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10/16/2010 11:17:44 PM · #1 |
| Well, let me make an extremely long story short. My wife's baby shower is in 2 weeks, and the photographer who was going to shoot it (for free), has canceled. So... that means the wife has turned to me to shoot it. I'm glad to do it of course, but the issue I'm having is that I have ZERO experience with event photography. I have a Nikon D200, and an SB-24 external flash. The issue with the flash is that it is a manual flash and doesn't have TTL. I have even used it for challenges on here, but when I did, I had numerous takes to get it right. I guess what I'm looking for is some advice on how to use a manual flash, how to get the most out of the event, and any other tips you guys may have. With a D200, I really can't go about iso 800 without allot of noise, and would prefer to keep the iso around 400. So I'm going to have to use the flash. Ultimately, the wife knows my situation, and tells me just to do my best, but its important to me to get it right for her. So with that said, any and all help is greatly appreciated. |
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10/16/2010 11:23:29 PM · #2 |
Dude, run. RUN!!
:-D
Just kidding. Look up bounce flash, and try to keep your shutter at or faster than 1/60. Play with ISO and aperture and chimp a lot.
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10/16/2010 11:33:16 PM · #3 |
Check the manual for the flash. Read up on the "auto" setting. It will not TTL meter with the camera, but if you set it right, you can set the camera's aperture, iso, and shutter manually, and the flash will automatically adjust by using light bounced off the subject. It is not as good as full TTL metering, but it will get you in the ballpark. I like to shoot about 2/3 to 1 f stop below what it says, to prevent blowing out highlights. It should get you close enough to fix any problems if you shoot RAW format, and even would do pretty well shooting Jpg.
I use those settings with an SB28, and it does a good job like that.
Use bounce flash with the built in diffuser pulled up, but not over the lens of the flash, if the place has a ceiling low enough to allow you to bounce the flash.
Shoot a few practice shots and experiment before the event, and you will do fine.
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10/17/2010 12:15:20 AM · #4 |
| How about asking whoever is hosting the event to move in as many lamps from other rooms as possible to increase the ambient lighting? And see if the room can be set up so that you can have a window behind you in your shooting position -- maybe you won't need a flash. |
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10/17/2010 01:11:15 AM · #5 |
First, screw the experience, you don't need it. It's your wife's baby shower, you already have an intimate connection to the event which brings you to a different level than if it were a stranger's shower.
Second, do you know where its going to be held? If so, can you get to the location to try a few test shots?
Third, I don't know Nikon, but are you sure the flash isn't TTL? Never matter, TTL is nice, BUT NOT NECESSARY. Chances are, the ambient lighting is going to remain constant in the room so you'll only have to deal with one manual setting and never think of it again. Word of warning about TTL, it can sometimes fool you. For my sister's bridal shower, the lighting was constant but the clothing from dark blue to vibrant yellow set the TTL meter for a loop. For that, I switch to manual and never thought about it again. Look at the histogram.
Fourth, can you bounce the flash? From what I can see on the SB24 you can. If so, bounce it from the ceiling following the advice above.
Fifth, ISO 400 is a good, safe bet. As mentioned in another reply here, don't go any lower than 1/60, try to stick to 1/200 if possible. Of course, balance the ambient light with the flash and adjust settings. For the most part, once you set the ISO, flash, shutter, aperture, you'll never change. If the room has windows and its brighter outside than in make sure you meter the shutter/aperture on the window so you don't blow it out (or shoot so you don't have a window).
Sixth, showers are BORING. There won't be a lot of action (if there is you will have to post those pics!). Most people will want the nice snapshot of the family, friends, and gifts (which is why 1/60 may work). But, take some time when things get very boring (and they will) to take some shots of the cake, unopened presents, invitation, etc. During this time, just experiment with shallow DOF to get the nice pretty ribbon that says "baby" on it isolated from the background.
Seventh, don't worry about getting every detail in perfect exposure. Make sure that the subject is exposed properly. If something is too dark, you can adjust a little in post processing. For added cushion if you can't test things out or are having a hard time finding the optimal setting, shoot RAW, its a little more forgiving.
Finally, if you did nothing but take under exposed pictures of people's feet, don't worry. You have plenty of opportunity to make it up to your wife with all the diaper changes you will volunteer for and the late night, "don't worry honey, stay in bed, I'll get up". Yes, its true she will yell at you during childbirth, but just let it go. :)
Paul |
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10/17/2010 02:41:21 AM · #6 |
| What the heck is a baby shower?!! |
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10/17/2010 02:49:06 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by SaraR:
What the heck is a baby shower?!! |
Ha. A party for someone who is expecting, usually held a few weeks before the due date. Lot's of gifts for the new arrival (and mama too) cake etc etc. Many people are even registered for gifts like for a wedding. Not something that has found it's way across the Atlantic yet. It's very like a bridal shower (one of the pre-wedding events in the US - not the hen (bachelorette) party - a more sedate affair).
ETA. Wiki says they are held in the UK, but I've never heard of anyone in the UK having a shower, either bridal or baby, and as you Sara asked the question, I'm pretty sure you haven't either!
Message edited by author 2010-10-17 02:51:48. |
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10/17/2010 04:12:23 AM · #8 |
Use the early part of the shower to practice the settings. Before all the guests arrive you should have found a setting that works ok.
Keep the same settings if you can - simple is best for event coverage at first. It seems to me the one shot you really want to frame is guests and wife together.
You want to get the shot of all the guests around your wife with presents. Its a posed shot, so you can take your time - easy when your already set up for it.
If you can, the day before the party, try to test shoot at the location and same time of day. Then you will have a much better idea if what to expect with your gear.
So, set it up as best you can, leave the settings generally alone, keep your eyes open for the right moments.
Event coverage - hours of extreme boredom followed by 1/200th of a sec for the perfect shot - did you get it?
Congratulations on your new baby!! |
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10/17/2010 09:23:18 AM · #9 |
YOu know what be an idea and and a bit of an escape route for you as well,
is to give everyone disposable camera's. I have seen them do that at weddings and the guests take photos. This was, it will ease a little pressure off of you, they will get pictures and you can get pictures, then you can both go through them and see what you like. |
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10/17/2010 11:15:23 AM · #10 |
| Bounce flash and camera in P mode - just play it safe - bouncing off the wall normally gives better depth to an image - bouncing off a ceiling will give you a nice uniform fill of light. Just keep it simple. |
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10/17/2010 04:46:48 PM · #11 |
Well... first let me say a big THANK YOU to all who replied to this thread..
Now for the extremely funny part.... You know how women are always complaining that men never listen... Well, here's proof that we don't...LOL
It turns out that the shower is outdoors, and its from 12-2pm. So it doesn't look like I'll be needing the flash after all :) unless of course, bad weather strikes...
Sooooo... Outdoors with lots of sun I think I can handle, I guess the only questions I would have would be A) Should I use a fill flash if its really bright? and B.) I have an 18-200 Tamron, should I even bring my 10-20 sigma, can you think of a reason I would need it?
Lastly, I cannot thank everyone enough for all the replies to the flash debacle. That's why I come to this forum and am a member of this site... because I continually gain knowledge from its members... Thanks guys :) |
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10/17/2010 04:50:22 PM · #12 |
If it's from 12-2, I think there's a good chance that you'll need some fill flash.
Don't be too stressed out about the shoot -- the nice thing is that people want pictures from the baby shower simply to chronicle the event. No one expects wedding quality photos from a shower. So sit back, relax, and capture the moments. :D (and congrats!!)
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10/17/2010 04:51:36 PM · #13 |
Okay, here's how it works. Set up a remote trigger, find a comfortable place to sit, grab a beer and shoot. Oh, give all the guests sunglasses so you don't dazzle them with your flash!
Good Luck:)) |
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10/17/2010 05:15:58 PM · #14 |
| shoot with direct flash if they are in the sun. That being said, DON'T LET THEM IN THE SUN!!!! shadow is your friend. |
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10/18/2010 09:24:35 AM · #15 |
Not true, its just the opposite. Bright sun often needs a fill flash to prevent blown highlights or too dark shadows. An overcast sky is your best friend because then you have perfectly diffuse, and in general ample light. Images will lack depth than with a little shadow but you wouldn't be fighting with the sun.
Meter on the sky to help guide your camera settings.
Originally posted by Sirashley:
So it doesn't look like I'll be needing the flash after all :) |
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