Well, it’s simple. How much money do you want to spend? :)
If the cost is no object, the Mark 3 is a great camera. The focusing system is much improved, and the noise capabilities are amazing! We haven’t used one ourselves, but have heard awesome things about it.
But, if it’s not in the budget, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the Mark 2. You can take incredible photos, no matter what camera you use. For what it’s worth, we’re still using a 5D Mark 1, and are very pleased with the images it creates. And so are our clients!
– Lauren
Lucky you! Kids are incredibly fun photographic subjects! They can also be a bit challenging to work with, depending on what you’re going for.
Here’s the thing. If you want kids to sit still, look at the camera, and give you a wonderful, genuine smile, well, you’ve got some serious work to do.
On the other hand, if you let kids do what kids do best — run around, play, and have fun— it won’t be hard at all to take photos of them looking happy!
Clients usually want the first scenario, so there are some tips and tricks you can use. First off, check out our article, Stress Free Posing: Family Edition, to get some insight into creating a good strategy to get the “must-have” shots, and posing advice.
Then take a peek at 4 Tips for Photographing People Laughing for ways to get them to laugh and give you a real smile. Don’t ask kids to “Say cheese”. You get really weird smiles that look more like grimaces 9 times out of 10. A genuine smile is WAY better. Check out The Science of Facial Expressions And How It Can Improve Your Photography for more details on why it really does matter that the smile is real!
Most of all, try to let the kids enjoy themselves. There’s no reason they should hate photo sessions! And the more fun they have, the more fun everyone (parents and you included) will have!
– Lauren
For a license it’s best to check to see how things are handled in your city. You can usually find information and contact info on your city website. They’ll let you know whether you need a license or not. The part time factor is tough. In our city, a license costs $350/year which can be a lot when you’re just getting started and not doing many shoots. Deciding at what point in your career you should get a license isn’t always an easy task, and will depend on the laws in your city, and your own business.
For a sole proprietorship you just need to head to your local registries office and tell them what you want to do. It usually involves picking a trade name and letting them know you want a sole proprietorship. We were originally a partnership (essentially the same as a sole prop.) under the trade name “Rob & Lauren Photographers”. Getting the trade name is what allows you to open up a bank account under your business name, as well as apply for a GST / tax number. Talk to your registries office and let them know what you want to do, they’ll be able to help!
– Rob
Got a question? Head over to the Questions & Answers page and yours might be next to hit the site!
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