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Nov 19, 2011 07:33:34   #
PhotoKenetic
 
It would be great to check the place out first. Look carefully, as you might find an area with more light than others. Then wait until they come into that area. A great trick to try is to use the low light to your advantage for a few shots. Set your shutter to 1/15th of a second and "pan" your subject. It will take quite a few shots, but you should be able to come up with some where your subject is in focus and background showing motion blur. You should be able to use your flash for shots like the kids tying their skates, sharing cake, etc. Good luck.

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Nov 19, 2011 07:53:45   #
BurtLehman Loc: Santa Fe, NM
 
PhotoKenetic wrote:
It would be great to check the place out first. Look carefully, as you might find an area with more light than others. Then wait until they come into that area. A great trick to try is to use the low light to your advantage for a few shots. Set your shutter to 1/15th of a second and "pan" your subject. It will take quite a few shots, but you should be able to come up with some where your subject is in focus and background showing motion blur. You should be able to use your flash for shots like the kids tying their skates, sharing cake, etc. Good luck.
It would be great to check the place out first. Lo... (show quote)


I totally agree.

I did a shoot with a few kids bicycling at a picnic party. The ones shot with a slow shutter speed, blurred background, blurred spokes, and pretty sharp subjects got the most wows from the parents.

Of course, you will need the static shots of the kids as well. Stand back and use various focal lengths to try to get the flash illuminating things other than your main subject. Otherwise you will get a lot of the "marshmallow in the coal bin" effect.

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Nov 19, 2011 08:00:44   #
hccfred
 
I would suggest using the Tv setting with a minimum of 1/500 sec to stop action and try adjusting the ISO up as needed. 400/800/1600 etc. Check your results as you go. Try without flash to begin with as in a large rink your background will be dark. If your results aren't good you can always turn it on, just remember to keep the subjects within the proper flash distance.

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Nov 19, 2011 08:12:41   #
George H Loc: Brooklyn, New York
 
smoochie1978 wrote:
chapjohn wrote:
It could be helpful to know camera and lens/lenses you have or want to use.
Bump up ISO, flash could be disrupting, but take it with you. Knowing you need adjust apperture to get perspective and if using a zoom lens it will change. Any advice to keep the aperture wide open might be inappropriate.
You could always be just average and set the camera to "P", but that would not allow any creativeness.
Can you go to the location before the party and practice with different settings and lenses?
It could be helpful to know camera and lens/lenses... (show quote)

I have a Canon Rebel EOS T1i and I have the stock lense 58mm, I don't have any other lenses..I am just starting out and hope to get more when tax season comes around. :)
quote=chapjohn It could be helpful to know camera... (show quote)


You will have to use a flash unit with what you have. That is the cheapest way to shoot it effectively. If you have the ability to borrow fast lenses F2.8 or better do so. This camera has High ISO capability, so that is a plus, just don't go too high since it will effect the clarity of the photo, noise.

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Nov 19, 2011 08:15:33   #
jbreault Loc: Goldsboro, NC
 
One of my students had a T1i and it is a nice camera. What I would do is crank up the ISO (800 or even 1600). This camera does a decent job at limiting noise but you will still might get some. Shoot in manual or shutter priority and shoot at at least 1/250. With your lens the more you zoom in the smaller the f/stop. I would recommend shooting at 18mm as much as possible and get as close as possible. Try not using the flash at first, but if you need it use is but you will get dark background.

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Nov 19, 2011 08:15:52   #
Just Tami Loc: Long Island
 
chapjohn wrote:
I hope others will speak up to answer your question as I am not familiar with that camera of lens.
I would still recomend going to that location before the party with your camera and make test shots at different settings to see what produces the best images.


She means the 18-55 that came with the camera, the kit lens, it's filter size is 58mm

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Nov 19, 2011 08:17:30   #
George H Loc: Brooklyn, New York
 
PWhisperer wrote:
I realize u are asking for help...and in a manner of speaking I am helping u. But until u know how to use your camera in most any scenario and have the proper equip u have no business taking money from anyone to do any photography.

My advice...tell them I am just a beginner....but I will do my best. I will shoot your party for free for the experience.

Until u have the proper equip like a couple lenses like a good zoom and a 50mm and a 580 EX II flash, anything u try to do at this party is going to be a nightmare. The quality will not be good enough to be worthy of being paid for.

That having been said.....your only option is to shoot hi iso, slow shutter, and dof under f4. The slow shutter will give u blurring if the subject is skating. If they are standing still and close by...use the pop up flash and experiment with camera settings in manual mode. Shoot in RAW. Use this as a learning experience, not a money making opportunity.
I realize u are asking for help...and in a manner ... (show quote)


PW,
I am a working pro, I would never tell someone what you have just done. Hell she may be better than both you and I combined. If someone is willing to hire her, there must be a reason, maybe she has some work that they saw and liked. You are not helping her in any way, she understands she needs better lenses and a strobe.

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Nov 19, 2011 08:28:21   #
ole sarg Loc: south florida
 
Your ISO range on the camera is 200 to 3200. Run out and get a copy of Magic Lantern Guides: Canon EOS Rebel T1i. The book has a section on High ISO Noise Reduction.

But, best advice is go go and shot some strangers on the rink before the party. I would go about a week ahead of the shoot so you get a feel for the rink and what people will do on it.

Have fun

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Nov 19, 2011 08:30:34   #
GDRoth Loc: Southeast Michigan USA
 
Are you shooting RAW to give you some room for post processing adjustments?

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Nov 19, 2011 08:33:05   #
PixGeezer Loc: Westlake Village
 
Heed the advice of BurtLehman - static shots of the kids. Test some shots of skaters coming head on, so you get faces in action, not just bodies going by. Practice, practice, practice. Don't forget the party spectators to tell your story. Good luck!

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Nov 19, 2011 09:16:31   #
dawgtired Loc: Raleigh, NC
 
When you go out for test shots, practice panning the subject. You can get some really cool shots that way. Also have the subject stand still and the other skaters will be seen as a blur around them. You can also try the rear shutter-curtain flash sync mode or a slow sync mode, while panning. One of the problems is the on camera flash is probably not that strong and may be an issue. But try these along with panning your subject to see what works the best.

One last thing is if you position yourself so the subject is moving towards you instead of by you, that may help some also.

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Nov 19, 2011 09:28:12   #
Fairy Princess Loc: Mississippi
 
I have learned alot just reading about your experiences,my four year old wants to have her b~day party at the skating rink,i will try your ideas of better photos

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Nov 19, 2011 09:46:53   #
billdarp Loc: Northeast Ohio
 
One of the things you're really going to need for a gig like this is a flash unit. The camera's pop-up flash ain't gonna do the job. There are some nice ones out there that aren't all that expensive and do a great job. The camers flash is only going to go 10 feet or so.

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Nov 19, 2011 09:53:19   #
Huddy Loc: Fitzgerald, GA
 
Sorry to be abrupt, but go buy or borrow a big flash right now.

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Nov 19, 2011 09:57:10   #
smoochie1978 Loc: Alabama
 
Huddy wrote:
Sorry to be abrupt, but go buy or borrow a big flash right now.

Yep...already on it =)

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