I've consistently going back and forth from capture one pro to Lightroom and VSCO film emulators and haven't decided yet what style should I stick to. I am new in the business mostly shooting wedding, portraits and landscapes. I am using NIKON D800 and couple of G series primes. I been advised that it's pointless having 36mp camera and degrade raws through processing them via film emulators. They seem to take a lot of details out but crispiness with its 36mp is what D800 stands for isn't it? It would be no problem sticking to capture one and going for this crispy looks but boy! Ivor these film look! I'm confused. Not sure what clients want. Don't want to switch styles either. I want to become recognised by photographer with his own style. What are your experiences in terms of using film emulators like VSCO? Do you prefer these or crispy digital look coming from e.g capture one pro which I find the best raw converter in game btw?
Digital or analogue (film) look for my portfolio?
- Thread starter hulk2012
- Start date
Why don't you actually go and shoot some film and add those images to your portfolio? Nothing looks like film EXCEPT film. Though my 4000 ppi scans of my Hasselblad negatives blow the doors off of any digital image, regardless of how many MP they have. But there is a whole lot more than just sharpness that makes a memorable image.
BackdoorArts
Senior Member
Before I answer your question, let me point out something. You wrote the following (I've removed the question about processors)...
I cannot help but read this is if you're asking, "If I want to be a photographer with my own style, what style should that be?"
I get that as a commercial photographer you don't want to produce something that's not going to please the public, but at the same time, as a photographer don't you want to produce something that makes sense to you? There are thousands of generic wedding photographers out there capturing moments in glaring clarity, and they do a fine job but are more or less interchangeable. If you love the look and feel of film and can develop a workflow that uses film emulators to produce images with a look and feel that can be recognized as your work, it's going to be more pleasant work for you, and it will also find its own foothold in the market.
Opinions are like @$$holes - everyone has one. 36MP's make for big files, and that in and of itself can be an issue when you're dealing with over a thousand captures per wedding, but if you can tackle that hurdle then the rest is all about having the tools you need to produce results for your clients - and at least one of them is going to want that photo blown into a huge wall portrait, and that's where you'll be happy for the numbers.
I'm personally not crazy for film emulators, but I've personally never spent a moment thinking about the type of film I put in my camera even when I shot film. It was snapshots, vacation pics and capturing concerts and the like, and as long as it was fast enough in dark areas I was cool with it. But when you know how a particular film helps express a mood or capture a certain light isn't it great to know that you have every possible option available to you after the fact?! So while I can't help you with what type to go with, it seems to me that it's more a question of "which one(s)?" for you rather than "should I?".
I cannot help but read this is if you're asking, "If I want to be a photographer with my own style, what style should that be?"
I get that as a commercial photographer you don't want to produce something that's not going to please the public, but at the same time, as a photographer don't you want to produce something that makes sense to you? There are thousands of generic wedding photographers out there capturing moments in glaring clarity, and they do a fine job but are more or less interchangeable. If you love the look and feel of film and can develop a workflow that uses film emulators to produce images with a look and feel that can be recognized as your work, it's going to be more pleasant work for you, and it will also find its own foothold in the market.
Opinions are like @$$holes - everyone has one. 36MP's make for big files, and that in and of itself can be an issue when you're dealing with over a thousand captures per wedding, but if you can tackle that hurdle then the rest is all about having the tools you need to produce results for your clients - and at least one of them is going to want that photo blown into a huge wall portrait, and that's where you'll be happy for the numbers.
I'm personally not crazy for film emulators, but I've personally never spent a moment thinking about the type of film I put in my camera even when I shot film. It was snapshots, vacation pics and capturing concerts and the like, and as long as it was fast enough in dark areas I was cool with it. But when you know how a particular film helps express a mood or capture a certain light isn't it great to know that you have every possible option available to you after the fact?! So while I can't help you with what type to go with, it seems to me that it's more a question of "which one(s)?" for you rather than "should I?".
Choosing a photographer your wedding would u rather chose a photographer who stands for his film look of in his portfolio or the one which is know by his crispy digital look images? Hope that's easier for you...
There is NO WAY you can know for sure what the flavour of the day will be regarding people's taste in wedding photography. We don't know where you're located, what your present competition is, how do your price list compares with others in your area.
The only solution I can see for you is have a portfolio containing both styles, offer both and then see what sells more. Fortune tellers don't always have the right answer, but the market will let you know for sure.
BackdoorArts
Senior Member
When choosing a photographer you're going for the look you want, and a discerning couple will continue looking until they find one that suits their needs. If you want to know what the masses want, look at 100 portfolios and copy what 90% of them are doing and then fight it out with the competition. Or give them a look that is different from the others while still being beautiful and sharp, and a little old school, and get those who appreciate being a cut above the norm. Any good photographer can make good, crisp photos, and let them know you can do both if that's what they ask for. But if you're drawn to the style then people will see it in your work. "Retro" is in. Do it well and you'll get gigs.
Always thought being profound and having own (one) style is better then having none (film and digital look mixed on your portfolio).
I quite agree with you on this, BUT, your question (from my understanding of it) had more to do with your insecurity about customers' taste for either style. Trends do change and it will be your gamble if you want to limit yourself to only one style. Of course you can try to promote your style, but don't close the door to customers' preference if you want to make a little bit of money with your business.
BackdoorArts
Senior Member
They certainly do. So do landscapes and portraits. Flexibility is also a plus. If you show someone you can do both, that can sell. More work for you, and for them, deciding what goes what way. But in your initial meeting with them to discuss the wedding I'm sure you'll get a feel for how they want to go.
Understand. More of a common sense and logic but hey! Advise is always better then no advise
A little bit touchy there, aren't you "mate"? Too much caffeine? Maybe when you post some of your images perhaps.
WhiteLight
Senior Member
Hulk, firstly you are asking questions in a public forum, so back off a bit as you looking for help/advice.
I would wonder how many people would find your original question 'stupid' to begin with.
Being a bit humble hurts no one & will probably get you the answer that will help you.
I did read your original response to STM which you later edited.. obviously you yourself felt it was uncalled for, so you mellowed it down.. a wee bit..
you may want to take a look at STM's pics (or the others helping you) & you will know they know something about what they talking about.
Anyhow back to your question, it is quite obvious that if you stick with one style (film style or analog), you are surely pushing yourself into a corner.
You are going to get clients who only want what you are portraying & that may be a very small list.
Everyone's tastes are different & what you may find good (or stupid) i may find awesome and brilliant.
Sooo... you should have one signature style which would be your specialty, which everyone would appreciate, but you definitely need variety so you have something to offer anyone who views your portfolio.
that being said, you may want to trash everything i said cos i wasn't around when the film days were
I would wonder how many people would find your original question 'stupid' to begin with.
Being a bit humble hurts no one & will probably get you the answer that will help you.
I did read your original response to STM which you later edited.. obviously you yourself felt it was uncalled for, so you mellowed it down.. a wee bit..
you may want to take a look at STM's pics (or the others helping you) & you will know they know something about what they talking about.
Anyhow back to your question, it is quite obvious that if you stick with one style (film style or analog), you are surely pushing yourself into a corner.
You are going to get clients who only want what you are portraying & that may be a very small list.
Everyone's tastes are different & what you may find good (or stupid) i may find awesome and brilliant.
Sooo... you should have one signature style which would be your specialty, which everyone would appreciate, but you definitely need variety so you have something to offer anyone who views your portfolio.
that being said, you may want to trash everything i said cos i wasn't around when the film days were
Well maybe when we actually see some of your images you might have some credibility here. Until then you are just a talker rather than a doer. As for the stupidity part, well, you are certainly no slouch in that department either. Now post some of your images and stop being a talker and start being a doer. Or not, and remain irrelevant.