What do I need??? HELP!!!

[MarcusK]

Ok.... i have been wondering where i should post this, in the end decided here, if this is the wrong place, than sorry mod, for the trouble of you having to move this

My question is this:

I am going into freelance photography, full time....and wanted to know what is the minimum equipment i need!?
I am going after journalism (mostly for quick paying gigs), fashion (magazines) and Ads....

Equipment i already have: Canon 300 (sorry but this is my only film cam) Canon 20D, 18-55mm, 28-90mm, 90-300mm, 50mm....Laptop, with PS and all other required software...even got some plug-ins for portraits (any help with those is more than welcome)

My budget is limited, so if need to buy more stuff that i can't afford, i would appreciate any advice as to how to start off, and what type of company to talk to!

Thank you in advance!
Marc

[adina]

backup. Specifically, backup to your digital body. The film camera is great for if you are just doing this for fun. But if you're in business, and you're using a digital setup, you need a digital backup. Unless you plan on keeping an assortment of different films on you just in case.

[MarcusK]

Adina,

Thanks, if there's anything i learned throughout my 9 years in graphics, is 2 things:

Cmd+S (Ctrl+S) and External Firewire HD are extremely important!

I hit the save combination in my sleep even!

Marc

[mjs1973]

I beleive what Adina is refering to is a backup digital camera body, not backing up your files. Of course that is very important too, but having a reliable second body will make sure you are able to complete the job. I carry a film camera as my backup, and I love it, but if you're working on a deadline, and need quick turn around, a second digital body could mean the difference between meeting that deadline, and not.

What about lighting? You mention fashion magazines, so I'm assuming you will be working in a studio for that kind of work. Do you have lighting, and studio equipment? Even a speedlight may come in handy for journalizim shots if the lighting isn't good. I don't use my speedlight much, but it's nice to know it's there if I do need it.

[MarcusK]

Well having a back-up body i dont have....just the Cards...but i do have with me a film body with a fresh set of films....

As for the studio, i will be renting them and their lights, the prices i found are roughly for about $700 US.... per day....Studio and lights of course! so that will be making it into my price as well.....

As for the photojournalism, they will be during the day, since i will not be covering events which is another story by itself, and something i do not like! And i dont need to worry about bad weather here, since its sunny most of the time....probably 325 days a year...

I do realize however, that a light meter would come in handy and i got some input on that in the Studio & lighting section of the forum...

Basically, i know that what i got is enough to get me started out small, but i wanted to try and start out as medium (if you know what i mean) I will need a set of portable Strobes or Flash units with their stands and extras.... I will eventually need to go Medium Format to score the bigger jobs.....

I was simply asking to be pointed in the right direction by any who care to help.... What type of folio would be good to have as i am starting up would be a nice piece of advice too...

Thanks again for all the help!
Marc