JCam wrote:
I have been volunteered (drafted) to take Christmas party portraits at the local 'detention center' in a couple of weeks hosted by a local charity organization; it's an annual event. The subjects will be inmates and their families at some sort of a table & chair setup. There maybe a screen behind them, but I don't know yet. I have not been to the venue to see how complex the task may, but plan to do that this week. From what I've heard the physical conditions are pretty lousy--fluorescent lamps in the ceiling, some Christmas colored lights, distance from camera to subjects about 15' and I won't have the opportunity to experiment onsite. Apparently this is setup for a high speed taking and printing operation. They use two or three different chips, taking four or six shots then removing the chip inserting a new one while the old goes to the printer--no PP involved. The process is then repeated until all the pictures are taken. I have absolutely no info on the typical number of shots.
My camera is a Canon 60D and I'll be using the 18 - 135 mm kit lens that I've had for several years and will be using the built in flash which I seldom use, and the AutoFlash function or Shutter priority @ about 1/60-100. These will all be JPEG shots as we don't have to PP. I'll take a small table to set the tripod upon and use a remote release; my tripod doesn't elevate enough for my old back to comfortable using the viewfinder for the time that may be necessary.
My questions are 1. Will the AWB handle that mix of colors? If not????
2. I usually set my camera to the "Large-Fine" photo quality which at 3:2 ratio gives a 72" x 48" photo file-- 17.9 MP; they want to print 4" x 6"s which I think restricts the ratio to 3:2 and the quality to "small (S1)/fine" or "S1/Normal)" both yielding 4.5 MP. Which would be better? Alternate Recommendations?
3. Since the kids will probably not stay put long enough for a manual focus, I expect to use Auto A1Focus. Do I also turn on the AF Assist Flash beam also? I've never used it.
4. At 15' the manual indicated an ISO of 400. Does that seem OK or should I use Auto ISO?
5. Given the questionable venue setup, would it be of any help to set the camera for the 'Vivid' ambience setting?
As I readily admit I may be in "over my head" on this, should I just turn on the Auto flash and let the camera do the work? Does that function also turn on the Flash assist beam?
Thanks for any advice.
I have been volunteered (drafted) to take Christma... (
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#1 - As long as you like green yes, otherwise no - under fluorescent, suggest using manual balance or at least turn camera to fluorescent WB setting. One or two youtube tutorials will make you an expert in no time.
#2 - Large/Fine should work nicely.
#3 - Suggest using Auto Servo mode and leave it there.
#4 - Suggest relying on conditions on site for manual ISO, or better yet, Auto ISO should handle it. If you use pop-up flash, you may need more than 400. Without being there, we are doing a lot of guessing.
#5 - With no editing I prefer "Standard" for picture style. This is more a personal taste than a "recommended" setting in my opinion.
* Also strongly suggest reading Neil Van Niekirks tutorials on flash. Lots of good stuff. IMO, he is a master of using flash.
* Please consider picking up a cheap manual flash on craigslist or ebay. It will almost insure a successful shoot with the other posted tips. The 60D is a good camera but not sure it will handle noise well at high ISO?
* Great idea using a table tripod with remote on a table to get the camera close to level with subjects. Tripod and remote or delayed shutter, will be your friend for this event.
* Suggest using "Aperture Priority" for portraits rather than "Shutter Priority". Only guessing, but based on your description thinking f/5.6 - f/11 will be your range. If subjects are posed very close to the same plane, you can go to a larger aperture (smaller number), if they are seated in rows, you will need a smaller aperture (higher number) to keep everyone in focus ( see "depth of field")
What If - you purchased or borrowed a manual flash for this gig? Suggest bringing a cheap piece of white poster board (walmart) or white foam core about 20"x30". Since you will be at a table yourself - hold poster board slightly above camera and slightly angled toward subjects - swivel flash from front to back and angle up a couple of clicks - use remote to trigger shutter or use delayed shutter on camera while holding the "reflector". It should broaden your light considerably, reduce or eliminate any red-eye and produce a more balanced light source for you. I would start at 1/4 power and adjust up or down from there.
You may also consider bringing in a work light or two from home and use those. Once they are dialed in with camera settings at a fixed distance, you are good to go for the entire event. Same with flash set up.
Whatever you end up using - urge you to practice at the site before they bring in the subjects. Best of luck to you. Let us know how it went.