Photo shoot help!
Jul 30, 2013 08:01:50 #
A friend of mine would like me to shoot her teen and pre teenage daughters at the beach this Friday. Theyve chosen a location that i havent seen yet, but she says that it is a very rocky area and a great location. I figure late afternoon, early evening...like 5:00. Sunset is at 8:08. I guess I am asking for advice...is this the preferred time or should I do it early morning if given the option (not sure the girls wake up that early). Any advice on lens type, speed, ap? I know....this is basic stuff, but for some reason, because she asked me, I am feeling inadequate all of a sudden. I am used to shooting kids on my own...no pressure, for me, very self serving. But this is for her. So....any suggestions would be helpful!
Jul 30, 2013 08:15:00 #
Hard to give too much advise since we don't know the area, what camera you use, your knowledge level or what post processing you use.
For me I shoot everything in Manual and RAW, then process it in LR and PS. That gives me the most latitude if I need it.
They say the golden hour gives great lighting. Since I assume you're on the east coast by your photo info, then you should have the lighting behind you if the girls are going to have their backs to the water and the ocean in the background.
As for f stop and Aperture, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish. A small aperture will give you a good depth of field (you'll see the ocean in focus). A large aper. will blur the background. You'll have to have an f stop high enough so the photos aren't blurry from camera shake. Depending on what camera you use, you can up the ISO so you can have an f stop at a number to help keep everything balanced.
Have fun and I bet you do better than you give yourself credit for.
For me I shoot everything in Manual and RAW, then process it in LR and PS. That gives me the most latitude if I need it.
They say the golden hour gives great lighting. Since I assume you're on the east coast by your photo info, then you should have the lighting behind you if the girls are going to have their backs to the water and the ocean in the background.
As for f stop and Aperture, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish. A small aperture will give you a good depth of field (you'll see the ocean in focus). A large aper. will blur the background. You'll have to have an f stop high enough so the photos aren't blurry from camera shake. Depending on what camera you use, you can up the ISO so you can have an f stop at a number to help keep everything balanced.
Have fun and I bet you do better than you give yourself credit for.
Jul 30, 2013 08:16:04 #
I and many have seen your photographs, I don't know why someone as good as you asks as you are a great shooter
Jul 30, 2013 14:52:28 #
jdubu
Loc: San Jose, CA
You know your way around the camera, so once you get into the swing of things, you'll hit your stride and the pressure you put on yourself will disappear.
Bring a flash for off camera and reflectors to fill in and enhance your subjects. Since a few people will be there, maybe enlist your friend to be your voice activated light stand/reflector holder.
Different camera settings will give different looks, so when you get subject poses you like, change up the settings to maximize your keepers.
Don't forget that the background doesn't always mean the ocean behind. Shooting from the water side to the shore can be lucrative also. Look for good backgrounds 360 degrees and set up accordingly.
Post some results and have fun.
Bring a flash for off camera and reflectors to fill in and enhance your subjects. Since a few people will be there, maybe enlist your friend to be your voice activated light stand/reflector holder.
Different camera settings will give different looks, so when you get subject poses you like, change up the settings to maximize your keepers.
Don't forget that the background doesn't always mean the ocean behind. Shooting from the water side to the shore can be lucrative also. Look for good backgrounds 360 degrees and set up accordingly.
Post some results and have fun.
Jul 30, 2013 15:00:25 #
OriginalCyn wrote:
A friend of mine would like me to shoot her teen a... (show quote)
Since you've got a few days, you might consider installing The Photographer's Ephemeris http://photoephemeris.com/.
It gives the Sun and Moon rise/fall directions/time and twilight for any location. And it's FREE.
The iPhone/iPad app costs a little.
Jul 30, 2013 15:11:46 #
Cyn, I don't think it's a good time. But you can do some shots and have time to scout some locations for sundown. Don't know how it works back east. Your sundown may be like our sunrise? Either way it's golden hour, but with the light disappearing. Take a reflector and use it.
Maybe some blue hour with flash could be beautiful. Just some ideas. SS
Maybe some blue hour with flash could be beautiful. Just some ideas. SS
Jul 30, 2013 15:45:46 #
OriginalCyn wrote:
A friend of mine would like me to shoot her teen a... (show quote)
In which direction will you be shooting? Where will the sun be? Any shadows or glare? Cliffs or flat land? Background all natural? Age and complexion of subjects? Manner of dress? What is the mother looking for? Many unanswered questions?
Jul 30, 2013 16:02:23 #
JR1 wrote:
I and many have seen your photographs, I don't know why someone as good as you asks as you are a great shooter
I have also looked at your site and am very impressed with your skills. ;-)
The Photographer's Ephemeris is a good suggestion by... someone else, but I am sure you are going to do a marvelous job. It is impressive that you are asking for information/help at your skill level and proves that we have the opportunity to never stop learning.
LOVE your website. You have a creative gift.
Thank you for sharing..... and for asking...
Jul 30, 2013 23:58:51 #
Cynthia, you are one fine photographer! Your composition and exposure are outstanding, you have a sense of adventure and a knack for split second timing. I look forward to hearing, seeing and learning more from you.
Jul 31, 2013 00:16:57 #
Ok....so I realize that I left out a few details. Yes...I know my way around the camera. I've even taken a lot of kid shots, as I am a counselor in a school and use photography for a variety of purposes. I've done countless beach shots....but this somehow feels different. It's not important why. But I thank you for your vote of confidence and also for all the tips!
I'll let you know how it turns out.
I'll let you know how it turns out.
Jul 31, 2013 05:56:39 #
Angel of the North
Loc: Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, UK
Please check the link below for inspiration....at some point in the past I viewed the images posted on this site and the strobist information was also posted. From memory a lot was achieved with one or two lights.....in all cases his camera is set to max sync speed and whatever AV the background is giving is used to balance the flash power.....in some cases the shutter speed has been changed to lighten or darken the BG, depending on dramatic effect required......
http://www.stateofthenation.co.nz/
http://www.stateofthenation.co.nz/
Jul 31, 2013 07:21:59 #
OriginalCyn wrote:
A friend of mine would like me to shoot her teen a... (show quote)
I had a look at your photographs and I've no idea what you are doing asking for advice! Stop worrying, just follow your instincts, and stop being so silly.....Cheers, Rob.
Jul 31, 2013 08:28:36 #
I see you are in Conn. This time of year the sun sets in the northwest and may leave the beach in shadow!
Jul 31, 2013 08:34:35 #
Lovely blog, great photos. We understand your problem, all your photos but two are of things. Only two people. Maybe this is explains your anxiety (?). Don't worry, you know your stuff that's obvious. Just relax, be yourself, smile a lot, and give the mother something to do; holding a reflector will make her feel important. Make it a fun occasion and the mom will be proud. Never let her take charge and be a director.
Here's a link to a posing cheat sheet (that's what they call it). It's in two parts and it look great. The download is in 2 parts. Scroll down the page to find the download links.
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/05/02/54-portrait-ideas-free-downloadable-posing-guide/
Here's a link to a posing cheat sheet (that's what they call it). It's in two parts and it look great. The download is in 2 parts. Scroll down the page to find the download links.
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/05/02/54-portrait-ideas-free-downloadable-posing-guide/
Jul 31, 2013 08:42:01 #
OriginalCyn wrote:
A friend of mine would like me to shoot her teen a... (show quote)
Hi OriginalCyn, The question to ask yourself is this, did you get into this for work or fun? Take 3 deep breaths and just relax and have fun with it. The more fun you have the more fun your subjects will have, Just think of basics and composition (rule of 3rds) and the last rule "BREAK THE RULES", it is NOT against the law to break the rules in Photography. Just have fun with it. Treat the kids as they were your own. Go check site out with the kids first and then hear what they think and like and dislike. then make it fun. I am sure you will have a great time.
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