Holiday Party Questions

[Boracho]

I have a friend that asked me to take some pictures during his squadron holiday party and I was wondering if I could get a few tips. I'm kind of nervouse because it's like a 200 person party and I've never really done anything like this before. I tend to stick to the nature side of things, and don't fancy myself a very good photographer of people. I was thinking of renting a 24-70 2.8L for the occasion because all I have are a 10-22 and 70-200 F4 in the shorter range. I was considering the 24-105 if the rental place had it just for the IS, but not sure if having that over the 2.8 would be much better( I will have a flash). And I'll be shooting with a 7D. Any tips or advice for the occasion would be appreciated.

[BenE]

Originally Posted by Boracho

=========== Any tips or advice for the occasion would be appreciated.

Tips? Meaning what; f stop, etc, what to shoot, where to shoot from?

Not sure what tips you feel you need. Will you be shooting candids only or groups with a location lighting set up?

[Boracho]

I am looking for maybe some common courtesy type tips. Seeing as how I've never shot a group function like this, I just want to know what kind of things to expect from someone that has. Also, some feedback on the lens choice would be nice. I will be doing candids only, no group photos with lights.

[picman]

Almost always when people are talking together they form a circle so you end up seeing the backs of half the people. See a group socializing, walk up and ask to take a picture. They will be always be very accommodating and will turn and smile for the camera. Get the shot, thank them and move on. It's a personnel thing, but I never shoot people eating. Folks with mouth full are rarely flattering.

[Ahh!]

My style, and what I see most often is best at F5.6 and up to keep people in focus, and an aux flash usually well above the lens (on a bracket if available) to prevent red eye (or horrid edits of red eye later). Extra batteries in your pocket. Shutter dragging and higher ISO's help bring in the lighting for the venue to taste. If it is in a pretty bright place, the background is important. If it is in a dark or ugly place, let it look like it is dark, or down play it.

Originally Posted by picman

Almost always when people are talking together they form a circle so you end up seeing the backs of half the people. See a group socializing, walk up and ask to take a picture. They will be always be very accommodating and will turn and smile for the camera. Get the shot, thank them and move on. It's a personnel thing, but I never shoot people eating. Folks with mouth full are rarely flattering.

+1

[Bruce M. Morris]

when you say "squadron" is this a military function? If so, verify if they are expecting some kind of set up for photos of couples ala Prom night. Although they may want photos of people at tables, dont shoot while meals are being served. NO ONE looks good with food shoved in their mouths...

[Boracho]

Thank you for the feedback. It will be a military function, but they were not wanting a professional to come in and have set up pictures like prom night. I've taken some pictures of my friend's son before so he asked me to do this, knowing that I am by no means a professional photog. I am going to borrow my brother's 580EX so I'll most likely be bouncing it off the roof. If you have a softbox on it, would you still need to bounce the flash?

Does anyone have any input on the lens. 24-105 for the IS (in case I want some natural lighting shots without flash) or just stick with the 24-70 for the larger apeture since I will have a flash.

[Bruce M. Morris]

keep in mind that bouncing flash off the ceiling in any large facility will kill your flash power quickly. Either LOTS of AA's or external power supply and/or find some way to soften direct light like small softbox.
I wouldnt recommend worrying about many shots of overall party. Most people will want to see small groups (2-6 people) which can be shot from within 15 ft. This will also help conserve flash power as it isnt trying to light the whole room. 24-70 should do nicely.

[Ahh!]

+1 on non-bounce. I use the diffuser at a 45 on mine w/ a white card on the back side to push all the light forward.

[Boracho]

Great, that's good to know. I wouldn't of brought any extra batteries for the flash, and I will not bounce. I guess I'll probably just end up getting the 24-70. Figure it's wide enough for some larger shots if I like but with just enough length for that kind of setting.

[David Whatley]

Keep in mind the 7d is a crop camera so the 24 70 will be fine.