Help - First Photoshot for a Friend

[Vinesh]

Hi,

I am doing my first photo shoot for a friend tomorrow.

I am taking the following -

Nikon D40x with stock lens (Still deciding on my upgrade lens)
Spare Batt
Loads of mem cards
Tripod
Cleaning cloth
SB400 flash

I have had the camera since Xmas. I usually take my photos in P mode, but I have never changed the f stops in this mode (Will practice tonight)

The photos are for some sort of award ceremony.

I would appreciate any advice from you guys.

[johnaalex]

Originally Posted by Vinesh

Hi,

I am doing my first photo shoot for a friend tomorrow.
...

I have had the camera since Xmas. I usually take my photos in P mode, but I have never changed the f stops in this mode (Will practice tonight)

The photos are for some sort of award ceremony.

I would appreciate any advice from you guys.

With all due respect, this does not like a good opportunity to start experimenting. Stick with what you know, i.e. Programme Mode rather than ruin a friendship.

[ScottBT]

I agree, and bounce the flash if you can or fit a diffuser if direct.

[ryart]

First off, best of luck. I have covered rather a lot of these over the years and like so many photgraphers used much the same camera and flash setup each time. I think it is most important to use your camera in the way in which you are familiar with (assuming you get acceptable results of course). Trying to learn and master a new way of doing things by tomorrow is a bit of a tall order. You can then concentrate on framing the picture and pressing the shutter at the right time.

Other tips are, arrive early and find out where everybody will be standing and where you will be able to shoot from, perhaps try a few test shots. Much depends on whether you will have any control over proceedings. If possible try to get participants attention to you and if they look a bit nervous, pop your head above the camera for a moment and give them a nice smile. Few people can resist relaxing and smiling back.

Hope it all goes well.

[Vinesh]

Many thanks for your replies.

You are right guys, I dont want to start trying differnet modes and ruin the photos and most importantly my friendship!!

Will see if the photos are good in P mode, if not I will take the photos in Auto.

Participants being nervous - I think I will be more nervous than the participants !!

[ryart]

Hi Vinesh
How did the shoot go? Hope it went well.

[Vinesh]

Sorry for not posting, been busy with work, car and stuff.

The photo shoot was excellent. I was lucky because the photographer for Leicester Mercury was there to take some pictures (Only there for 15-20 mins). He gave me loads of advice.

The photo shoot was a breeze, but I was nervous to start of with.

The stage was ok. I did not have a lot of control to change anything on the stage as everything was set. I wanted the draw the curtains to cover the big white board (See pic 3)

Here are some pics -

This shot was composed by the chap from Leicester Mercury.


Photo of some trophies


The chap on the left is the founder of Leicester Nirvana Football Club. The chap on the right is an amateur boxer.


It was good experience. Will love to do this again!

[ryart]

Well done . The nerves tend to disappear once you're up and taking the pictures. Thanks for posting the results - nice to see how things turned out.

[Gordon @ Convergent AV]

Good work. Hope you feel proud

[Vinesh]

cheers guy.

When I was taking the team photos, I really wanted to be on the stage. I feel I would have got better results.

Nerves dissapeared after couple of shots.

[amgard]

Nice set - and they should have gone with your suggestion about the curtains - you obviously have good sense about what will improve the shot.

[senu]

Well done, having a helping hand with the other Photo guy was a boost
Now is the time to experiment with those previously unfamiliar modes and see what difference they make
Used appropriately they take your pics to another level, used wrongly you would have be best off on Auto or Program!
Its all about getting to know the camera, where it performs best and where it struggles.. they all have that

[Vinesh]

Many thanks for all your replies.

Senu -

I have couple of options to learn about the camera.

1)
One my work colleague will be starting a new term at a local college. He teaches photography in the evening. He teaches 2hr a week for 20 weeks (total 40hrs). College charges £90 for the 2 terms.
He has been teaching at the college for a number of years. He is qualified by the photography board and in his spare time he does wedding/portrait photos (for a small fee)

2)
Jessops in Leicester also do courses. These are Saturday only courses and are 6hrs long. There are 2 courses I like.

Again these courses are done by professionals. Jessops charge £60 for each course.

I like the 2nd option because it will take less of my time and will be straight to the point. Where as the 1st option has more hours, I feel it will drag a bit.