help for an event - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/20/2008 01:26:57 AM · #1

What equiptment is defanitly needed to do a nurses pinning ceremony in a hign school gym?

Mike_Adams

Canon EOS-40D

11/20/2008 02:39:07 AM · #2

You have got to have a flash or light set up of some kind there are probably 25 high school gyms in the country that you can take a decent picture in without a flash. From there it depends on how close you want to get. If you want promo shots of the speakers and such I suggest a 70-200. Not absolutely needed but very nice so you don't have to crawl up in the speakers lap to get a shot and block the audience. You will need an idea of what you are supposed to be doing/shooting. Do they want shots of every graduate getting pinned? If so you need to know where on the stage that is going to happen and you will need to get a spot that will accomplish that. If it is a high school with a stage that might require a step ladder to give you an angle that would be appropriate. Cards with information as to how to contact you or where the pictures will be located for viewing or purchase. I always think a back up body as well as batteries and memory cards are nice but the need for those is yours to decide. Thats all i can think of right now I hope it helps and good luck!

Mike

11/20/2008 02:23:38 PM · #3

Thanks Mike. I have a flash. but that is all and I intend on heading to houston to buy the lens you suggested. i have used it before and have been needing an "excuse" to get one.. for the husband..lol

Would the flash be enough for the gym I suppose was my question or is there something else that I "need" We all know gym lighting SUCKS!

the picture deal is they asked for a group shot and individul shots before the ceremony, that was all they wanted. I told them I would stick around for the ceremony for "candid" shots. so No i didn't garuntee the shots of each getting pinned but intended to try it.

You ladder suggestion. I will have one to do the group shot outside, but is that something that would be okay for me to post up in the gym for the ceremony? and if so where would you put that surly not in front of the stage huh?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/20/2008 09:52:37 PM · #4

ANY INPUT FROM ANYONE ELSE?

Mike_Adams

Canon EOS-40D

11/20/2008 10:19:21 PM · #5

I have shot some grads in basically caves, and the flash will work for individuals and small groups, but for an entire class it might not be wide enough dispersement. The company work with does indeed throw a latter in front of the stage if needed to get the shot. You angle it to give most of the crowd a view, but we are right there up against the stage. That being said it is pretty nerve racking if you have never done it before. If the group shot is outside I would still use some flash for fill. Good luck and I am sure you will do great. Post some after the event so you can get some feedback on them!

Mike

11/20/2008 10:42:19 PM · #6

i will post when i do it. It's dec 6th so I have a lil bit of time before posting.

11/20/2008 11:16:13 PM · #7

I've done a couple of commencements, but only as a secondary/PR photographer.

It sounds like you'll have a little bit of time for the group and individual shots before the ceremony. There, a lens in the 35mm area or even slightly wider (kit lens is great) for the group and a 50-70mm for individuals should get the job done. Try to get a flash bracket and ttl cord if you're using on-camera flash, it makes a huge difference. How many in your group shot? If the group is very large, try to find a brighter room indoors or shade outdoors and just use the flash as fill. A step ladder may help there, it makes it a lot easier to frame the group, and your light from on-camera flash will fall more evenly.

If you're only shooting candids during the ceremony, a ladder may not be worth the effort (if it's even allowed, clear it first). You may need/want to be mobile anyway. The 70-200 will be great there. Don't be afraid to push the XTi up to ISO 400 or 800, it will keep your flash recycle times shorter and conserve battery life. Take a couple of test shots of the room if you can before the ceremony starts to get a starting exposure and adjust as needed from there. I tend to take a spot near the front in a side aisle for stage crossing shots, and rear center aisle for speakers, if possible. Of course, if you can get an idea of the stage plan/blocking you will be able to anticipate your shots more easily. Don't forget to get a program (and take a photo of it)!

Try to get shots of the audiance, details and decorations. They help to break up the monotony when viewing the photos after, and they can sometimes be very important and memorable shots.

This gallery is from a recent police academy commencement. All shots were taken with a 1D mk3 with a 70-200/2.8 or 28-75/2.8 and a sigma dg super 500 (580ex equivelent... sort of) flash on a bracket. I generally shot manual using E-TTL flash with FEC at -1/3 to -1 stop. I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions.

11/20/2008 11:50:49 PM · #8

what is the difference between having the flash on the camera or the flash bracket and ttl cord?
I have the same flash as you.

11/21/2008 12:04:17 AM · #9

The bracket raises the flash higher above the camera while keeping it centered over the lens. The shadows then fall down behind the subject rather than on an object/wall behind them. The bracket either "flips" or allows the camera to rotate so the camera can be used in portrait orientation while keeping the flash above and centered. A bracket is most useful at close ranges, like the group or individual portraits. It will be less effective at long range (like stage shots).

The TTL cable lets the flash behave just like if it was attached directly to the camera (in auto modes - TTL, through the lens). Other triggering means, such as pc cable, optical slaves or most radio slaves only allow it to be set manually.

11/21/2008 12:24:22 AM · #10

questions about lens.. okay I know Cannon has better lens.. but the others have better prices.. lol and yes I know you get what you pay for. now on another note should you buy an off brand lens. which is better tamron or sigma? I have the sigma flash and actually compared it to my friends canon flash and well.. personally I didn't see much of a difference..

11/21/2008 12:29:50 AM · #11

I'd say it really depends on the lens. Which lenses are you considering?

11/21/2008 12:34:39 AM · #12

Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 75-300mm
Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-300mm
Tamron 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 and 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Two Lens Kit

11/21/2008 12:48:26 AM · #13

I havent used any of these, but I fear that most if not all of them will struggle a bit in a dimly lit gym. Not to say they wont work, though. If you can afford it, I'd suggest going for the Tamron 28-75/2.8 XR Di . Especially if you expect image quality in the same league as your Canon 50/1.8 . You'd need to stay a bit closer to your subject however.

Can anyone else chime in? I'm afraid I'm pretty useless here.

11/21/2008 12:51:15 AM · #14

that lens is about 350 and thats about the price range I was trying to stay at without going over.. just wanted the extra zoom too..