My first ever shoot.....blah.....blah....blah

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09/23/2008 06:00:29 PM · #1

I'm sure everyone is tired of these threads, but I'm starting another one anyways.

I'm super excited but also nervous about the shoot I have scheduled for this weekend. My experience up to this point has been taking shots for challenges and being the "official" photographer for all our family and friend get togethers. Well, I guess a friend of my sisters (who I've known for 20 years) had seen some of the shots I had taken and liked them.

She contacted me about taking some group photos of her kids and nieces and nephews. In all, there will be six kids ranging from 6m - 16y as well as 3 adults. Every year they take all the kids to the local sears and get your traditional portraits done but this year though, they wanted something different. They want some outdoor shots so I suggested a local park. I plan on taking some formal group shots of everyone, groups of each sibling and their kids, and then having some fun. I'm sure it's going to be hard to get 6 kids to cooperate so wish me luck.

This is the equipment I'm bringing:
Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi
Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon
EF 50mm f/1.8 II
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
430ex Flash
ST-E2 Transmitter
8ft Lightstand
43" Umbrella (Satin White with removable black backing)
5ft stepladder

Heres my questions:
1) Appox. how much should I charge for this considering a couple hours shooting time, and basic processing with Lightroom?
2) If I shoot in the shade, should I use my flash/umbrella as fill considering I don't have a reflector?
3) I plan on shooting the groups at f8. Is this enough and is there a number I should not go any wider than? (eg 5.6)
4) Is there anything else I should be bringing with me?

Any other advise you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Ryan

Edit: Can't forget my tripod

Message edited by author 2008-10-02 00:48:39.

ambaker

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

09/23/2008 06:06:28 PM · #2

Sorry, no advice. You are a braver man than I. But I do wish you luck.

Take bucket loads of patience, a friendly smile. And oh yeah, a little candy (NOT CHOCOLATE IT STAINS!) can help get the kids in the right frame of mind.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/23/2008 06:11:43 PM · #3

Originally posted by ambaker:

Take bucket loads of patience, a friendly smile. And oh yeah, a little candy (NOT CHOCOLATE IT STAINS!) can help get the kids in the right frame of mind.

I never thought of this but good idea. They are all heading to a birthday party after so it def. cannot be chocolate.

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

09/23/2008 06:16:54 PM · #4

Chocolate or some type of lollies might help (run past parents first for allergies & what not) but a whip is probably going to be what you really need :-)

1) Ye age olde question.... What your costs? What's your time worth?
2) I would yes.
3) Depends on the distance and how close they are to the same plane.... f8 should be pretty safe but why not try some smaller and some larger? Something like f4 with some distance in the background might give nice results if they are all in focus. There are some focus calculators out on the web, so hit one of them with your lenses to get an idea of the focus range.
4) See intro - A whip and possibly a chair :-) I am allowed to say that with 3 boys okay. Maybe have them take turns jumping off your ladder [only half joking as there might be some unusual shots in that if you can get past the liability stuff] :-)

Nullix

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

09/23/2008 06:22:01 PM · #5

1) How much should I charge?
Try $75/hour plus printing. Of course you won't get this since it's a friend of your sister. Asking for that much will make them think you're a pro, so you better be able to back that assumption up.

2) If I shoot in the shade, should I use my flash/umbrella as fill considering I don't have a reflector?
Try to use your flash to fill. If you're wanting a reflector, you can pick up some car window shades pretty cheap and they work well. You'll need someone to hold them steady tho.

3) I plan on shooting the groups at f8. Is this enough and is there a number I should not go any wider than? (eg 5.6)
If your flash/lighting can handle f8, go for it. Or you could try Hyperfocal Distance.

4) Is there anything else I should be bringing with me?
You'll be working with kids. Bring some toys to get their attention. Also some treats to bribe the older ones. Remember, with kids you only have so long to shoot before they start getting tired and wanting to play.

Also, scope out the site and get some idea of where to shoot. Go there about the time of day you're scheduled to shoot so you get an idea of lighting/shadows.

Good Luck

Message edited by author 2008-09-23 18:25:00.

09/23/2008 06:41:17 PM · #6

Originally posted by robs:

3) Depends on the distance and how close they are to the same plane.... f8 should be pretty safe but why not try some smaller and some larger? Something like f4 with some distance in the background might give nice results if they are all in focus.

I figured I'd start with f8 just to make sure I get some with focus on everyone, then do as you say and experiment.

Thanks

Originally posted by Nullix:

I figured as much. As I said, I've known her for 20 years so I might just negotiate the price when she sees the proofs. Then I'll also know how many hours I've put in. "Oh you like the pictures do you?" "That will be 1 million dollars please" :)

Message edited by author 2008-09-23 18:42:11.