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Going to Hawaii! How do you photograph a Luau?
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Jan 9, 2018 14:18:43   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
Part of the trip will involve a luau. So bright light from the torches and fast action. Not sure about being allowed to use flash. Currently thinking of using a 70-200 2.8 on my 80D. Possibly shooting between 1/300 and 1/700 at f2.8 to f.5.6. Possibly pushing as high as 6400 ISO (or higher.)

Any suggestions?

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Jan 9, 2018 14:40:07   #
mrpentaxk5ii
 
I think it depends on how far back you are from the action,a 24-70 might work if you want to get more of the action in, the 70-200 will give you a much tighter shot, on your 80D. Flash wise I would say it would disrupt the show.

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Jan 9, 2018 14:47:30   #
NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State
 
First, enjoy the trip. You'll love it!
As to flashes I've been to luaus on the big island, Maui and Kauai and using flash has never been an issue, but for some of the acts, they may ask you to refrain from flash if it may affect the dancers.

You should expect you won't be too close to the stage but the lighting they typically use is high quality stage lighting. I used a D7200 with a Tamron 18-270, SB-700 set it to S mode (shutter speed) and let the camera do the work for exposure. I wouls say that > 80% were quite decent to good with minimal blur and good color balance.

I'm sure others will have suggestions as well, but this worked for me. Also did the same on other vacations where I was faced with taking photos of moving subjects.

Good luck!

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Jan 9, 2018 19:05:02   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
Thanks for the suggestions.

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Jan 10, 2018 07:13:28   #
Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast
 
Enjoy the Luau, pig out, enjoy the show and buy commercial pictures...🙂🙂🙂 Many times I've miss the action and the show while trying to take pictures, just me though. Its all going to depend on where you'll be sitting and what you want to include. Flash is probably not very respectful to the entertainers. If you're sitting close, the 70mm may be a bit large to capture what you want, a wider angle lens as previously suggested might work better. Enjoy your trip

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Jan 10, 2018 07:57:54   #
sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land
 
I photograph one with a camera I do.....

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Jan 10, 2018 08:19:54   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
dsmeltz wrote:
Part of the trip will involve a luau. So bright light from the torches and fast action. Not sure about being allowed to use flash. Currently thinking of using a 70-200 2.8 on my 80D. Possibly shooting between 1/300 and 1/700 at f2.8 to f.5.6. Possibly pushing as high as 6400 ISO (or higher.)

Any suggestions?


That's a big lens to be dealing with on the crowded tables. Will you carry camera and lens when you go to the table for your food, or will you leave it on the table and hope for the best? Will any of those free mai tais get spilled on it? I got decent shots with a little compact I carried in a belt case. From what I recall, flashes were going off all over the place.

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Jan 10, 2018 09:31:48   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
"Any suggestions?"

None if flash is not allowed. Be ready for lots of noise especially as the sensor gets hot with use.

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Jan 10, 2018 10:19:38   #
FL Streetrodder
 
I agree with the answer Blaster34 gave! There are so many beautiful natural scenes to capture in a photo that make an artificial Luau pale in comparison.

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Jan 10, 2018 15:36:53   #
terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii
 
I recommend that you just go enjoy the show and buy some photos from vendors many have a roving photographer.
Which island are you heading to?.
dsmeltz wrote:
Part of the trip will involve a luau. So bright light from the torches and fast action. Not sure about being allowed to use flash. Currently thinking of using a 70-200 2.8 on my 80D. Possibly shooting between 1/300 and 1/700 at f2.8 to f.5.6. Possibly pushing as high as 6400 ISO (or higher.)

Any suggestions?

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Jan 10, 2018 16:09:05   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
terry44 wrote:
I recommend that you just go enjoy the show and buy some photos from vendors many have a roving photographer.
Which island are you heading to?.


Going to Kauai with a group of runners. I am the designated photographer for the group (by election when I was not there) So the "not take any photographs" suggestion is not an option. I will get group shots with little trouble, However, I know there will be some demand for shots of the action. I have done quite a few nighttime events, however, the torches will be a new experience for me.

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Jan 10, 2018 17:40:38   #
texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH
 
I have found it a lot more fun to record it live on my iPhone and really enjoy the show, than photograph it.

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Jan 10, 2018 18:08:06   #
Paulie Loc: NW IL
 
I have been to one on the island of Kauaii late in 2016 (just after I got my first camera) and yes, I have to say that it all comes down to respecting the performers and other guest. Some people at our table did not belong to our group and they were not as excited about taking pictures as I was. People behind me would let me know what they think right away... If I remember well flash was not allowed. I just got up, found a spot on the side where performers would come in and out between different parts of the show and I used longer zoom from there. I think that you will do great with the lens you were talking about.
There was plenty of bright light and colors on the stage, just like at a concert or well lit sport action.
The story is powerful and it's quite a show. Enjoy!

BTW they started to clean up the buffet area pretty quickly so make sure you have time to taste some food samples before it's gone...



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Jan 10, 2018 20:57:42   #
sawdust_128
 
dsmeltz wrote:
Part of the trip will involve a luau. So bright light from the torches and fast action. Not sure about being allowed to use flash. Currently thinking of using a 70-200 2.8 on my 80D. Possibly shooting between 1/300 and 1/700 at f2.8 to f.5.6. Possibly pushing as high as 6400 ISO (or higher.)

Any suggestions?


Don't get grease on the camera and lens.

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Jan 10, 2018 22:28:26   #
russchristopher
 
I agree with trying to use the tiki torches and other ambient lighting as sources for your nighttime shots rather than a flash. If there is a hula show, a brief video would be nice, but otherwise just get up close for stills. Sometimes they encourage audience participation in doing the hula, so have someone ready to photograph you on stage. Also, the preparation of the fire pit with leaves and burning embers is a process worth recording (if they do the kalua pig that way. Sometimes they do it on a smoker instead, although not the tradition). This is usually done well before the luau. Enjoy your trip. You won't want to come home.

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