Event opportunity, advice appreciated

12/06/2005 06:42:18 PM · #1

I have the opportunity to take some photos at a Legos Robotics competition this weekend. They are teams of 5-12 kids, 5-8th grades. There will be about 35 teams in attendance, including my daughter's.

The event is being held is a local tech college's lecture room....big, florescent lighting type of room. It will be extremely crowded in that room, but I'm not sure how much availability we will have out in the hallways, etc. They expect about 800 people to be there. I have been asked to take photos of the competition and also of teams (espcially winning teams with trophys etc.)

I have been told that due to the fact that I cannot use a flash during the competition (some use light sensors on the robots) I will be able to do some "set up" shots where I CAN use the flash.

For the team photos, they will be providing an event banner to use as a backdrop.

I have the Sony 717, HV-1000 flash and I also have a small wide angle screw on lens.

I am taking photos as a volunteer for the organization and the event, however I have been told that I can sell copies of the team photos, etc, to parents, coaches or others if I desire.

That's the basics. I'm just open to any suggestions or advice that you think might be helpful for this event. Thanks!

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

12/06/2005 06:44:28 PM · #2

I forgot to mention that the organization has already taken care of photo releases for the event, so I don't have to worry about any of that prior to taking the shots.

ladyhawk22

Sony DSLR-A700

12/06/2005 07:08:45 PM · #3

Well, as always, make sure you have a fully charged battery and an empty memory card :-) If you have extra batteries/memory cards make sure to bring them.

If it's flourescent lighting, be sure to test your white balance. It's my understanding that even on the "Indoor" setting, flourescent lighting can give some weird colors.

Other than that, I guess have some test shots perhaps since you can't use your flash on all shots and test your aperture/ISO/shutterspeed yadda yadda to make sure you have enough light without the flash :-)

AND HAVE FUN! This sounds like a really cool shoot! These kids will be so excited to show off what they've done...you should have a blast!

12/06/2005 11:33:44 PM · #4

Thanks. Unfortunately, the 717 is very grainy above 200 iso. I did have a chance to see the facility, so that will help me a lot. I suppose I need to print up some business cards as well. No time for sending them out to be printed :(

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

12/07/2005 01:40:40 PM · #5

Okay... I figure my cost per 5x7, including the print, a photo folder and postage - will be at about $1.75 per photo. I am going to give some of my profit to the organization running the tournament. Does it sound reasonable to charge $8.00 per 5x7 - giving $3 per to the organization and having $3.25 per for me?

Do you think parents would pay $8 for 5x7? Do you think I should charge more or less? My plan is to take orders and payment that day and mail out the photos within 10 days.

Any advice is appreciated.

Judy

Seanachai

Canon EOS-20D

12/07/2005 01:59:37 PM · #6

I would get to the event as early as possible and get comfortable with the set-up. Maybe bring a step stool to give you a nice height perspective of the competition. Go and have fun, it sounds like a great opportunity to make some connections for yourself. The thought of taking money and picture orders during the event sounds like a big pain in the butt IMO :) Best of luck to you.