 Brandon Currey |
Need Some Help/advice I've got an opportunity/problem that I'm trying to figure out. Today at Home Depot my wife and I ran into a guy she works with. During the conversation he complimented the pictures I have taken of my daughter and some other babies. His wife then turned and said, "Oh, your a photographer? I need one for next weekend." I tried to downplay being called a "photographer" because I don't really feel I'm to that point yet. Though, I admit I've taken some pretty good pics of my daughter and I've taken baby pics for a few of our friends. This lady wants me to photograph their family reunion next week. She said really all she wants is one picture with everyone in it. "Everyone" would total about 60 people!!!!!! I'm just not sure if I'm ready for that kind of jump. I admitted to her that that would certanly be a challenge. Her response was, "I know getting a picture of 60 people is impossible. I just want you to come, snap the picture and if we can see the kids on the first row, I'll be happy. For the other folks, if you can't see their faces, that's their problem." So, she obviously doesn't have high expectations. She instisted on giving me her number and told me to give her an answer by Tues or Wed. Any advice on what I should do? Is this too big of a jump from babies to 60 folks!?!?!?! It will be indoors at a banquet center. The equiptment I have is: an Canon XT, Sigma 28-80 lens, Canon 100mm macro, a 500 w/s light (professional line), and a 160 w/s light (Cheapo line). If I do the shoot, I was thinking of telling her that I would do the group shot, but that I'd like to stay for most of the event and take random pictures throughout the reunion so that just in case the group shot doesn't turn out, that there would be other pics to remember the event. I was thinking that if I take 4-5 shots of the group, I can "fix" some of the folks not looking at the camera by cutting their heads out of other pics and pasting them in the other pic. I'm getting pretty decent at Photoshop. I'd appreciate any feedback from people. I'd love to be able to get some business on the side, so that makes it hard to turn down this opportunity. However, I don't want to get in over my head. I have a friend who is at the same level as I, so she would probably be willing to come help me. This lady knows that I am not a full time professional. She can't be expecting much from these pics if she is still looking for a photograper and the event is a week away during wedding season. However, I'm anal enough to where I want to give the best possible picture. I also must admit that I lack confidence in myself when it comes to this. I'm working on it, and getting better, so that's also playing a role in my thinking. I'd hate to miss an opportunity just because I still kinda doubt myself. Any help or advice??? Anyone been in this boat before?? How did you make your "jump"? Is my equiptment enough to do this shoot? Thanks for your help and time!!!!
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Roy Blinston |
Your task is a tough one.... however you have the advantage that the client doesn't expect the world and she knows you are not a "pro". In other words the pressure is off to some extent. My advice to you would be: (1) go for it; (2) definitely take your friend assistant; (3) Do the best that you can; (4) take candids throughout and also smaller groups shots just in case; (5) photograph everything - take lots and lots of pics (work on the law of averages). If you take 500 shots, I'm sure your client will be happy if she got 10 good ones. Everyone makes mistakes, but you can only learn from them. Being thrown in at the deep end can make you learn "faster" (both you and your friend). Don''t be afraid... give it a go... but do some homework first... and don't leave anything to chance... have fun!!!
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Bob Chance |
I am well aware of your dilema! My wife is always telling everyone that I am a photographer. Yes, I enjoy taking pictures, mostly nature, landscapes, flowers etc...
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Katie Parks |
And if you dont look at this as a challange, look at it as a learning experiance. Practice practice pracitce. And my two sence opioion here is if you shot pictures through out the day try and get them in groups and collage. A nice large group photo done almost clear with up front pictures of groups (try older people all the way down to children) around the outside would be something to take away if a few people in the whole shot might not have open eyes or happy faces! Hope it goes well for you please let us know what you decided.
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Jagadeesh Andrew Owens |
I once read in a magazine or a book somewhere, can't remember, but it was good advice. The article stated when taking group shots, take as many exposures as there are people in the shot. Now, this may sound time consuming, 60 shots!, but if you put your camera on burst and do it that way, it'll take about three minutes, if that. Also, I don't know much about wide angle lenses, as I don't have one, but you may want to rent one for that shot. Someone more knowledgeable about them will hopefully respond, but is 28mm wide enough for a shot of 60 people?? Good luck!
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Bob Chance |
If using a wide angle, make sure it is one of good quality or you may end up with people on the outer fringe of your photos that look a little funny due to distortion. Also, keep in mind the angle of coverage of your flash unit(s). If using at least two flashes and they are adjusted evenly, then you shouldn't have a coverage problem with a wide angle lens. Most camera mount flashes barely give angle enough to cover a 28mm lens. Anything wider than that you'll need a diffuser of some sort to spread the light out. This of course will also cost you in light output. And unless you have high speed strobes, burst mode is out of the question with flash. You'll end up with more underexposed pictures because the flash hasn't time to recycle between shots. I would agree that you should take as many shots as possible with the big group to insure everyone is wide eyed and smiling in at least one of them. But then again, with that many people, there is bound to be a few who aren't paying attention.
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