On-site Portrait Preview for Events?

10/02/2009 01:17:33 AM · #1

Iâ��ve been selected to shoot portraits at a US Marine Gala. Pretty simple, pairs and small groups posed in front of a set backdrop in the lobby outside of the ballroom. My contact with the Marine Corps only has two concerns: 1. that we move people through the line quickly and 2. that some Marines have expressed interest in seeing the digital files PRIOR to placing their order.

#1 shouldnâ��t be a problem. But I am not exactly sure how to quickly and effectively provide an answer for #2.

Does anyone do on-site, instant digital proofing? I am thinking along the lines of a laptop with card reader, multiple cards and my assistant downloading the shots after each group for instant proofing. I would shoot tethered if it could be done inexpensively. Iâ��m open to any options out there.

I would like to be able for the couple to see their pictures immediately (within a minute or two) after shooting, so they can fill out the order form, and not just walk off (and not purchase).

Thank you in advance for any suggestions. It sucks that DPC is blocked on my work network, so I will have to catch up Friday evening. Thanks again!

-drew

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

10/05/2009 09:19:20 PM · #2

bump?

jdannels

Nikon D300s

10/05/2009 09:30:35 PM · #3

show them the back of the camera? :P
Actually I believe there are some photographers that do this here.

dwterry I think. Also shooting with several cards could work. Especially since you don't need a lot of space on a card. Will be curious to see what advice you get. good luck.

ace flyman

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/05/2009 09:32:39 PM · #4

I'm interested too. I might be doing a Holiday event for the Army. I did do an event a couple of years ago and did what you stated. Take the shot, had over the cf card to my assistant, quick down load, quick action and showed the image to the couple. Printed on site. If high volume, just not that efficient.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/05/2009 09:49:45 PM · #5

The selection group actually posed the question, "he shoots digital right?...just show them the photo on the camera." but i think that would 1. look too amature for what is expected, and 2. take up more time, causing the actual line to back up. I would like for them to be able to look at the picture at a table away from the camera and allow the next person in line to have their picture taken. I know the 40D is compatable with some wirless file transmitter...but think it would be a little too pricey to justify for this one event.

Multiple cards may be the most economic way to go, perhaps shoot in groups of 5 then download for them to see while I shoot the next 5.

Like I said, I am open to any suggestions (especially if you have managed this issue yourself).

EDIT TO ADD: Luckily I don't have to do any printing on-site, everything will be ordered later from the lab.

Thanks again!

-drew

Message edited by author 2009-10-05 21:50:45.

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

10/05/2009 10:31:47 PM · #6

Cost of a usb extender cord should be pretty low and is all u need.

kandykarml

Nikon D80

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

10/06/2009 12:11:43 AM · #7

Being that my hubby is in the military, I have experience with this scenario... VAFB uses the same photog for EVERY single event they have and quite frankly they don't allow you to view the image.. They do have a laptop set up right there next to the camera with a cable hooked up to it though, and they do have an extra person viewing the images as they are taken.. They also have a 3rd person working the paperwork.. It's a bit of a production..

No one has time to sit & view them and if you let one person stop and look, then they all want to.. And, what if they don't like how they look.. Then, does that mean they will want to re-shoot ???? I guess it depends on how easy going you want to be with this & how large the event is..

Realistically, I just don't see how you're going to have the time to start showing people the images..

kandykarml

Nikon D80

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

10/06/2009 12:17:38 AM · #8

Originally posted by drewbixcube:

Multiple cards may be the most economic way to go, perhaps shoot in groups of 5 then download for them to see while I shoot the next 5.

-drew

I'm thinking you won't have the space to do this.... The images taken for every event at this base are taken in a decent size conference room, but they set it up to take group photo's also.. When you have the lights set up, the camera, the laptop (if you decide to do this for immediate proofing for yourself, not for their viewing) and for someone working the paperwork, then there's usually not much space left for another station just for other people to gather around and view their images.. Plus considering the room for the people standing in line, you run out of space quick.. BUT... if you can get an idea of how much square footage you have to work with, and you have enough extra people to help with all of this, having an extra station for viewing would probably be the best option..

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

10/06/2009 12:52:15 AM · #9

I don't think space will be an issue, i believe we are in the lobby outside the ballroom. I was told to expect about 350 people to attend and they usually take about 125 posed photos. I don't know if they have been unhappy in the past with the shots that were delivered, or what. But the entire selection committee asked about being able to view the photos prior to completing their order. It really makes me want to lean towards online proofing and ordering, but I don't have the time (nor the patience) to set that all up for one event.

I know that having folks view the photos will be a HUGE time drag, and I hope people will just trust me as we shoot...but who knows. I think I am going to try to shoot tethered to a laptop. It seems most economical and the quickest ways to get the photos on a screen.

kandykarml

Nikon D80

10/06/2009 10:57:06 AM · #10

Originally posted by drewbixcube:

This will be really interesting... Especially if they are puting you in the lobby.. At the formal events here, ALL of the guests are forced to wait in the lobby until they let us in.. LOL.. So, the lobby is the most crowded space they have.. It's kinda fun though.. They set up a couple of remote bars and everyone mingles with eachother.. This place must be large if they are having you do the shoot in that same space.. I would definately say set it up on the lap top & just have it facing the people so they can see it as soon as they are done taking their picture.. Just no re-takey's.. Unless they want to go back & stand in line or there's no one else waiting.. And, if they want to retake the images, and you don't, you could always tell them it will disrupt your numbering system set in place.. Some people may get super critical of how they came out, and just want it redone for the heck of it..

I hope you share this experience when it's all said and done.. If you'd like, I can put you in touch with the couple that does the images at our base here.. They may be able to give you some helpfull advice..

MattO

Nikon D4

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

10/06/2009 11:02:16 AM · #11

Drew ever thought of buying the Eye fi card and CF adapter, a router and a wireless connection on your laptop(prevent cords from being tangled and pulling your camera and laptop into a heap) shoot raw + Jpeg and shoot the jpeg to a viewing station manned by an assistant.

Matt

edit to add link to card Eye fi

Message edited by author 2009-10-06 11:06:36.

10/13/2009 11:18:56 PM · #12

The Eye Fi card looks pretty cool. Has anyone had any issues with using an SD card with a CF converter in a DSLR? This might just be the ticket...guess I better make up my mind and order something before B&H celebrates some crazy holiday and won't let me order until the next new moon.

Tez

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

10/14/2009 12:53:47 PM · #13

i wouldn't think you'd have enough time to show everyone their pictures from the back of the camera. If there's a ton of people it'll take twice as long with each person to do the shoot and then show them the pic. Do you have something like smugmug? Or a proofing site where they can buy their picture afterwards? That way all you need to do is give them some information to where to go to see/buy their pic.

I have a similar setup coming up in December at an annual dance event thing where about 300 couples will turn up. Plan is to find a spot, set up 2 ABs at 45 degrees, take two pics to avoid blinks and whatever, give the couple website and login information to where they can buy the print and then move on to the next couple. I have a login section on my site where people can buy prints and pay online so hopefully that will do.

I hope it goes well for you though.

If you can set up the online proofing, I would look into it. 2 hrs doing that now could net you a lot of money in the future after the event as you can offer different sizes etc and people can see the pics before they buy.

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

10/14/2009 01:21:12 PM · #14

I'll let ya know :) I'm waiting for the brown truck to arrive any second now, having ordered one from B&H during their latest crazy holiday!

Originally posted by drewbixcube:

Has anyone had any issues with using an SD card with a CF converter in a DSLR? This might just be the ticket...guess I better make up my mind and order something before B&H celebrates some crazy holiday and won't let me order until the next new moon.

Bugzeye

10/14/2009 01:37:39 PM · #15

Does Canon have an a program equal to Nikons Camera Control Pro? If so that would work. Just plug in to the usb and fire away. The photos appear on the computer screen a second or two later and the person can view it while you are framing up the next shot. Only set back with this method, at least for the Nikon CCP, Is that as soon as you take the next shot, the previous shot will automatically close. I suppose this could help keep the line moving but it may close before the person gets good look. Another option for this method is to have a second monitor plugged in facing the subjects so they can view it imediately after it is taken and if they do not like it, You can take another shot while they are still in pose.

10/14/2009 01:56:58 PM · #16

Just as an update... the brown truck has arrived, and the Eye-Fi card is working just fine with my D300 and a CF card adapter :)

Message edited by author 2009-10-14 13:57:11.

10/14/2009 10:47:35 PM · #17

Originally posted by alanfreed:

Just as an update... the brown truck has arrived, and the Eye-Fi card is working just fine with my D300 and a CF card adapter :)

Alan, which eyefi card did you purchase? The pro, with ad hoc?

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

10/14/2009 10:56:33 PM · #18

Originally posted by Tez:

i wouldn't think you'd have enough time to show everyone their pictures from the back of the camera. If there's a ton of people it'll take twice as long with each person to do the shoot and then show them the pic. Do you have something like smugmug? Or a proofing site where they can buy their picture afterwards? That way all you need to do is give them some information to where to go to see/buy their pic.

I have a similar setup coming up in December at an annual dance event thing where about 300 couples will turn up. Plan is to find a spot, set up 2 ABs at 45 degrees, take two pics to avoid blinks and whatever, give the couple website and login information to where they can buy the print and then move on to the next couple. I have a login section on my site where people can buy prints and pay online so hopefully that will do.

If you can set up the online proofing, I would look into it. 2 hrs doing that now could net you a lot of money in the future after the event as you can offer different sizes etc and people can see the pics before they buy.

Tez, definately a huge time drag to try to show everyone their pic prior to shooting the next person. If I can get the Eye-Fi thing to work that is the way I am leaning. I'd love to setup an online print shop, but haven't researched the crap out of it (as I am too prone to doing before taking the smallest step) and don't think I can get one up and running in time. I am considering (as a last ditch effort) uploading all photos to the laptop after I'm done shooting and allowing folks to come back during the dinner/rest of the evening to place orders if they were questioning their shots. I just would hate to have customers walk away from the order forms and not return.

MattO

Nikon D4

10/15/2009 09:15:36 AM · #19

Originally posted by alanfreed:

Just as an update... the brown truck has arrived, and the Eye-Fi card is working just fine with my D300 and a CF card adapter :)

And yet people tell me I'm not good for anything huh? :D

Matt

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

10/15/2009 09:36:11 AM · #20

Yep, I got the pro version.

I had some initial weirdness when I first set it up -- it wasn't consistently downloading things too well. But I rebooted the computer and it seems like it's working nicely now. I think I had some sort of Windows security issue that was trying to get in the way of it, or some such thing.

I experimented a little with the ad hoc networking, and got it to work... but I want to play with that a bit more. That's where I really see this thing being useful.

Originally posted by drewbixcube:

Originally posted by alanfreed:
Just as an update... the brown truck has arrived, and the Eye-Fi card is working just fine with my D300 and a CF card adapter :)

Alan, which eyefi card did you purchase? The pro, with ad hoc?

Bugzeye

10/15/2009 10:27:55 AM · #21

Here is an idea you could do to increase sales. Offer to donate a certain percentage of each purchase to go towards the purchase of items for the troops overseas. Plenty of groups out there looking to send them things from home, Candy Bars etc.... Believe me the military guys that are stateside will want to help the cause and it will increase your sales and put more of your product out there for word of mouth advertising in the process. I did this once when I was asked to shoot photos at a fundraiser for our local animal shelter. I made a nice chunk of change and donated 10% back to the shelter when I was done.

10/16/2009 12:44:19 AM · #22

Originally posted by alanfreed:

I'm thinking I'll have to use the ad hoc networking feature to shoot onsite. All I have with the Laptop is a Sprint Broadband USB thing. Will the fact that I have internet access be enough to get the ad hoc feature of the card to work or do I still need a wireless router, additional hardware, etc? If all I need is someway to access internet, plus the Pro card, then I should be set. I wonder if I need the Pro card if I can use the Sprint Broadband USB? Any ideas?

Thanks!

10/16/2009 12:47:39 AM · #23

Originally posted by Bugzeye:

I do 10% back for all the sports leagues we shoot, and considered it for this but had already set prices (pretty cheap) with the Marines. I think this first year will be a good trial to deliver some great prints at low prices, secure future events with them, then beef up the package availability/slight price increase/donations.

10/16/2009 08:39:27 AM · #24

You'll need a laptop that has XP or Vista on it (or Windows 7, presumably), along with a wireless card for it (I don't think your Sprint USB card is going to do the trick, to be honest... does your laptop have a built-in wireless card? Most laptops do.). I've heard that ad hoc on XP is extremely flaky, so Vista or higher is preferred.

I'm still working out the kinks of ad hoc myself in hopes of getting it to work consistently.

Originally posted by drewbixcube: