New Sony A300 DSLR

[Dustint21]

So my wife really wanted to start getting into photography. She would like to take some course at the local college and maybe take pics for weddings and and other events for some extra cash on the side. We got a good deal on this camera NIB. I havent done much research on this subject and was wondering if someone could points her in the right direction.

Thanks
Dustin

Oh and here are a few pics I took of the tank just playin around!

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Keep in mind that wedding photography isn't just a few hours on a Saturday night. One wedding could equate to a 40 hour work week. You will also *need* some top of the line equipment (very expensive). I also recommend to use *TWO* DSLR's (several wedding photogs I know use 3). Not only will this make switching lenses easier, but if one of the cameras stops working right, the bride will be less likely to file a lawsuit (no that wasn't a joke, if you screw up they can and will sue you). These shouldn't be cheap DSLR's either. Wedding photography is a professional venue and it requires professional equipment. Sure on a hobbiest level a cheap DSLR is all you really need. Weddings are held in some of the most extreme photographic conditions. If there is one thing camera's hate, its dark churches paired with candlelight receptions. Honestly I just don't think an A300 can handle it. Top of the line lenses, top of the line cameras, top of the line flashes, and top of the line knowledge are requirements. Taking a class about photography is well and good but it won't prepare someone for a wedding. To figure out just what is going on, she should hire on with a professional to get the lay of the land. This is common but usually the only pay is experience.

 

[Dustint21]

Thank you very much for the reply! I know this camera is not what she would use in the future. She is just getting into the hobby and we figured this would be a good start to help her get some practice. I didnt even think about her getting in with a pro. I will have her look into it! Thanks again!

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Once she figures out exposure and all of the basics (a photography class should teach that), then pairing with a pro would be ideal. All of the finer points are hard to learn in a text book. Flash photography can get very confusing very fast. For me actually doing it is the only way to wrap my head around it. Watching a fully trained and money making pro is a great asset to learn these finer points.
A wedding photographer is something of a drill sergeant. You may have a list of 250 shots which must be taken and getting 250 different combinations of drunk people together on a strict time table is intimidating. She will need to learn how to do this and 100 other skills efficiently. You can make over $1000 profit on a wedding, but it isn't easy money like everyone assumes. Plus like I mentioned before, 1 wedding could take a regular job's work week worth of time invested.