sbesaw Loc: Boston

Interested in your report:
Size?
How many Lights, one or one on each side
Use studio strobes of Flash like SB910
How even is lighting
Set up time
tear down time

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Full report coming no later than Wednesday! :)

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Ok....I simulated the set up; Awards ceremony, each awardee walks away from the podium, you are set up backstage, where they hit a tape mark on the floor.

Key = 43" umbrella 2 feet from subject up at 45 deg set at 1/4 power, zoom 50mm.

Fill = 43" umbrella left side lower but 45 deg to subject 1/8 power zoom 50mm.

Subject = 3 feet from backdrop holding "award" (in this case...a flashlight.) in the first shot...and 6 or 8 feet away from the backdrop in the second shot. You can see how the grey changed with the amount of light on the backdrop.


Backdrop = no light directly on backdrop causing it to be a shade of grey.

Depending on how close the subject is to the background it can be white, all the way to black...if you light it...you can get it pure white but the grey is very nice and neutral and will look good against a black tux.

If you have a larger backdrop than I do...then you have more options, but I had to cram everything into my tiny living room.

DPFotos Loc: Pembroke, Ma

Watch this video by Mark Wallace on Adorama TV.

http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/14052

Oldgeezer Loc: Seattle WA

If you move the subjects closer to the backdrop you can possibly get by with just 2 lights as the main and fill lights will then spill onto the back ground. You will be triggering the lites by a third flash on the camera if I am understanding correctly. Will you be able to bounce the light off the ceiling or wall behind the camera so it doesn't over power and be the main light? Do you know what space you will have available to do the shooting in?

Oldgeezer Loc: Seattle WA

Here are some examples of black backdrop with a 4 lite set up. A 60 in. convertible Umbrella a 43in satin umbrella an unmodified skip lite, and a background lite with a red gel. As you can see black hair with a black backdrop needs careful lighting, I later increased the power on the background light but originally was going for just subtle coloring on the background.

Black hair with black background, mot so good. Needes better seperation lighting.

camshot Loc: Peterborough ontario Canada

"Advice needed for a black tie event"

Of all things, be sure you make use of a "Henway"

SDeanPhotography Loc: London

Was that supposed to be a feeble attempt at a joke?

Georgia Peddler Loc: Brunswick, GA

If you are down to a week's time and just now starting to figure all of this out, you be in deep doo-doo my man!!
Get this thing together and practice on someone with lighting, backdrop, distance, crop, etc. etc. etc. Don't go and make yourself the fool of the ball. PRACTICE - PRACTICE - PRACTICE
After all, digital costs nothing to play and experiment.
Good Shooting!!

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

If you only have 2 lights, use one as the main, a reflector to fill the shadow side and use the second on as the hair light to lift your subject(s) away from the background. It is more important to make them pop from the background with a hair or rear light than it is to light your background. You need to practice at home, take string and make sure you have the same distance from the subjects with your lights. So string around the base of the stand to the subjects can be left on the light bases and then simply set up to the correct length each time for perfect lighting. Write down your settings and don't change them and all should be well.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Just curious, are you being paid to do this and, if so, what amount?

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Do you know anyone who is experienced (good) at this kind of photography? If so, might think about asking them to assist. Also consider renting some of your needed equipment- they might also be able to help. I think you are now in a situation where your reputation is more important than money involved. I would do whatever needed to make sure this is a success, even if I had to pay someone to help. Need to think long term and what would be consequences if this didn't go well. A black tie awards function is an important event, at least to the participants.

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

Simpler is better. Three light setup. Large softbox behind the subject. (Use a 6ft OCTO for couples.) Clam shell lighting for front lights. Upper shell is one stop over lower shell. CLick.

Works every time. No Backdrop needed.. White background works really good for Tux's. Turn the background flash off for a grey background.

Because you don't have to carry around background stands and paper. I find this more portable. Octobox is lighter and more compact than a background with stands. You also get the grey or white choice built in.

The following picture was shot at the girls house.. Not in studio.
I shot everyone in the house with this setup.

billybob40

You getting a lot of good stuff here take what you can and use it. I have a event photography business (Novelty Photo Booth] it would take you to much time and money to set up my way.
When I started I used a laptop, card reader, printer, 8.5 x 11 paper, and yes a camera. It takes two people one to take the pictures and one to print them.
I went to a Boy Scout Dinner taking candid and posed shots. I wanted to get my feet wet in event photography so I did it for free. Give away over 100 pictures. But got other jobs that I make money on. With my business I have maked over $1,500 for a 3 day weekin, I use green screen for it.
OK what to do...
Take the shot taking candid or posed shots.
Display on your laptop with the card reader.
Take the order right there and print it.
You can get from $5. to $15. for an 8x10.
I have Windows on all my PCs which has Photo Wizard on it, you can print wallet to 8.5 x 11s. I can print 13x19s but its my printer, I get $35. up for a print. Heres a link ( http://www.pictooner.com/ watch the video)that may show you some help, also youtube has a lot on event photography.
You should be able to do this with what you have now. Good luck if you need more help just send me PM and I will do what I can. Also my web site might help www.snapshots2010.com

billybob40

This may help...
https://email.adorama.com/pub/sf/ResponseForm?_ri_=X0Gzc2X%3DWQpglLjHJlYQGlF3nbhNDogScd7zaljNbDgmzdMIT2kYWVXMtX%3DWQpglLjHJlYQGnzbUy72dFyJ8WDv936BMBb3zgP55OdYh&_ei_=EhgJbIV62TvTrOkoGYYMDrs