Any help with high school band shoot?

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

09/08/2006 05:35:31 PM · #1

Hi Guys and gals. I started freelancing 2 months ago and have done pretty well with the paper. I've been hoping for an assignment to be handed to me. Well on my way home from helping a friend this morning I got a call from the paper. I have been given my first assignment. I am to shoot a High school marching band competition tomorrow morning. I know virtually nothing about band and the competitions. And I am shooting a high school football game tonight so I did as much research as I could on the net today. Which didnt really get me much. I have been asked to get a few group shots, and also some close ups "action shots" of some of the kids blowing their horns. <-- Her words not mine. Any advice if you have been a band member or have shot one of these events that might make my first assignment a success for the paper? Thanks in advance, when I get home from the game I'll check back in.

MattO

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

09/08/2006 05:39:54 PM · #2

My kids both do band competitions and I've shot several just for fun. Its basically a whole bunch of half time shows. The bands will march onto the field precisely as they do their Friday night half-time shot - do their entire show and march off - then the next band takes the field. It makes for a long morning, but is interesting to watch.

Take a long lens for those "kids blowing their horns" shots. Not sure how you'll do group shots unless its from high in the stands while they are on the field.

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

09/08/2006 05:44:43 PM · #3

Thanks Cindi, I have my 70-200 and the 1.4 TC cause I'm not sure how close I will be allowed, I can shoot right from the sideline at a football game so I assume I can for this as well. I also have the 19-35 that I bought for wide shots but from a distance that wont do me alot of good. So I'll have to kind of wing that part. Thanks for letting me know what it is at least that makes it a bit easier, as I have seen alot of those during football games.

MattO

Canon EOS-60D

09/08/2006 06:07:36 PM · #4

You'll definitely need the wider lens for the shots of the band as a whole on the field. The 70-200 with the tc will be great for the closer shots. Look for unique visuals to snap, especially if the flag/rifle squad are performing, or the drill/dance team, or even the twirlers. Look for neat reflections in the shiny bells of the larger horns (sousaphones, tubas, etc). After watching one or two bands, you can kind of begin to anticipate soloists. You might have to run around a bit, but look for the drum majors as they direct the band...they always look sharp and snappy. The pit will have some other unique opportunities off on the sidelines...you'll find the tympanies, bells, and other percussionists that don't march with the band but still are part of the performance. The drumline (snares, quads, etc) is always cool to capture, especially if they have a big number in the show. If it's an all day event, you are SURE to come up with some great shots if you are quick on your feet, patient enough to anticipate changes, and shoot tons of shots from all kinds of places and angles. Have fun with it and don't forget to enjoy the music. Those kids practice hard and work for HOURS to perfect their marching shows. Many have been playing for several years and have dedicated a lot to band and truly have enthusiasm for what they do. I'm so glad a paper is going to show off some of that dedication, and they've made an excellent choice by asking you to be the one to capture those moments. Good luck!! :)

09/08/2006 11:00:47 PM · #5

Thanks Laurie great advice as always. I am feeling a little better with some time to think about this with yours and Cindi's advice. I'll be sure and post a slideshow this weekend after I'm done.

MattO

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/09/2006 08:34:33 PM · #6

Well holy cow did I just about screw up today. I went for the shoot, and got there plenty early to get with the band directors. Got with the folks in charge to find my boundaries. I played with each lens and settings to get what I thought was just right. Found that each group wore hats, and its midday with heavy shadows. So I decide it might be a good idea to use some fill flash. Ummm apparently thats not good with bright sun and bright colors and using AWB. Man were my colors screwed up! I was freaking when I got home. I know the photos will be in monochrome in the paper but I still have to submit them in color. So I learned a few filters, selective color, and even had some so far off I had to use replace color. But I think I have them saved enough that I dont feel too bad about submitting them. Of all days to pull a bonehead move. Gosh I just want this week to be over and hope everything turns out ok. Here is the link to the shots that I am submitting. Not as good as I'd like cause I couldnt get in the positions I wanted due to restrictions. But here they are. I hope they are good enough. I will never again shoot in jpeg on an assignment. And apparently I'll never shoot with a flash on a bright sunny day. When I get some time and calm down a bit, I'll post the horribly off color originals.

Fox Band

Seckman Band

Windsor Band

MattO

ETA link to some straight out of the camera with horrible colors.

Bad colors.

Message edited by author 2006-09-09 21:32:27.

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

09/09/2006 09:00:46 PM · #7

You shot in jpeg?

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/09/2006 09:04:19 PM · #8

Originally posted by routerguy666:

You shot in jpeg?

Yep, I almost always shoot in jpeg unless I have fears of underexposure. I watch my histogram and adjust throughout the day when things change. I have NEVER had a white balance issue that skewed colors until today. I wont make this mistake again when money is on the line.

MattO

Melethia

Canon EOS-80D

09/09/2006 09:09:18 PM · #9

Despite your problems, you got some great shots! Congrats!