Shooting A Convention?

[MissMichigan]

Anyone have any tips for shooting at a convention?

I've was lucky enough to be given a press pass for a Steampunk Convention this friday-sunday, but I've never done anything this big before. It will be a mixture of outdoor and indoor, with everything from information panels, to fashion shows, and concerts. Lots of displays and vendors as well. Unfortunately, the forecast isn't ideal, with rain predicted saturday.

Should I focus on any one thing more? Is it OK to approach guests and ask to take their picture? Is it alright to get up close to the stage/performers, or will the guests get annoyed? Any other do's or don'ts, tips, tricks, etc?

Sorry for the overly newbie-ness, but like I said, I've never gotten to do anything like this before, and certainly not with a pass. (mostly portraits, candids, and Ren Fests). They're letting me into all the events at no charge, so I really want to deliver.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I really don't know what a Steampunk Convention is, but whenever I attend a new venue, I start out being very conservative. I try to find a "regular" and start by picking his/her brain. Another person I look for is the PR representative. Security guards are others that I quickly befriend. They will be able to tell you where, when and how you can go. I have found that if you look and an act professional then others are very willing to help you get your shots. Good luck.

 

[MrD1sturbed]

It's awesome that you got invited to a convention like that. We have something similar in Atlanta called Dragon*Con during Labor Day weekend. If this is your first time at a con like this it will be extremely overwhelming at first. You'll want to try to do everything and takes pics of everyone you see, and I can tell you from experience it probably won't happen, lol. Just take it easy and enjoy yourself. Try to get pics/video of any panels you attend. And yes it is ok to walk to anybody in costume to ask them for a picture. 99% of the people who dress up WANT their pics taken, so go for it! Have fun and I'd love to see some of the pics you take afterwards.

 

[wbeem]

Anyone have any tips for shooting at a convention?

I've was lucky enough to be given a press pass for a Steampunk Convention this friday-sunday, but I've never done anything this big before. It will be a mixture of outdoor and indoor, with everything from information panels, to fashion shows, and concerts. Lots of displays and vendors as well. Unfortunately, the forecast isn't ideal, with rain predicted saturday.

Should I focus on any one thing more? Is it OK to approach guests and ask to take their picture? Is it alright to get up close to the stage/performers, or will the guests get annoyed? Any other do's or don'ts, tips, tricks, etc?

Sorry for the overly newbie-ness, but like I said, I've never gotten to do anything like this before, and certainly not with a pass. (mostly portraits, candids, and Ren Fests). They're letting me into all the events at no charge, so I really want to deliver.

Yes, it's OK to approach guests and ask to take their photo. Many of them dress up and expect such requests. It's also appropriate to share those photos with them, so bring something to get their name, email or contact info, and be sure to follow-up by sending the photo to them if they want it.

Lighting inside a convention center is often tragic. My solution was to bring a tripod and do some HDR portraits, but you can also bring some lighting gear with you. Just don't overload yourself, because you need to stay mobile and avoid blocking those who are attending.

If you have a media pass, there is often a form to sign that specifies what you may and may not do. If you agree with the contract (and beware that some lay claim to your copyright or specify how you may use the images), then make sure you follow its terms. It's OK to refuse the contract and go home if you don't like the terms.

Finally, just be polite, professional and have a good time. Don't be shy, though. You're there to make photos and you have to take charge of making the photos. They won't just fall in your lap. Work for it.

Here's one of my HDR portraits from a Star Wars convention.


Princess Leia by wbeem, on Flickr

 

[bob100]

Anyone have any tips for shooting at a convention?

I've was lucky enough to be given a press pass for a Steampunk Convention this friday-sunday, but I've never done anything this big before. It will be a mixture of outdoor and indoor, with everything from information panels, to fashion shows, and concerts. Lots of displays and vendors as well. Unfortunately, the forecast isn't ideal, with rain predicted saturday.

Should I focus on any one thing more? Is it OK to approach guests and ask to take their picture? Is it alright to get up close to the stage/performers, or will the guests get annoyed? Any other do's or don'ts, tips, tricks, etc?

Sorry for the overly newbie-ness, but like I said, I've never gotten to do anything like this before, and certainly not with a pass. (mostly portraits, candids, and Ren Fests). They're letting me into all the events at no charge, so I really want to deliver.

Sounds like a good opportunity. Those type of conventions are great for practicing portrait flash techniques, Ask permission but you will find the convention participants actually like posing for the camera.

one from a "nekocon" anime convention -

Canon XSi (450D)
50mm 1.8
f2.5

 

[photo_chick]

Fast lenses are your friends at conventions.

Do you have a Facebook page dedicated to your photography? If not, set one up. Tell everyone you shoot to go there so they can tag themselves in the images. It's easier than emailing them and it's what most people want anyway. Another option is to set up an online gallery and hand out business cards with the URL. I've done both and people respond to the Facebook approach more readily.

 

[photo_chick]

Double post. sorry

 

[MissMichigan]

Well, it was a good time. Had bad weather friday and saturday though, high winds, entirely overcast, off and on rain. Sunday was beautiful though. Didn't get the quality of images I was hoping to get, but I guess it didn't turn out too badly for a first timer with minimal gear. Here's my end result, for those that were interested:

Wild Wild West Con II

 

[photo_chick]

They're great for your first time shooting an event like that.

I would suggest is going over the white balance in processing. Some of them look a little off. When you have a group of shots that are all in the same location locking that down to it's the same all the way though will give consistency and bring the whole group together. I usually shoot RAW and get the WB in processing.

The only other thing I'd say is get in closer now and then. Overall they have the feel of someone observing from a distance rather than someone engaged in the convention.

 

[bob100]

Well, it was a good time. Had bad weather friday and saturday though, high winds, entirely overcast, off and on rain. Sunday was beautiful though. Didn't get the quality of images I was hoping to get, but I guess it didn't turn out too badly for a first timer with minimal gear. Here's my end result, for those that were interested:

Wild Wild West Con II

not too bad. could have used a faster shutter speed for some.
If you do a lot of those types of events an off-camera flash and large aperture lens really helps