Tips for fashion show shoot please?

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

06/18/2010 06:21:21 PM · #1

I'm doing a shoot at a fashion show on Sunday and was wondering if anyone had any tips. It's a charity event and looks to be a pretty large catwalk affair. This is pretty much way outside my photography comfort zone, as anyone who has seen my portfolio can guess, but i figure i can do an ok job but any help would be appreciated! It's for a children cancer charity and i want to give it my best.

So, i've got three lenses - Tokina 12-24, Nikon 50 1.4 and Nikon 85 1.8. I suspect the wide zoom will be useless so will have the 50 and 85 to use. I'm hoping that, depending on my position and size of the catwalk, one will be ok. Changing between them may be a bit frantic though. I guess the bottom of the catwalk is my position but maybe i should place myself further back with the 85?

I've got a pretty rubbish flash but i suspect that won't be needed. From what i know of catwalks they look to be well lit in order to show the clothes well, and all lighting effects would be mainly background. I won't know until the rehearsals on the afternoon but at least i'll have some time to check it out first.

I normally always shoot RAW but this won't really be possible here. I've only got the one memory card so jpeg on medium fine should give me 700 or so shots which may be ok. I'll be doing some backstage images as well but as i don't live far from the place i could pop back and download the more documentary stuff from the rehearsal first. Auto WB i guess?

As to the actual shooting- I've been looking at some images and i guess the thing is to get certain poses and positions. A walk on - walking down the walk - a pose - a turn etc. A mixture of full body and half body.

Any thoughts and tips would be appreciated!

MattO

Nikon D4

06/18/2010 10:27:53 PM · #2

Any chance you can borrow/rent a 70-200VR lens? I've shot two Charity fashion shows and that was my lens of choice. I also shot a little from the side when they turned with a 85MM lens prime lens to blow out busy backgrounds. I can't show any as I was for hire that night and they held copyright to them. I shot straight on for the most part either up slightly or dead on standing on a chair depending on how high the cat walk is.

06/19/2010 06:46:48 AM · #3

No chance of that unfortunately. I don't know anyone with one and it's far to late to hire. I'm stuck wit the 50 and the 85 really. It's hard to tell until i see the setup of course but i'm hoping they'll be ok. Shooting straight on seems like the best idea. Thats a good tip about the chair as well. I'll make sure i've got one handy!

06/19/2010 03:14:37 PM · #4

Saw this a while back...it's kind of more about lighting, but not a bad little vid for "runway" stuff...
Runway Lighting Vid

06/20/2010 01:46:09 AM · #5

Thanks for the link Linda. Some interesting stuff there.

06/20/2010 07:14:57 AM · #6

Was looking at more on this topic, here's a couple of last-minute links in case there's some info that may help you out:

PDN Online-Runway shooting

//photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=163246

//photo.net/portraits-and-fashion-photography-forum/00UMkL

It's today right? Good Luck to you!

06/20/2010 07:39:44 AM · #7

Thanks Linda. They were helpful. Yea, i'm heading out in an hour or so. I'll post up some results later in the week after processing.

06/20/2010 07:51:46 AM · #8

Once you get there and get a feel for the setup and what's going on, I'm sure you will relax into it and have fun! Can't wait to see what you get.

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

06/20/2010 09:48:47 PM · #9

Well, that went quite well i think. Really enjoyed it and got some ok photos as well i think. Got some great shots in the afternoon backstage during the make-up and dressing etc. The actual show was a bit tricky. I could have definitely done with a 70-200 zoom as you say Matt. That is so on my next lens to buy if i'm going to do more of this sort of stuff. During the show i just stuck with the 85mm and it seemed to do ok. ISO at 800-1000 and at f2. I took about 1300 images so i have a lot to get through the next few days to edit. I think a lot is still quite soft but hopefully i can counter that to a certain extent in PP. Still, i don't think i did too bad for my first try at this sort of stuff and i'm sure the charity organisers will be happy.

Here's a few i've quickly picked out to post. A little editing but i'll get on and do it better in the week. As ever, any thoughts or help will be most appreciated!

shootinglover

06/20/2010 10:59:00 PM · #10

so nice pics !

MattO

Nikon D4

06/20/2010 11:03:11 PM · #11

One thing that jumps out at me is the dark shadows on the eyes. See if you can draw them out any without adding too much noise. Keep in mind next time if possible to throw a remote flash with a gel on it to add a bit of light to them if possible. Nice job on the timing though.

06/21/2010 06:54:48 AM · #12

Yea, i can see the dark shadows under the eyes now you mention it. I'll see what i can do whilst processing. The flash is a good idea for next time. Thanks for the comments.

Here are a few from backstage. The hairdressing room was extremely dark so i thought some grainy black and white would suit.