Parade Photography Tips?

[mduval1988]

I have been asked to shoot a parade on the morning of July 3rd in The Woodlands. I have been given access to walk beside the floats and more or less march along with the parade participants. I am looking for suggestions/tips on how to best do this.
Usually the parade photos I see most are shot from the side lines sitting on the ground using your typical 70-200mm lens. Given that I will be walking weaving through the floats I am questioning now what lens might be best?
What camera settings to use to bring out colors of the parade without blowing out contrasts etc etc... If anyone has any suggestions or tips it would be most appreciated.

[Dobick]

if you are going to be close -- then wide works for some dramatic images (fish wide even)

Aside from that, 35 or 50 would give a nice perspective from "inside the lines" so to speak.

The other angle that is always cool is above and down the long street. Not sure how you pull that one off, but it makes for a good "chamber of commerce" type shot to include the whole parade.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

You really only gain the ability to hang with a float or group as it proceeds and also to get some crowd shot angles that the person on the sideline may not be able to get without a lot of extra foot work. I would get there very early and shoot the prep/set up area where the parade departs from, if you have two bodies carry a wide zoom 18-55 and then a longer zoom 70-200 and just switch between them as you proceed down the parade route, be prepared to burn a lot of shoe leather!
Also hydrate before it starts since you may not have a lot of time to grab a drink during the procession.

[crfitchjr]

Originally Posted by DEMDeepEllumMusic

....if you have two bodies carry a wide zoom 18-55 and then a longer zoom 70-200 and just switch between them as you proceed down the parade route, be prepared to burn a lot of shoe leather!

I use the same type of setup only I prefer the 50-150 lens.

Most of my shots, 95%, are with the 18-50 set at 18 as I walk along with the floats, bands, participants.

Like Supa said, Don't forget to shoot the crowd. There are some great shots there, kids picking up candy, beads, etc; people waving flags, cheering, unusual hats.

With your setup, I would go with the 24-70 and adapt as you go.

One other thing, chances are you will be shooting into the sun. I think there is a code among parade planners that they all must be setup that way.

[andyz]

You note that the common shot is from the curb looking up and I agree. I don't know the parade route or area, but could you establish one base to work from. You can roam from that base but leave a tall ladder there which allows you to get shots from a higher perspective. I think it could be interesting for those on horseback, maybe some of the open car shots, wagons, Shriner's in those little cars, etc. You can go one step or 10 depending on the subject.

[mduval1988]

What do you all think about shooting the new Nikor 16-35mm during the parade?

[toverman]

Andy is on to something with having the ability to change your perspective. Why settle for typical shots when you could do something different? Everybody with a cell phone along the route can get the typical shots.

I say wide, like a 16-35 already mentioned, and then medium to long to get isolated shots of floats and people, would be a great combo.

[connie danley]

Inquiry minds want to know....How did it go? Any suggestions for next 4th of July or this year Holidays?