BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Mary Anne Frey

My first shoot, have questions

Hi All!
I have been asked by a friend to do a shoot for her bands publicity photos. I am really excited and really flattered! BUT I have never done anything like this before! I know it will probably be taking place in June, and it will be outdoors. I am guessing evening will be best light from reading the boards. I have a Kodak P880. Should I shoot RAW? That is something else I have yet to do, and will practice on, if that is indeed what I should be doing. She did ask what I would charge, and I told her nothing because I have never done this before. I appreciate any input and suggestions. As always, thanks in advance!

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March 19, 2007

Mark Feldstein

Unless you're quite experienced with ambient light at night or know how to use flash, maybe daylight would be a better choice?
Take it light.
Mark

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March 19, 2007

Mary Anne Frey

Hey Mark! Sorry if I was misleading, I was guessing late afternoon in the summer, like 4-6 pm. I also took a couple of test RAW shots yesterday, and I tried to open them in my editing program, paint shop pro X. They won't open, I keep getting a strange error message, I can't remember it off the top of my head though. I did go back and check RAW in preferences for file recognition and still nothing. Any ideas on that? Thanks again!

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March 20, 2007

Samuel Smith

hey mary anne,
some photo programs don't recognize raw files,someone else will have to help you with that.
take a back-up camera because you never know,anything can happen.
will it rain that day/next day?if you have to move inside,where it will probably be darker,your on camera flash won't be very pleasing.
since she's a friend,or not I guess,have her sign a simple release if you plan on using her,the bands,pics for your personal use.
even though in my simple mind thinking you shot them for free,they're yours to promote yourself,i'm starting to,after a few head slaps,think I am probably wrong.eh?
hopefully you will get photo credits.did that come up?say they eventually make an album,be nice to see your name on it.
sam

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March 21, 2007

Mary Anne Frey

Hey Sam!
Thanks for the tips, I will try to do some research on my program. I never would have thought of a backup camera. Thanks! I do have a bounce flash for the camera I intend on using, so hopefully if the weather does not cooperate, I could fool around with that. I didn't even think about the release since she is a friend, but that is a very good point! And yes, as far as credit goes, that is all I was going to ask her to give me. Thanks again!
Mary Anne

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March 21, 2007

Hi Mary Anne,

Paint Shop Pro X's built-in RAW converter doesn't seem to function well, according to reviews. That corresponds with your experience. The reviewers recommend to use Pixmantec RawShooter with PSPX.
Of course Pixmantec was gobbled up by Adobe, last year.

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/psp/pspx.html

http://www.photo-freeware.net/raw-shooter-essentials.php

Good luck!

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March 21, 2007

Mary Anne Frey

Hi W-
Well I gave it a shot, no dice. I tried to download raw shooter from numerous sites, the first being the link you kindly provided me. Each time I downloaded the program, I had to uninstall and try again, it won't open! I just get a message asking if the computer wants me to send an error report. I have tried 5 different times. Any other raw converters you know of that I could try?
Thanks again!

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March 21, 2007

David A. Bliss

Can't really help you with the raw converter, other than the options already given.

As for the photos, here are a few things you should think about.

What kind of music do they play? That can have a big influence on the style of picture. A heavy metal band might not want an outdoor photo in the park, while a folk band might. Get a feel for the music and the overall style of the band and the members (including personal style, not just musical).

Shooting a group poses (excuse the pun) problems you don't have with shots of individuals. Someone will have their eyes closed, or move, or start laughing, so be sure to shoot a lot so you have many to choose from. There is the issue of posing the group so the shot feels comfortable and not crowded. Also, be careful of the politics of the band. Who gets to be in the front? I know this sounds silly, but you'd be amazed!

Use the lowest ISO you can get away with, since these are promo shots, and will need to be printed and sent with their promo packets. You should also think about doing a very simple, close framed shot that you can convert to B&W, along with the more artistic shots.