Second Camera Advice

Hi, I have just started my photography business as a side job. I was just taking pictures for fun but now people are wanting photoshoots so I can charge. I have a Canon EOS 200D II DSLR with 18-55mm Lens and recently purchased the 55-200 EFS lens. I am finding the images quite grainy when i edit in lightroom. I am doing an awards night soon as was wondering do I need an external flash. Also i need a second camera. What do I get?

The 200D is actually not a bad camera. And the 18-55mm is a pretty decent lens too. With experience you can do a lot with them. Not a fan of the 55-250 though. I had one and never got a decent photo out of it.

If you're going to do a lot of low light shooting you'll want to invest in lenses with a large aperture. Or possibly consider going FF (but da money).

Indoors in large areas is going to need bright lights or a good flash (likely bigger than a speedlite or more than one). It's tough to say how much light you will need because I have no idea where you will be shooting these photos and what light is readily available there. Grainy photos tell me that  your camera has it's ISO cranked all the way up, indicating to me that you are pushing the limits of your camera without adding light(s) to get the ISO numbers lower. Either get some lights or get those being photographed to move into brighter lit locations for the photos.

Speedlites and a remote transmitter are a good first step. I'm using Godox and very pleased with the result since switching to Godox. Flashpoint is a rebranded form of Godox, so same thing. I now have 5 Godox TT600 speedlites in my field kit, plus a Godox X2Tc transmitter (I use Canon cameras - the c in the model number indicates that it works with Canon cameras, other models of X2T transmitters support other camera brands n = Nikon, f=Fuji, etc.) to remotely control the lights from them.

Since you are new to flash photography, start with one speedlite and the X2T_ transmitter that is designed to work with your camera. A light stand or two would be helpful too, if you can afford it. The AD200 Pro is the latest greatest all around speedlite, but it's expensive. It's best to start with a more basic model if on a tight budget. My Godox TT600 speedlites are more budget friendly, but with less fancy control capability. They are reliable though.

It's best not to put your flash on top of the camera, because shiny foreheads and metal make your photos look like you are photographing mirrors. The light from the flash is reflected straight back at the camera. Moving the light(s) 45 deg. left or right works quite well as the reflected light does not come back at the camera.

There are various add-ons for speedlites to spread and soften their light, reducing the hard light to dark edges of the light and making it more even. I have some little soft boxes, about 8" square, that fit over the head of my speedlites to spread and soften their light. You  can pivot the head of the speedlite to point it at a white wall or ceiling to spread the light and make it softer too (a hard light is like that of a flashlight = sharply defined bright/dark edges of the light). You  want soft edged even light, if at all possible.

You will need to experiment with your light(s) before doing a shoot. Try different things and remember what works and what doesn't. Start with just one light, even if you have more. (20 years ago I was taping clean styrofoam coffee cups to the front of my speedlites to spread the light ) An 8 X 10 piece of white paper loosely taped in a large sideways "U" shape across the front of the speedlite works to soften the light too. Be creative here, and try other things too, but as you soften the light, you will also loose some of the brightness of the light as it passes through this GOBO (light modifier), so be careful how thick this light softening media is.

This is probably enough to get you started. Come back and ask more questions for more help. We like to help those getting started. 

Charley