You ask and I will answer

Hi,

If you ever have any questions about photography either how to make money from your photography or which lens do I use and why?

Please do not be shy, I'll take the time to answer all of your questions.

You can write it in English or in French.

Here are a couple of question's that I have already received from clients, followers or readers:

What lens do I use and Why?

I currently carry 3 lens in my bag with 2 more to come.

I have a 17-40 f4L from Canon.

I use this lens for landscape, environment portraits where I show the environment of the subject and I also use it to get into my subjects comfort zone and make it more intimate.

I use this lens since it's a good aperture lens. It's also sharp wide open with limited distortion on my 5D MarkII. The lens has a great build, weather sealed and light. Of course, there is a faster counterpart to this lens being the 16-35 f2.8L II. I did not in that direction since I have previously owned that lens and I found that for the same sharpness and field of view, the increase in price was not worth fro a 1 stop faster aperture.

I also use a Canon 24-70 f2.8L lens.

No this lens is not stabilized and nor will it be. The fast aperture and focal length make it a necessary tool in the bag. The sharpness wide open at 2.8 is great at all focal lengths. The weight of this lens is pretty surprising but it wears "the brick" name very well. Great build, great quality, weather sealed and superb image quality. I love shooting wide with this lens and creating more space between my subjects and their environment in low light.

My most favorite lens in my bag is the Canon 70-200 f2.8L.

This lens is a gem. It has been in my bag since day one of my photography birth and will always be in the bag. The focal length makes it perfect to get close to subject. It also allows me to compress the subject and background to make them stand out even more. I have opted for the non IS version since I can hand hold the lens at 1/60 pretty much 90% of the time. The non IS version is also sharper in test then the IS version. I am quite fanatic about my sharpness :P

There is a Sigma counterpart that I get asked about often and I can only say, the Auto focus is about 50% slower and not as precise. The decision is up to you but I would not want to sacrifice image quality and getting the shot over 300-400$.

I use this lens to photograph subjects without them knowing to get the real emotions and reactions of people.

What filters do you use?

I am use to carrying a DSLR around with big lenses so I do not have any clear filters on my lenses. I would strongly recommend someone starting in photography to use clear filters since they will be bumping the lens here and there. I would not trust any other manufacturer other then B&W. The use non distorting glass and also non image quality affecting glass.

I only use 1 filter in my bag. I use a B&W Circular polarizer filter to stop down a little bit of light in sunny days. Play with my contrast and remove reflections off of glass and water. Fortunately, my lenses all use 77mm filters :P

How did you learn about photography?

I am a self taught photographer. I have read lots of books, lots of internet posts and more about photography. The most powerful learning tool is to shoot images and look at the result. I usually shoot about 3000-5000 personal images a month just to keep the skills sharp, have fun and also learn some more.

I will let you know that lighting a photograph is an art and that I was lucky enough to work for some photographers that taught me how to light a scene. Even if I mostly shoot natural light, learning how to light with a Canon 580EXII was key for my photography. For this teaching, I need to thank World known wedding photographer Dennis Reggie. I need to thank Carl Durocher for teach me some basic studio lighting technique and also Yanick Dery for sharing some of is lighting techniques on a purchasable DVD.

How do you get client's?

I mostly get clients via my website or word to mouth referrals. I have designed a basic website to show my work. I have no knowledge about web design so it's very basic but follows a simple rule. Never make people click more the two times to see your images. I am like most people and when websites are to complicated or not going straight to the point, I simply close it and get to the next one.

I have never worked for free. Yes I did exchange services or done it for good cause like the Alzheimer society. Just to give you an Idea, the least expensive wedding I have done was 1000$ plus taxes for a 3h coverage. People need to learn to sale themselves and charge a reasonable price for their services!

I also get client's because I always talk about photography and that I am always looking for opportunity to showcase my talent. I learned how t o sale my services very easily and quickly and that has paid off so much! I could not stress enough this issue if you want to become a photographer. The world will not come to your door if they do not know you exist!

Can I be your assistant?

I already have a great wedding assistant in Sébastien Lavallée. I would like to let everyone know that I will never accept free assistant. I may not be able to pay lot's sometimes but I acknowledge people who have respects for themselves and value their work.

Sébastien's business is also growing and one day will probably need to be replaced but till now, I have no plan in changing him since our bond is great. I first look at personality before portfolio. I had a great talk and some fun before I decided to pick Sébastien in the process. ( I had gotten 11 replies for the offer) 8 of the were for free work so they were eliminated on the spot. Others did not talk about salary but I did not find a great bond or personality behind them. Sébastien's portfolio was basic and at a starting point. Today, I feel he has grown into a great photographer and also a great friend!

What is your next learning curve?

I am trying to learn more about video. I am lucky enough to be working with Canon's 5D MarkII. I am trying to setup a small clip about my clients, about me and about life in general. I just love shooting so much and I have discovered a new way of communicating through video. I am far from being a videographer but I want to learn and become a Director of photography on some movie or sets.

Why are you so passionate about photography?

I have a passion fro beyond most people about photography since I love to relive the memories, moments and emotions through the images. Their is nothing like getting the shot, nailing it with the real smile, the real moment. I cannot stand fake emotions and fake pictures. I love showing the great personality of my clients in their pictures! I have grown my love for photography by becoming a photographer.

Keep them coming...

Sébastien D'Amour - International wedding and lifestyle photographic artist