. Once the AF is faster, I’ll be all over a mirror less system for all of my work.
I don’t think I’m getting old yet but I’d take a lighter camera system any day, over my SLR kit which weighs a ton.
Definitely not a rant and I think you’ll be safe for a long time yet, to choose whatever system you like – which is just how it should be.
Hah, well I certainly get people wanting lighter cameras, I just find I get better stability with the heavier ones.
I’ve read about optical viewfinders in mirror-less but for some reason I assumed it would fixed focal length (the OVF). They do look pretty cool though and I’d love to pick one up for holidays and general purpose. But I’m still in the “wait and see” camp for professional use.
The OVF on my Fuji is more like a range finder viewfinder – it took a little to get used to it but I like it now.
I was in the same boat as you and never expected to be using mirror less for pro work but after buying one for family and holiday snaps, I’m being converted. You’ll definitely have to get your hands on one for a play.
[…] Marketing and photography success story, Bryan Caporicci, shares why mirrorless cameras for professional wedding and portrait photographers are the perfect fit. […]
[…] To all my photogra-friends who hang out here on my blog, I wanted to share the interviews with you. Here is a link to my recent TWIP (This Week in Photography) interview, where the host, Frederick Van Johnson and I discuss mirrorless cameras, shooting with a purpose, and what the future of photography might look like. My other recent interview was with Andrew Hellmich on his Photography Business Exposed podcast, and here’s the link to the PhotoBizX interview. […]
Still one of my favourite podcasts because I treasure my little Sony NEX-7. For those worried about slow autofocus, Sony now boasts the fastest AF on its newly announced A6000 (not that I had too much trouble with the NEX-7 anyway [check out our Vietnam blogpost below]): http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/is-the-sony-a6000-superfast-hybrid-af-going-to-kill-the-slt-tech/ Interesting times ahead….
Cool to hear this is one of your favourite episodes Andy – I was a little worried about tackling this one with the business focus I try to take with the podcast. Seems I shouldn’t have been with all the comments.
I just saw news about the Sony today – having the fastest AF. Interesting times ahead.
I don’t have any real concern with the speed of focussing with my X100s but it is difficult when shooting a moving subject – something that I do frequently at weddings. This is really the only area that I’d like to see sorted.
I’ve loved seeing your Vietnam photos on Instagram and your blog. It wasn’t a country I had really considered visiting till I saw what you saw through your Sony. Great photos!
This is such a great interview, I have listened to it 3 times now. Since then I have bought a x100s and also have the new XT1 is also preorder. For about $1500 I can replace most of my popular lenses. I have 2 D800 and looking to practice to make the switch completely to the x system. I would be interested to find out how Bryan made the custom settings in LR for the black and whites.
Hey Matt – looks like you’ve really made the plunge with the mirror less system. I’d be interested to hear how you go and how much you enjoy the new system once you start using it full time.
I’ll get in touch with Bryan and let him know about your question but I’m guessing he has a bunch of settings in Lightroom to get his B&W’s to look the way he likes and saves them as an “XE2 import preset” or “X100s import preset” where these settings are applied to every image on import.
If you’re asking about actual settings, I’m unsure. Hopefully he can shed some light.
Thanks Andrew, The setting I was talking about are the import setting for the raw files. He said he created custom profiles and I was not sure how to do that or if I need to go to someone to do that. I actually shot a wedding 2-22-14 and used the x100s there I did all of the family pictures with it, loved it. I specifically bought the x100s for the leaf shutter in it, since you can sync the flash up to 1/4000 of a second. It is an amazing tool for outside pictures in the middle of the day. If you haven’t tried it with your I would! Once the xt1 comes in I will be able to comment of using the full system at a wedding but so far I love it.
Hey Matt – I think you’ll be blown away with the response from Bryan. What a super generous guy!
I have played around with the fast sync speed on the X100s and recently purchased some cheaper Yongnuo flash triggers for the Fuji. I can see it won’t be too long till I can see myself shooting solely with the mirror-less system. As soon as my D4 needs replacing is my guess.
Hey Matt,
Re: my B&W processing – I have basically just created a LR default preset to mimic what I get from the JPG processing in-camera. I like to have the latitude in the RAW for obvious reasons. Here’s my in-camera B&W JPG settings. It’s what I shoot 100% of my stuff with:
My B&W in-camera settings:
B&W – Red Filter
Auto ISO (3200) – I normally manually adjust this throughout a session
DR 100
Auto WB (w/ +2 R, -2 B shift)
NR -1
Highlight Tone +2
Shadow Ton +2
Sharpness +2
My LR settings:
Exposure -0.45
Highlights -30
Shadows +10
Whites -6
Blacks +1
Clarity +10
Tone Curve:
Highlights +15
Lights +15
Darks +45
Shadows -10
B&W:
Red +30
Orange +30
Yellow +30
Green -10
Aqua -30
Blue -30
Purple +15
Magenta +5
Lens Vignetting:
Amount -35
Midpoint 20
Calibration:
Profile: Fuji Astia 100F – F (from VSCO)
Red Primary Saturation -50
Green Primary Saturation +30
Blue Primary Saturation -10
Bryan – you are an absolute legend! Some photographers are accused of being overly protective of what they do. You will never ever fall into that category.
Thanks again for sharing so much.
My pleasure, Andrew! I truly believe that there are no “secrets” in photography – only techniques. Might as well help out a fellow photographer whenever possible!
Thanks again Bryan! I have always believed that it is the person not the settings, or secrets that make the photographer. I agree with Andrew you are great for sharing and wanting to elevate the business not keep it where it is.
Hi Andrew! I’ve just come across your podcasts and I’ve been loving them!! thank you so much for doing such great interviews 🙂
Hi Cassie – so glad that you found us. Welcome! And thanks for adding your comment and letting me know you’re out there. 🙂
It was definitely interesting listening to this podcast as I have a number of photographer mates that are switching to the Fuji mirrorless systems and selling all their canon gear, thanks for sharing the details on this.
Again it was nice hearing Brian’s take on this emerging technology. I’m not about to start using it, but it was interesting. Thanks
Loved this episode; if Bryan ever gets this message I wonder if he could give an update on mirrorless recommendations on the market?
Great to hear James – I’ll see that Bryan knows about your question but mowing his fondness for the Fuji’s I reckon I can hazard a guess it’ll be the Fuji XT1 that he mentions.
Hey James – I have the Fuji X-T1, X-E2 and X100S. I would say that those are the 3 best in the current line-up. My main Fuji is the X-T1 so that’d be my first recommendation.
Hope that helps!
[…] https://photobizx.com/mirrorless-cameras-for-professional-wedding-and-portrait-photographers/ […]