AboutMark Gluckman Expertise I can answer questions about all social photography (wedding, corporate, b`nai mitzvah). All general questions about digital photography and, of course, film.
Photojournalistic and travel photo questions can also be asked as that is another specialty of mine.
Experience
Past/Present clients McDonald's, Sprint, GE, Ford, NBC, IBM, Princess Cruises, NCL and I work the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon every year.
I have worked for The New York Times, USA Today, AP and dozens of other international and national publications.
I have shot hundreds of weddings, b'nai mitzvah and corporate social events.
Expert: Mark Gluckman Date: 12/3/2004 Subject: Bar/ Bat Mitzvah photography
Question Hi Mark,
I live in the UK.
I'm currently being asked to do more and more Bat/ Mitzvahs by friends.
I attended a function last week as a guest and spoke with the photographer attending. I was horrified to see that he had 7 camera bodies and stacks and stacks of equipment. I am now taking on non friend assignments and wish to "look" professional!
I have been using just a Nikon F80 with built in flash. What would you recommend as bare minimum equipment? including a portable studio kit. Thanks
Bruce
Answer Bruce,
Don't be intimidated by equipment - remember it's the photographer's talent, not the STUFF!! The F80 is perfectly suited for film B'nai (plural of Bar or Bat) Mitzvah shooting. Start considering buying a digital - almost everyone is demanding that now.
You must go out and buy a real flash. The built-in does not have the power needed - its range is only about 12 feet.
The new SB-600 or more expensive 800 ($260) are the way to go. They are digital flashes and will serve you well with whatever new cameras you buy. I would also suggest a Strobocore bracket which takes the flash off the camera, this gives the flash height and minimizes vertical shadows, unfortunately you have to buy a Nikon SC-17 ($75) sync cord.
You need a 24mm - 200mm range of lenses. The telephoto is great for those intimate moments of kissing grandparents, etc.
Take a look at my website it has some b'nai mitzvah pix.
www.markgluckmanphotography.com
