For Sale Nikon D90… SOLD!!

September 28, 2009 by  
Filed under Studios & Photography Stores

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Nikon D90

Hey Joe,

Joe?? Joe who?? You may ask… well, that would be Joe Dumic Owner of B & C Camera, located here in Las Vegas. On Friday, September 25, 09, a friend of mine stopped in to visit with Joe. My friend learned that Joe had A D90 (just to clarify A is equal to one.) Once that one D90 was sold, Joe would order another one, but it would take a few weeks to arrive.

My friend, who I am sure, had my best interest at heart and no other motives, called to tell me this. I had been looking at the D90 for some time, I had compared it to the D300. Which if I got a D300 would be a used one, and can you really trust a used camera body? Falls in the same category as buying a used car, you never know exactly what you have, until you own it. (Unless you are buying from your shooting partner or your Partner in Crime, then you will be fine.)

So, I mulled it over with my support system. Could I, Should I, What If… Could I Afford It, Would My Photos Sell Better??? Apparently my support system thought so. So at four o’clock in the afternoon, I zoomed off to the bank… Support System in tow. Pausing just long enough to move money around so I could charge the card. Gotta love Visa!!

Along with my support system, I had brought my lens to make sure they would work on the newest wonder from Nikon. All I had read said ‘yes,’ even The Nikonian – President of the Las Vegas Photographic Society, said the lens would be fine, and that the D90 would be his recommendation. Gary who helped me at the South Point with the lighting issue said they would also work, and spoke highly of the D90.

Flying off to B & C Camera, support system still in tow. I think we got there about five o’clock, Joe I believe closes at five thirty. Joe was smiling, and said ‘You have come for the D90.’ Yes you guessed it, my well intentioned friend seems to have made a phone call. Joe was aware of why I had come to see him.

Well, I said, I would like to look at the D90. Joe was very polite, and did not pressure me at all. Joe looked at my lenses and felt that I had made good choices with my current lenses. Joe left the D90 on the counter and let me handle things myself. Joe even let me go outside and take photos. Never once did Joe stand over me or pay me any more attention in respect to worrying about if I would return with the unpaid D90. Thanks Joe!

After several rounds of test shots, it was time to ask questions. I asked Joe lots of different questions. Not only about the D90, but what lens would work best for me. What accessories I should buy. I asked Joe his thoughts on the D90. Joe was a fountain of knowledge, and he was very patient, respectful, and honest.

I consulted yet again with my support system Could I, Should I, What If…??? I got the short ‘I already told you to buy it.’ ‘You know you need it, so just get it.’ Well I guess I had been told…

It would be a huge upgrade from my D80, which I had shot with for three years. From NASCAR, to PBR, to NFR, to Mob Book Signings… my D80 and I had been there. I knew my D80, would still be there for me, but I also knew the D90 had the newest and greatest technology. Things change a lot in three years.

I already knew the D300 was too big for me. My hands would ache from holding it for hours on end. I had done enough research to know that the D90 was similar in a lot of ways to the D300. And I figured if I didn’t know what the D90 was missing; then I probably wouldn’t need it anyway. Hard to miss something, if you don’t know it exists.

So, I told Joe I was sold on the D90 and he would have to order another one. My credit card is recovering, and my support system is much happier.

Thank you Joe for all your help, patience, and for being so generous with your advice. I know I will be back… once my credit card recovers. I am off to round up my shooting partner and Partner in Crime, to see what we can capture. Look for my spoils of war, shortly…

Camera Wench
“Have Camera… Will Travel”

If It Was Not For V.V.S. & Bobby!

February 1, 2009 by  
Filed under Studios & Photography Stores

In the beginning there was a lighting seminar held by a society of photographers in the city known as Las Vegas.  With nine other photographers dedicated to their craft as photographers, they made the trek to Vegas Vision Studios.  The President of this society took care of the models and even brought food… studios were set up and beautiful models were frozen in time.  

It was also a seminar where I learned that I had no interest in working with models as a full time profession, and that the studio had a lot of cool possibilities.  I also confirmed that I had no real interest in photographing people; you had to have a vision of what you wanted to see.  I could not envision with people… so I tucked away what I had seen, heard, and learned, and continued down the path of a professional photographer.

My focus turned to landscapes, rodeo, bulls, cowboys, and a passion with horses.  Through various venues I had been able to start capturing the beauty of the horse and knew that is where I wanted be.  The trick was finding people who wanted to pay for their horses either in action or interacting with their rider.  It is a path I have decided to follow, and hope to expand on it in 2009.

With the economy as it is, horse photos are not moving as quickly as I had hoped.  Surfing through Craigslist I happened across someone who wanted headshots.  How hard could that be?  My prospective client was not clear on what he wanted, but I figured maybe he just couldn’t explain it email.  I had done the lighting seminar and received compliments on those photos, I could handle this.

Well I am sure I worked with this gentlemen going back on forth in at least a dozen emails.  Ironing out details, location, cost, and what he wanted.  I sent him links to my website  ( www.kjanthony.com ) so he would so my other work, he liked what he saw and as they say the rest is history.  We eventually settled on a cost and a location, which turned out to Vegas Vision Studios, of which Bobby Deal is the President.

A nice safe location to meet someone I didn’t know for the first session.  I called Bobby, explained my situation, secured a date and time.  I sent my client a reminder email the night before and made sure he had directions.

I brought an assistant to work with me to ensure the safety of me and my client, and to help the shoot go smoothly and on time.  Along the way I picked up water for client, made sure I had the model release, and tried to envision what this client wanted from me his hired Professional Photographer.

We arrived at Vegas Vision Studios. a little early to set up and make sure everything was in order.  Bobby was great and he treated me with the respect, which he extended not only to me as his client, but as a Photographer.  He treated me like a Professional, didn’t mock my equipment, or think my questions were stupid.  He was patient and willing to help me where I needed it, when I needed it.

Bobby made my session a success from a photography stand point.  Bobby set up the lights, set up my camera to work with his light system, advised me on the best settings to use, and was very professional about it.  

I wanted to use a different background, so off I went to find Bobby.  I thought the one background would be perfect.  I asked Bobby his advice, he suggested another based on my client’s skin tone, and explained why my choice was not correct.  Bobby changed the background right away, again advised me on my camera settings and lighting positions.

To all the members of the society, I understand the economy is bad.  But, if you need a studio go see Bobby.  He will provide you with more than any other studio, who won’t give you the advice, or even set up your lights.  I believe I am the only member of the society who has been to Bobby’s studio for a private session, outside a society seminar.  As the powers that be have said, we need to support our local businesses…  Let’s not lose Bobby or his studio, as we will be at a huge disadvantage if we do.

I am not planning on studio work full time, as that is not what I wish to pursue.  But, if I happen along another client who needs a studio session, I know where I am heading.

Bobby I give you my thanks for all your help, support, and advise.  I know my session would not have been as successful with out you and Vegas Vision Studios.  Bobby you are great to work with and I look forward to working with you again.

Camera Wench
“Have Camera… Will Travel”