I need help again (as usual) - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

04/09/2011 11:24:35 PM · #1

Wasn't sure where to put this, but I got talked into taking pictures at my friends tomorrow for his kid's birthday party. Not sure how many other kids will be there. What I need is some tips and pointers for such an event. I looked around in the forums and I guess I'm not smart enough to find any similar topics. Any suggestions????

Thanks

Eagle40Fox2

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

04/10/2011 12:15:15 AM · #2

Hmmm I never done a kids party but I would say shoot from or close to their level and ramp up the shutter speed because with all the sugar that will probably be consumed I don't think they will slow/stop for any short period of time!

curtpetguy

Canon EOS-50D

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon

04/10/2011 12:30:46 AM · #3

Tip, run away , run away,lol

sjhuls

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/10/2011 12:57:10 AM · #4

I always find it helpful to use my speed light flash on camera but not pointed directly at the subjects just point it up towards the ceiling or at a wall the reflected light will help you to be able to use a faster shutter speed without the dreaded flash shadows. If you have some wireless flashes you could bring set them up around the room out of the way pointed at the ceiling then you will have even more light and be able to have a faster shutter speed and a smaller aperture for better focus.

As far as what to shoot, I love candids, so just shoot a bunch of everything. I'm sure you will come up with some great shots.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

04/10/2011 01:04:48 AM · #5

Indoors, I'd suggest ramping up the ISO and, as someone else mentioned, get down to the kids level a lot. For the purpose of getting good party snapshots inside, your DSLR will do fine. Here's a set I shot recently of my grandson's birthday. I think the lowest I shot with was ISO 800 and later bumped it to 1600. Existing light only. This was with a Powershot G11, not my DSLR. Lots of noise if I pixel peep, but a little noise reduction cleaned them up nicely and they turned out fine.

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

04/10/2011 03:48:45 AM · #6

Depending on the age of the children, if you have a point and shoot give it to one of the kids to use in turn. the expressions that kids give each other are nothing they will give you. I used to let my daughter shoot with my camera when she was 8 or so at family gatherings. relatives who will make a "damn you are annoying" face at any camera have the sweetest expressions when a kid is behind the lens.

Other than that, shoot low, and shoot high. At their eye level and lower is great. For cake and presents, the over head can be fun. Odd angles even if it mean shooting blind as the birthday child blows out the candles, getting the expressions of the kids watching is a lot of fun.

04/10/2011 05:34:07 PM · #7

Thanks for the help. Good suggestions. The lighting in the house wasn't too bad, lots of big windows and a bright sunny helped with that. Part of the party was outside, so I just used the 35mm the whole time and got some good shots. I'll post a few later after I go through them.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

04/10/2011 11:18:01 PM · #8

Well here's the pictures I took at the party. Let me know what you all think

//www.flickr.com/photos/obscurity_images/

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

04/10/2011 11:24:11 PM · #9

You got some very nice shots there, and look like you are ready for the tilted horizon challenge.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

04/10/2011 11:33:00 PM · #10

Originally posted by BrennanOB:

You got some very nice shots there, and look like you are ready for the tilted horizon challenge.

I was trying a different approach at this. Thanks though, I wish I could have got more shots, oh well

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

04/10/2011 11:36:22 PM · #11

Wonderful party shots. This is how the getting beat up on DPC every week pays off. Your friends ought to be thrilled with those shots. Only problem is you'll now be asked to do it again.