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07/29/2012 07:05:46 PM · #1 |
I'm not a pro, but my wife is doing the hair for my cousin's wedding party. Since she was going to be working, she volunteered me to shoot the hair and makeup session (before the real photographer arrives). I've wanted to add some people portraits to my resume anyways, so I'm happy for this opportunity...
I honestly do not have much experience at shooting people. What has my wife gotten me into? I had a hard time finding much information regarding this particular type of shoot.
I have no experience with an external flash... should I purchase one? Is it needed for something like this? I do have a few reflectors, but they will only be useful if there is some good window light.
Lens-wise, I was planning to mainly use a 50mm f1.8, and maybe a 10-24 for some wider shots of the group.
Any advice is appreciated!
Message edited by author 2012-07-29 19:07:08. |
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07/29/2012 07:15:21 PM · #2 |
as this is more of an event type shoot than a portrait session, you'll probably be ok with available light at your lowest f-stop possible and the highest iso you can reach without image degradation. if possible, trying renting or borrowing an external flash instead of buying one, but use it sparingly; i'd also recommend a hot-shoe cord.
for a first-time shoot, i'd just try to have fun, looking for interaction between the subjects. let them engage each other and every now and then jump into the action and let them engage the camera for a few shots, then jump back to the sidelines.
the 50 will give you some nice shots, but it is going to be too tight to use exclusively. this is very much like a PJ shoot and you'll want a nice, wide lens for that. i wouldn't worry about reflectors - that requires another set of hands, which might not be practical. since you're doing this for experience, try to keep the moving parts to as few as possible.
i'm sure you'll get some other tips, but if you have any more specific questions, please don't hold back. |
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07/29/2012 09:03:30 PM · #3 |
No expert here, I have only done one wedding. Skip pretty much covered it. You want a fast lens and a camera capable of using a higher iso. If you don't have any you can always rent. Have fun and get in on some details, don't be afraid to shoot close.  Those were all natural light with either my 50 1.4 or a rented 24-70 on my 5DMII. Luckily had some great window light but if you have no windows and need a flash bounce it off a wall or ceiling. Good luck.
eta... Looking back at those man has my editing improved lol. Those eyes are poorly done, less is more :)
Message edited by author 2012-07-29 21:04:39. |
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07/30/2012 08:42:20 AM · #4 |
Thanks guys, I'll have to play around with what ISO I'll feel comfortable with. I generally shoot outdoors, so I'm able to use 100-200 almost exclusively. I have only gone higher when doing night-time star pictures. I'm sure dpreview has some good information I can work with either way. That is the biggest issue I've found with a DSLT, It's not as fast indoors because it's effectively losing a percentage of light due to the translucent mirror. With a 1.8 I hope I'll be ok... Plus the 10-24 should let me get enough light, and enough view-angle for even small rooms.
What is a PJ shoot, skip? I tried googling it, and didn't get much.
I think my biggest concern regarding a flash is - should I buy one? I currently only have the in-camera flash, but have only ever used it as an outdoor fill flash. Joshua, I agree, I'd try to bounce the flash if I got one. I'm sure if I got one, I'd use it again... It's just difficult justifying $300 for a tilt/swivel flash unit.
I see Skip said something about a hot shoe cord... I guess that's an option... get a dirt cheap flash and use my hand to manually point it in the right direction.
Message edited by author 2012-07-30 08:42:31. |
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07/30/2012 11:37:14 AM · #5 |
PJ = photojournalistic ;-)
basically, looking more for candid, story-telling photos rather than posed, setup shots.
the main thing is to just do it, and then afterwards do a proper post-mortem to see what worked, what didn't, and what equipment would have really made a difference. nobody can fault you when you're going in cold; it's only after you get to the point that you should know what you're doing that people can legitimately give you grief. |
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