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10/17/2006 01:33:24 AM · #1 |
First, I apologize for the length. I hope it can help others. It is meant as humourous as well as serious. You be the judge.
Second, this was my first event inside an auditorium.(Read it as.. unknown lighting conditions.)
FIRST MISTAKE: I didn't know if I could bring in my bag because of security at the museum, so I left it. I only took a 75-300mm IS USM f/4.0-5.6 and the kit lens 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6.
SECOND MISTAKE: I worried what others would think. Being courtious, I stayed in one position so I wouldn't get in their way. They hired a videographer, and I didn't want to be the one on screen wandering around. I probably missed some good shots.
I got a possible 28 good shots of 157 pictures. To make it worse, this was my dad getting an Excellence Award from the state of North Carolina.
I hope that any of you reading this can learn, or refresh, and give advice. This was the one time I didn't want to screw up so badly.
General Observations
· Know the venue, it’s rules on photography, and it’s layout. Call ahead if you have to. Don’t leave what you might think are necessary lenses or equipment and always have memory cards to spare.
· Portray yourself with confidence. You belong there. Act like you own the place.
· Don’t focus entirely on the viewfinder – someone may be walking into frame in a few seconds. Keep both eyes open.
· Use assertive tone in commands to subjects – not ‘I think it might be better ifâ€Â¦Ã¢€™, just say ‘Please move over there’. People need to be told what to do.
· Don’t say to your subjects ‘I hope I get some good shots. This is my first time doing this.’.
· If you don’t have anything to contribute to a conversation between shots or hit a silence, say ‘Excuse me for a minute.’, and move on.
· Don’t give advice to more experienced photographers that are paid to be there. They are there for a reason – they are better than you. Ask politely for advice on equipment and how to get a better shot. If they don’t give it, move on and thank them for their time. And probably introduce yourself so they will have a name for the person they blow off.
· When roaming around looking for shots, don’t make eye contact unless you intend to make conversation. Some people may interpret it as stalking if you do it every two minutes. Or maybe it was the way I looked at them. :)
Look for available props.
· Be aware of surroundings. Displays/foliage in background – they may provide a frame for subject and a better picture
· Does an object reflect light, such as a polished podium?
Group Shots
· Align body angles – various body angles are distracting
· Look for gaps between people – have consistent spacing
· Shoe positions, if including full body shots. Don’t cut off one person’s shoe, unless you can crop the picture to look good.
· Height of persons in picture - symmetry
· Look for middle fingers (I’m notorious for that one)
Lighting
· Avoid placing the subject under skylights in a building with bright sunlight – move subject into shade
· Use deflected light – not straight
· Watch for reflections on glasses
· Know what lights are used on stage and compensate for spotlights and stage lights – warm/bright/colored/flashing. Watch for light patterns if in a club/bar
· Don’t leave your flash in the car.
Persons holding objects
· Is the plaque/award/flowers aligned
· If a framed award, is the object reflecting light/glare
Subject Attributes
· Compensate for hair color – wahsed-out white hair/bald reflections
· Closed eyes and wandering eye positions
· Head angles
· Accessories – watches, earrings out of place, hair position
· Body tilt – one person out of whack kills a shot
· Hand position
· Oily skin reflects flash
· Facial expressions
· Do you portray the person’s bad side – or backside?
Post-production
· Will contrasting patterns ‘resist’ sharpening, like black and white patterns on a tie. Don't count on sharpening.
· Is a non-subject intruding on the picture - blurred figure coming into frame, a hand from ‘nowhere’ blocking a body
· Look for offensive, intruding, or distracting objects, such as security cameras.
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10/17/2006 02:09:49 AM · #2 |
Well, I read it all. Found it very informative. More serious than humorous, but very informative and definitely worthy of being added to the list of go-to threads or tutorial archives on this subject.
Thanks for posting. :)
Message edited by author 2006-10-17 02:10:25. |
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10/17/2006 02:17:15 AM · #3 |
Great post, going to put a watch on it for future reads.
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10/17/2006 03:41:51 AM · #4 |
Very good post, when will we see some of the results?
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10/17/2006 05:32:01 AM · #5 |
| CT - yours is one helpful post. I missed it until directed to it from your other thread... |
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10/17/2006 05:59:45 AM · #6 |
great post, chad; lot's of good tips. the first time doing anything like that is REALLY tough--it gets a lot easier with experience.
the only things i'd add to your list would be a few things to do in advance, especially for a first timer:
1) make it a point to watch how the pros move through a room, and how they step up and get their shots, then step back. the better ones achieve that near perfect balance between being able to get their shots without getting/staying in the way.
2) make it a point to look at relevant newspapers and magazines (as well as people's and office's walls) to see how those photos are going to be used. then strategize about what you will need to do to capture similar shots.
3) take plenty of test shots and meter off your histogram to set up your gotta-get-it-right shots.
good luck going forward, and thanks again for posting up your notes! |
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10/26/2006 07:33:37 PM · #7 |
hey everyone... I had some requests for pictures for this event. Keep in mind this was my first time. I have been advised by my girlfriend (who used to take pictures for Olan Mills) on everything I 've done wrong in these pictures. Please be gentle... :)
//chadlane.com/portfolio.asp
go to the portfolio and look at the Awards Ceremony down at the bottom left. |
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10/30/2009 01:17:39 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by jdannels:
Great post, going to put a watch on it for future reads. |
It is now the future, I have an event and gave this another read. :)
Bump for those who may find it interesting too.
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10/30/2009 01:21:57 PM · #9 |
| Great advice. I'm making this thread to refer back to it when I need it. |
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10/30/2009 01:29:13 PM · #10 |
| Excellent post, thanks for sharing! |
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10/30/2009 02:28:30 PM · #11 |
I can't find the photos when I go to portfolio....
Originally posted by ct_lane:
hey everyone... I had some requests for pictures for this event. Keep in mind this was my first time. I have been advised by my girlfriend (who used to take pictures for Olan Mills) on everything I 've done wrong in these pictures. Please be gentle... :)
//chadlane.com/portfolio.asp
go to the portfolio and look at the Awards Ceremony down at the bottom left. |
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10/30/2009 02:57:14 PM · #12 |
You forgot: Get there early so you can check equipment, lighting, batteries, meet the VIPs, etc.
I've done a couple awards ceremonies and it's good to get there earlier so you can get some candids or pose shoots with the person getting the awards before the presentation. You can also get the right settings for your camera before the presentation begins. |
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10/30/2009 03:05:16 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by bennettjamie:
I can't find the photos when I go to portfolio.... |
That link to his portfolio is from a post that's 3 years old -- I would hope his portfolio has changed since then. ;)
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10/30/2009 03:17:50 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by faidoi:
You forgot: Get there early so you can check equipment, lighting, batteries, meet the VIPs, etc.
I've done a couple awards ceremonies and it's good to get there earlier so you can get some candids or pose shoots with the person getting the awards before the presentation. You can also get the right settings for your camera before the presentation begins. |
Good call, The event I am doing starts at 6:30 and I will be there at 5 to meet with the operations director to get to know all the spots/people that need to be covered.
Also the company was really great and sent over two .pdf's with photos of the awardees and major sponsors that need to be photographed. That is nice, taking a print out with me.
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10/30/2009 03:36:14 PM · #15 |
Haha, oops...I really wanted to see them too!
Originally posted by cdrice:
Originally posted by bennettjamie:
I can't find the photos when I go to portfolio.... |
That link to his portfolio is from a post that's 3 years old -- I would hope his portfolio has changed since then. ;) |
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