Do I need to put the camera away?

[Benny Smyth]

Recently, I've been taking my camera to gigs that I have not performed at before so I can blog about them and create a search term on my website.

My intention for these pictures is solely to stick on the website. I'm not selling these pics as an extra service, nor am I going to blow them up for promotional material. In an ideal world, I would have photographers send me pictures for every gig I do in return for a mention and a link back to their site, but sometimes they don't want to do that (and that's fine, of course - it is their decision).

I know these pictures are not 'pro quality', but are they good enough for me to continue with this path (whilst also improving my own photography skills in the process - win/win, and all that), or are they not good enough and actually make my site look amateurish?

Blog One
Blog Two
Blog Three
Blog Four

For those that go hunting, you will see that some of my earlier blogs have (in hindsight) really bad pics and I am in the process of rectifying those, but my question is that is my current level of photography good enough to sell my service, or do I need to stop for now and try again after I improve further?

[Excalibur]

Haven't looked at your pics yet Benny, can't multitask that much. These records don't play themselves, you know. I can only use point and shoot cameras, so complete numpty really. At what point your snaps become saleable, I don't know, but on the odd occasion I've been snapping away, clients have been pleased to receive a cdr of pics later. Doesn't cost an arm and a leg( cheaper still with internet sharing programmes ) , but may be perceived as going the extra mile, can't hurt surely?

[rth_discos]

I know these pictures are not 'pro quality', but are they good enough for me to continue with this path (whilst also improving my own photography skills in the process - win/win, and all that), or are they not good enough and actually make my site look amateurish?

Benny, I fear you are a very similar person to myself.

I have high standards and want to achieve those high standards in every area. And if my pics aren't the same quality as the photographers, I feel they're not good enough - even though realistically, I'm not going to achieve the same quality as a pro photographer, otherwise I'd be doing that!

But in my head, I know how I want the photos to look, and get frustrated when I can't achieve that, but often get very close.

And that's what you've done - you've got very close to the quality of a pro photographer, so I think you can be very proud of your photos. In fact, there's likely some "pro" photographers going out for silly low prices producing the same quality shot as yours.

I think they look great - maybe try and get some more action shots of a packed dancefloor, and less so of the equipment set up at the beginning - people want to see the results

[Excalibur]

maybe try and get some more action shots of a packed dancefloor,

So many witty answers, but is the least insulting.

[musicology]

it seems to me you have a really good eye for this. There's some lovely natural looking shots that capture a moment really well. And, in my view, nicer than the usual shots of a busy dancefloor. I do agree that there are probably too many kit shots though.
As an aside.I like the way those SubSafes look with another speaker above. They just improve the aesthetic of the stack somehow.

[Nakatomi]

I think your shots look pretty good Benny, certainly better than some 'pro' photographer shots I've seen lately. As others have said, I don't think customers want to see pictures of kit. Heck some mobile DJs have more kit photos than hire companies

[Benny Smyth]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

The reason I pop rig pics in there is because I do get asked sometimes how the night would look, so I've become accustomed to adding in a 'token' image at the end of the blog (after all the dancers and smiling faces are put front and centre), but I'm a bit fed up of taking pics of the setup, to be honest.

Would I be right in guessing that the reason for this feedback of having too many rig pics would be down to the blog about the Barnt Green Inn?

[yourdj]

are they not good enough and actually make my site look amateurish?

I think the photos are well composed, its fun taking pictures, especially when you start using different settings on Manual and see the difference. Your photos of your actual events are far better than stock photos, but without any amazing ones a combination of the two would be the better option. Photos are very subjective, so as long as you are pleased with them thats all that matters.

My main opinion is your use of light is not great as they are too dark (are you using a flash). 1.8 should get some decent photos with minimal lighting, but I think a flash also s a good bet to minimise noise. Having a narrow depth of field is also a challenge as some shots are not focused correctly. I found going from an f1.4 sense and using 2.8 with good use of bounce flash was much better. I also tend to use a shutter speed of at least 1/100, but typically 1/200th (up to 1/1500 for the photo below - outside). ISO as low as possible, but typically about 3-400 outside & 1000 inside to allow for less flash.

My opinion is if you get involved in taking photos you may run the risk of neglecting what you are there for (Djing), or get in the way of other suppliers / look unprofessional. I tend to occasionally do a bit of photography with my assistant Djing, but not very often. I usually take a couple of pics on FD and during the party, but thats about it.

Here are some photos from 2013 i took, I have improved quite a bit recently just by using the camera more. Have a look at the Tokina 11-21 2.8 lens its great for wide angle. Another one of my favs is the 24mm / or / 40mm pancake. Very cheap (£100) but also very sharp. Never used photoshop or RAW, just what came out of the camera. http://yourdj.co.uk/gallery/

They are not great, but i think being a bit crap is a good thing as its more real.
I was using an L 24-105mm during a lot of those photos and the pro level lenses really make a difference.

I have been practicing in Spain recently and took some really nice photos of my baby, 70d / 24mm pancake.
Would have benefitted from a bit of flash own the face, but happy with the sharpness & background blur (can't spell bokre).

[yourdj]

Some from the parties if you are interested.
My clients find the theming pics useful as they can see what other people are doing.

I have thousands to sort through from weddings after I created these galleries. I will get round to it one day!!

http://yourdj.co.uk/everybody-dance/
http://yourdj.co.uk/theming-ideas-2/
http://yourdj.co.uk/all-day-pics/

[ppentertainments]

I think there is nothing wrong with the quality of those photos. I go against the grain a little but also think some photos can be ‘too good’ and unless you acknowledge the photographer who taken them are often discounted by brides – let’s face it everyone knows you can easily buy some good photos.

If using for online promotion though video is the way to go. Again nothing too flash – in true Toby style, here is a video from last Wednesday my son done. No editing or nothing, but does the job. He done an edited version which I am hoping to use at fayres etc.



Of course if you can get the photographer to send a few snaps it is a bonus (and quite a rarity). The difficult thing too is to get some good shots without upsetting the tog or getting in the way.