I need some tips please

[mike the canuck]

I have been asked to take some pictures at a fashion event at a local Sears store by my friend who is a manager there. I am kinda nervous because I want to do a good job. I have pretty good photo taking fundamentals and I will be using my Canon Rebel T2i. Any tips to ensure I do a good job. This is my first time shooting a public event. I was planning on just using the auto settings on the camera.

 

[photo_chick]

A lot depends on how you want to capture it. Do you have a speedlite or a fast lens? Knowing how to use either of those will make this job a bit easier for you. As will knowing what they intend to use the photos for.

 

[Frantasmic]

What lighting is available? Are they action shots? Stationary shots? What are the photos for (manager's personal keepsake of event, being sent to other stores, displayed in the store later on?)

Depending on the answers to those questions will depend on if your gameplan is sound.

 

[mike the canuck]

I just have the standard lens it came with. I am just suppose to document the event. I assume the lighting will be standard florescent store lighting. The only equipment I have is my T2i. I am an amateur photographer. I have a background and career in broadcast television so I draw my fundamentals from there. This job is an easy $100 so I want to have the pictures look the best they can with the minimal equipment and lighting I have. I have never professionally done a shoot in an uncontrolled environment and I think that is what I fear most.

 

[Frantasmic]

Since it is a paid job, I'd learn manual control and shooting in RAW, if you already don't.

Since that is a somewhat daunting process to learn in a short time, I'd shoot in P and make sure you get your white balance nailed before the shoot.

I'd ask the manager if you could come prior to the event and shoot some displays around the store and then show her/him the results and make sure that is what they are looking for.

Auto in a store, even with great fluorescent lighting, can mess with your shutter speed. Movement may be difficult to capture with your current plan of attack.

 

[mike the canuck]

Since it is a paid job, I'd learn manual control and shooting in RAW, if you already don't.

Since that is a somewhat daunting process to learn in a short time, I'd shoot in P and make sure you get your white balance nailed before the shoot.

I'd ask the manager if you could come prior to the event and shoot some displays around the store and then show her/him the results and make sure that is what they are looking for.

Auto in a store, even with great fluorescent lighting, can mess with your shutter speed. Movement may be difficult to capture with your current plan of attack.

Thanks this is super helpful.

 

[reimero]

I second shooting in RAW because you can adjust WB after the fact. Additionally (and I haven't done this, though I should) if you have an 18% gray card, you can photograph that and tell the T2i to use that to calibrate its AWB settings. Just be sure you do the calibration in the same lighting settings as your actual photography.

 

[bob100]

A lot depends on how you want to capture it. Do you have a speedlite or a fast lens? Knowing how to use either of those will make this job a bit easier for you. As will knowing what they intend to use the photos for.

I second that advice, if it's indoors and you only have the 18-55IS you will need an external flash

 

[photo_chick]

You can push the 18-55 to get this job done but you have to know how to push it. And it's most likely going to mean a good bit of noise as well as some fancy moves when editing. It's far from the ideal lens for this job.

 

[mike the canuck]

These are really great tips. I really appreciate the help

 

[mike the canuck]

Well the shoot went pretty good. I borrowed my friends external flash but didn't end up using it. The lights in the store were pretty bright and the flash made the shots too hot. I appreciate all the help from you guys. It was easy money and the client seems happy with the work I did.