[Tactical]

September 30, 2009 at 6:00 am

You can get the window on a Cesna to open, easy to check when enquiring.

Also discuss things like desired altitude, distance from subject etc hen enquiring are there are altitude minima to consider (to comply with Irish air law, besides which the pilot ultimately will be the person to decide this taking into account ATC instructions if flying in a controlled zone).

Basically have a good chat when enquiring and bring as much detail as you can to the discussion so you won’t be disappointed if conditions or ATC instructions mean you may not get the angle, altitude etc on the shot you want. Forewarned is forearmed.

By the way, someone recently called to my door selling aerial shots and they were so poor I actually asked if the person who took the shots was a pro or an amateur. The sales lady said they were a professional who took the shots but you’d never have guessed it. So check examples of work of anyone you’d be proposing to use if not shooting yourself.

[Tactical]

July 24, 2009 at 4:15 pm

So a person decides to take a risk in todays economic climate and put some finance into a project but forgets to take account of marketing costs. And sometimes we wonder why banks won’t lend money to small business.

Does anyone remember a time when you had to bring a budget to a bank when applying for a mortgage and a sound business plan when applying for a business loan?

Seriously though, you’ll get what you pay for and I’m sure that as a developing business you’ll want it presented in a professional manner. So while you definately shouldn’t pay rip-off prices you should be looking at paying a fair price for a fair job. After all, you’ll want a fair price for your service won’t you :D

[Tactical]

January 5, 2009 at 12:00 pm

I’d first ask why you have been asked to take the photographs?

Are you a photographer or an occassional snapper?

It just initially appears that you have no equipment e.g backdrops, lighting etc, now I may be mistaken on this.

I guess what you first need to do is decide are you confident / capable enough to take the required shots. Next I’d be having a look at what’s done locally in this regard. For instance, in my locality there is a well respected and tallented professional who sets up her studio especially for a Debs night and the students can come along and have their shots taken there in a dedicated environment where there won’t be distractions / on-lookers etc…

The equipment you will need will to do the job depends on what is required in the end shot. At the very least you’ll need some type of background, some form of lighting and suitable software for post processing. Are you printing yourself or using a lab? What about slip in mounts, you’ll need to source these.

In terms of charging, you’ll have to see what the necessary equipment will set you back, what materials & print will cost. Then add your time, venue hire, post processing time and running about. Add all this up and see what you’ll need to charge to cover the costs, let alone make a modest profit.

[Tactical]

October 31, 2008 at 5:15 pm

markcapilitan wrote:

I used them years ago. Greatest load of crap! Heavy, bulky and the cable from it to the flash always stopped working right. Get a 580ex (if your using canon) and some 2500 or higher NIMH batteries…so much better.

I use the 580Ex II and either NimH 2450mAh’s or some of the newer Energizer Ultimate AA batteries (which can often be purchased quite cheaply in Argos of all places!)

Although I must admit to being tempted by some of the recent Quantum stuff. I wonder if any one rents them and cables? Might be a good idea to get a feel before purchasing.

[Tactical]

October 28, 2008 at 8:51 pm

Congratulations :D

If you haven’t got a model release then get one. Its never any harm to have one regardless of your intentions for a particular shot.

Get the details sorted and then get it all in writing it saves any potential misunderstanding in the future and clearly sets out the terms and conditions of use e.g you being credited with the work etc…

Best of luck with what ever you decide. A superb shot.

[Tactical]

September 16, 2008 at 12:07 pm

To some degree yes, but I prefer the Omni-bounce as it fits my 580ExII nicely and won’t break when I stuff it into my pocket.

In the past I have used a piece of material from a plastic milk bottle and an elastic band but the convienence of a dedicated component has meant less messing around in my experience. Besides the price of the Omni-bounce won’t break the bank.

It works for me, it mightn’t work for everyone.

[Tactical]

September 16, 2008 at 9:17 am

Honestly, it really happened.

PM sent.

[Tactical]

September 15, 2008 at 3:14 pm

I use an omnibounce on the 580ExII (I bought it from Barker) and haven’t looked back.

On the subject of buying Irish, this is something I like to try and do where possible but honestly there are some items e.g. glass and bodies, that are just too over-priced in this country.

Tax & VAT will naturally account for some of it but this one takes the biscuit…

You’ll all too well be aware at what price a brand new Eos-5D can be bought at in the UK. Well when in a retail outlet in Cork (one of the main two) I priced a second hand 5D body. When I was quoted the price and actually realised that I had heard right the sales assistant very quickly added that it was in perfect condition and came with a 3 month warranty. I asked how may shutter operations it had, naturally the assistant was unable to tell me :roll: and I once again asked if the price quoted was in fact correct for a second hand dSLR body…E4300. Yes, E4300 :shock:

Priced in the UK with an f2.8 L lens (as a kit bundle) brand new it came in at under half the price in Euro of what I was quoted in Cork for a second hand body So I ask, why oh why would a person consider buying glass and bodies here? Accessories tht are available locally and in stock can sometimes beat the hassle of shipping and waiting but for the real hardware I’ll never again shop in Ireland. :shock:

[Tactical]

September 2, 2008 at 3:13 pm

Hi Sean,

I know your post is up a while now but here goes anyways.

Consider Co. Kerry. As you drive South from Limerick and before you enter Castleisland you will come down the mountain. t the top (on the main road) there is a veiwing area and parking place. From here you will have a view of Castlemaine Harbour.

Then there’s always North Kerry, Ballybunnion, Banna, Don’t forget Fenit just outside of Tralee.

Have you considered Co. Clare? Cliffs of Moher being the most obvious but don’t ignore Doolin either.

Hope this is of some help to you.

[Tactical]

September 1, 2008 at 3:30 pm

I printed out my business cards in small quantity on photo paper and cut out appropriately.

Printed the first few on my good inkjet to see how they turned out and went to the local one hour self service print outlet for a handful.

I found this far cheaper than a full gloss from a professional business card printer for my needs anyways.

Great idea for the flyers, never thought of that route.

[Tactical]

September 1, 2008 at 3:25 pm

Are you still looking? Is so I may know of somewhere.