Can anyone tell me if there are any advantages/disadvantages to having 4x6 proofs vs 5x5 proofs? My fiance & I happen to like the 5x5 size better. But we're considering hiring a photographer who only produces 4x6 proofs. We were told by another studio that the 5x5 proofs were produced from negatives fom a better type of camera. The photographer that we're considering has told us that the cameras that produce the 5x5 pictures are '10 years old' and that that style is 'outdated.' Can anyone explain if there really is a difference? Thank You!!
Photography by Verdi
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Re: Photographer Question - Proof Size
5x5 proofs come from a medium format camera. 4x6 proofs come from 35 mm cameras. If you plan on blowing all your photos up to 30x40 size, then go with a photographer who only shoots in 5x5 proofs. If you like a photojournalistic, candid form of photography, then go with 35mm coverage as the cameras are lighter, less bulky and can shoot much more available light and are less obtrusive. In our opinion, this gives a better documentation of your day, but everyone likes something different and you and your fiancee would have to discuss and decide which form of photography you want for your wedding. You should select your photographer by his work, meaning the photos you have seen. Not by the equipment they use. Wedding photography used to be primarily done in medium format, meaning 5x5 proofs. That is true. It was much more posed, but today, things are changing, we feel for the better, and is being captured in a much more casual and fun manner. Good luck to you and I hope this clears it up alittle.
FutureMrsK
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Re: Photographer Question - Proof Size
Thanks so much for your answer. You've definitely clarified the issue for us - and we better understand. If you don't mind - we have one more question - Do 5x5 format cameras require less light for a 'brighter' picture? In other words, might the proofs from a 35mm camera be darker than the proofs from a medium format camera when taking the same shot? We understand that a good studio can always 'brighten' the pictures for an album - but we're thinking of the proofs.... By the way, what cameras does your studio use when shooting weddings? Thanks, again!
Angelica Studios
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Re: Photographer Question - Proof Size
No, the size of the camera itself doesn't make a difference in how 'bright' the picture is, BUT a 35mm w/1.4 lens and fast film CAN and DOES take well exposed pictures (without flash) in low light (with flash or outdoors it doesn't make any difference) Although I have the Contax 645 which is an autofocus medium format camera (larger negative) and I DO take pictures w/o flash @ f2 (which means it's pretty close to doing the kind of work a 35 does with the advantages of both formats) (I hope I'm not confusing you too much.)
What Verdi said is absolutely true. The 5x5 proof is from a square negative. You should not be concerned with the type of equipment (or brand) just the style and personality of the photographer.
Photography by Verdi
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Re: Photographer Question - Proof Size
Glad we were able to help. We use primarily now 35 mm equipment but on occasion if a bride wants an album with square photos, we will accommodate them and use medium format cameras. Also, if a client voices an interest in having a large wall portrait, we wil use medium format equipment. All the work we shoot for stock photography, travel assignments (and we are keeping our fingers crossed) for a book we are hoping to publish has and is done in 35 mm. Good luck.
FutureMrsK
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Re: Photographer Question - Proof Size
Sorry for the 'delayed response' on my part - but I just wanted to thank you both very much for the information! (I've been 'off' the computer the last 2 days trying to get my invitations in the mail!!) Both of you're responses have made me more comfortable about making a decision (not that we have, yet!!). When weighing all our options, I feel better knowing that I really don't have to be concerned w/the type of camera - so that will make it a little easier. Thanks again for your help..... And Verdi - good luck with the book!!!
Angelica Studios
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Re: Photographer Question - Proof Size
Just keep in mind that if you want the spontaneous style (erroneously called 'photojournalism') that it MUST be done in 35mm. Square neg med. format cameras might be fine for portraits or coming up the aisle, but they are not at all close to replicating the kind of work that 35mm is capable of (zoom lenses + autofocus)
