Suggestions?

[amye]

Ok-- here's the story. sorry if it's long...

I'm having to step totally out of my comfort-zone this monday night.

My company has asked me to attend an evening activity with the executives and take photographs.

The company camera is a Nikon (not even sure of the model-- never use it); I'll be using my personal camera.

Anyway, here's the catch... they're going bowling.

Any suggestions on how I can get some good shots. I won't have my 70-200 by then... should I rent one? or something else?

I'm assuming two things:
1) I won't be able to use a flash, so i'll be dealing with available (low) light...?
2) I won't have access to other, adjacent lanes-- for head on, bowling shots (they're going in the evening, so i don't think they will rent out the whole place... but i could be wrong?)

this is my first opportunity to show-off and use my "hobby" at my "real job", so I want these to be GOOD (well... as good as possible, considering)

I'm going to be shooting an unfamiliar lighting situation (not to mention "sports"/action-- which i NEVER do)

Any help would be appreciated!

THANK YOU!!

Amy

[Mongo]

I just had this same issue last weekend at the State Youth Tournament in Katy. If you can (gotta clear it with the management), try and go down the adjacent lanes if they arent in use. The only "good" light in there is going to be the light right up at the lanes themselves. You'll need the fastest lens you can scrounge and probably will be at least at ISO800. If you cant go down the lanes, the best shots you will be able to get light wise will be as they turn around after their shots. You should be able to use your flash though. We couldnt for the tournament but I wouldnt see an issue with it for a company party.

[ndsimm]

you may not necessarily need the adjacent lanes for head on shots but if you can get next to them, you can catch side shots as they release the ball, the candids will probably be the main focus for something like this so make sure you catch everyone having a good time. Ask for some of them to pose for shots, get them as relaxed as possible. If that 70-200 get there, it will be even better for you, if not, try and rent one....

[evil4blue]

Not sure of the canon lens lineup, but if you end up renting a lens, I would suggest getting a real fast prime, in the 85-150mm range. It'll be sharper than any zoom, and you maybe able to get one that's sub f/2.

In know that nikon has a 85mm f/1.4, that's a great low light lens, although 85mm maybe a little short. I'm sure Canon has something comparable.

Hopefully your 70-200 will be there.

[jeffkohn]

1) I won't be able to use a flash, so i'll be dealing with available (low) light...?

Do you know this for certain? I mean granted you wouldn't want to be head-on in somebody's line of sight flashing away while they're trying to bowl, but from the side I wouldn't think it would be a problem as long as you aren't too close. I can't help but think that dragging the shutter and using rear-curtain sync would make for a really cool shot if you can time it right.

Even if using flash near the lanes for the "action" is not allowed I wouldn't think it would be a problem for the candid/social shots away from the lanes.

Without flash it's going to be tough. You'll need to crank up the ISO and even then f/2.8 is pretty slow if the lighting is really bad. Renting a fast prime in the f/1.2-2.0 range as evil4blue suggests might be a better choice than a 2.8 zoom.

[jhom]

I would suggest you scope out the bowling alley where the shoot is to take place. Then you will have an idea of the lighting as well as the layout. Given you will be shooting in available light, it is likely that you will need some fast primes. Your typical choices will be an 85mm f1.8 or 1.2, a 135mm f2, and even a 50mm f1.4 or 1.8. It is unlikely zooms will be helpful unless you really push the ISO and use a tripod or monopod. I haven't been in a bowling alley for quite some time, maybe the lighting has improved from what I remember in the old days. Regardless, there is nothing like advanced planning and visiting the shoot site.

Good luck.

[evil4blue]

That 135mm F/2 would be perfect. it'll give you a little working room, and it should be fast enough without pushing your iso too high.

[amye]

thanks to everyone for your help.

i think i'll go up to the lanes this weekend and check things out...

i'll bring a flash (just in case) and monopod --and go ahead and rent one (or two!) of those fast primes like many of you suggested.

i should be able to get some decent shots (even if I can't get out in front of them while bowling)... or let's hope!

i'll let you know how it turns out!

[Mongo]

Heres a couple I got last weekend at an alley in Katy. These were with the 80-200L 2.8 lens (non-IS) on a 20D. ISO 800, and the shutter speed varied. No flash allowed once they started bowling. This should give you an idea of what to expect.







And this one was done with a 50mm 1.8 lens, no flash.