Started back into my photography after forced retirement.

[stevethesparks]

Having had to retire after 49 years, I have dusted down my gear and have renewed my interest in portrait photography. It took a while, but have now resigned to the fact I will not be returning to work as an electrician, and must say it feels great to be free.
Just a few recent snaps.

 

[telectrix]

what camera?

 

[stevethesparks]

what camera?

Still the 5D classic with 85mm lens. Last pic with the nifty fifty. Paid £1350 for the 5D more than 10 years ago, just purchased a 2nd hand unit for £229 - unbelievable. Lens's however hold their price well.

 

[telectrix]

i use a 40D. bought for £40 as it would not boot up. soon fixed with a trick found on the internet.

 

[stevethesparks]

Final one with a slight improvement on the pose

 

[stevethesparks]

A couple more from yesterday

 

[7029 dave]

Hope you doing ok Steve, is it a hobby this photography or your new career.

 

[stevethesparks]

Hope you doing ok Steve, is it a hobby this photography or your new career.

Just a hobby mate
Something to piddle about with in my retirement

 

[buzzlightyear]

Me I'm school black & white but colour
Not my favourite. Good luck to you
Any advice pm Me.
If you can get a colour contrast perficrt
Rodney I'm sill selling the old brown camera.

 

[LukeD]

I know a lot of Professional photographers .They struggle to make money now .The wedding game is dead and too dangerous . Its hard work . Good glass is always a great investment and pays for what we loose on bodies !

 

[stevethesparks]

Last one from this session

 

[MoserV8]

Excellent images! Is that the 85 1.8 Lens? - Its an amazing lens, i love mine - very often that gets used more than anything else. 5D is a great camera and can hold its own even today, the shutter mech in those actually lasts longer than the newer MK II & MK III. With people swinging to mirrorless now, there will be some amazing value bodies crop up as the "Kit ------" abandon their "useless"5D MK II MK III & MK IV s. Its a very satisfying Interest photography - Have Fun! Insects & water were my fav subjects.

 

[stevethesparks]

Excellent images! Is that the 85 1.8 Lens? - Its an amazing lens, i love mine - very often that gets used more than anything else. 5D is a great camera and can hold its own even today, the shutter mech in those actually lasts longer than the newer MK II & MK III. With people swinging to mirrorless now, there will be some amazing value bodies crop up as the "Kit ------" abandon their "useless"5D MK II MK III & MK IV s. Its a very satisfying Interest photography - Have Fun! Insects & water were my fav subjects.

I know a lot of Professional photographers .They struggle to make money now .The wedding game is dead and too dangerous . Its hard work . Good glass is always a great investment and pays for what we loose on bodies !

 

[stevethesparks]

Multi quote gone haywire and cant edit???

I started off with the 85mm/1.8 but due to space limitation as this was done in my lounge I quickly had to revert to the 50mm/1.8. As cheap as this lens is, it can still do a pretty decent job.

I think a lot of trades can have similarities. There are some very good and successful photographers still doing weddings, at the high end of the market, I wouldn't say it was dead. You could say the same for some sparks, I was brought up on large commercial works but the last 9-10 years was satisfied being a one man band with the Domestic Installer badge, whereas some friends/colleagues are making a mint with much bigger stuff. Some still employ the likes of Tony down the pub.

I think one of the problems with photography is that since digital arrived, everyone thinks they are a pro, and fools employ them for the cheaper rate.
A big part of it still comes down to marketing and being a good businessman as well as a good photographer. I was a decent sparks, but terrible businessman.
My mindset has always been to pay for the best you can afford, unfortunately some still go the eBay route.

Thanks for the comments.

 

[stevethesparks]

5D is a great camera and can hold its own even today, the shutter mech in those actually lasts longer than the newer MK II & MK III. With people swinging to mirrorless now, there will be some amazing value bodies crop up as the "Kit ------" abandon their "useless"5D MK II MK III & MK IV s. Its a very satisfying Interest photography - Have Fun! Insects & water were my fav subjects.

My first 5D cost around £1350 many years ago, just bought a second hand one as a second camera, very good condition £229 - unreal. The lens's however hold their price.