Graduation Shot help...

[DRT-Maverick]

Not sure if this is the right forum to ask for help in, as I'm new here. I was informed about this site by Higgmeister, when I ran into him at a Borders Book and coffee shop, while looking at books for photography.

Anyway, tonight in Douglas county Nevada, they're having their graduation ceremony, and I wanted to photograph the people I knew, but I've never really photographed people before, let alone photographed a graduation. I was wondering if anyone could give me hints and tips for good angles, coloration, flash compensation, etc.

Thanks for the help!

And it's nice to meet all of you. :)

[Higgmeister]

Just to help these guys out, you may want to give them a lowdown on what equipment you will be using.

Just a thought,
Chris

[DRT-Maverick]

Hehe, good point.

I'm shooting with a Pentax *ist D with a 28-200mm Sigma Lens, and an AF500 FTZ flash.

[Higgmeister]

First, the disclaimer: I'm not a portrait photographer and don't do people well. What I say here is what I get from looking at others photos.

First, if you are shooting someone, focus on the eyes. Very important! Don't be afraid of tight crops, but I'd say take a variety, both distant and close. If there is a special (emotional) moment, like when they turn after getting their diploma, that would be a good shot. Plan for it. After the turn, more than likely they will be beaming with excitement. A closeup might be good there. Be aware of what's behind the person; you don't want them sprouting poles from their head (can be PS's out). Selective focus is your friend here.

Get there early and pick your spot. Take into account the lighting that they will have and where they are. Nothing worse that having all the shots with glare from a light. You mentioned that it will be outdoors. Will the sun still be up? Where will it be during the commencement ceremony. You also mentioned a powerful flash. Straight on flash usually creates a flat shot. Is there something to bounce it off of (location is everything). Will you get some bad reflections from the background (windows, metal plaques). Otherwise, consider making a diffuser.

I imagine there are many other things to consider, but have fun with it. Let's see some of what you get.

Good Luck,
Chris

[lynnma]

Hi DRT :wave Welcome to digrin.. you'll get lots of help here.. nice to have you aboard.
Lynn

[DRT-Maverick]

Hi DRT :wave Welcome to digrin.. you'll get lots of help here.. nice to have you aboard.
Lynn Hiya! Thanks.

I really didn't do too good with the photos of my girlfriend at the graduation. I could have done just as good with a disposable. :( So I'm really going to need some training on how to take photographs of people.

http://img111.echo.cx/img111/914/grad016ui.jpg

http://img111.echo.cx/img111/9660/grad104nj.jpg

[DRT-Maverick]

Any suggestions?

[david_h]

I think the main thing you need to do is to practice with your AF500 flash so that it becomes a tool for you, not something that messes up your photos.

I don't know much about Pentax equipment, but I assume it has similar features to the modern flashes from Nikon or Canon. I'd study the manual in depth and practice before your next event.

You also want to try to bounce the flash from the ceiling, which will give you a more diffused light. If your flash came with a diffuser to go on the front, I'd use that as well.

I get reasonable results using apature prioirty, shutter priority and manual mode on my Nikon camera. I still screw up though, so I make a point of looking at the shot on my LCD, checking the histogram and making adjustments as I go.

This is a lot of good advice on flash techniques to found found on the various photo web sites, serch around and see what you find.

Practice practice practice and you'll be in much better shape next time.

How do you like your *istD? I came close to getting one before settling on Nikon. I really liked the idea of the super small and light body it has.

[DRT-Maverick]

I think the main thing you need to do is to practice with your AF500 flash so that it becomes a tool for you, not something that messes up your photos.

I don't know much about Pentax equipment, but I assume it has similar features to the modern flashes from Nikon or Canon. I'd study the manual in depth and practice before your next event.

You also want to try to bounce the flash from the ceiling, which will give you a more diffused light. If your flash came with a diffuser to go on the front, I'd use that as well.

I get reasonable results using apature prioirty, shutter priority and manual mode on my Nikon camera. I still screw up though, so I make a point of looking at the shot on my LCD, checking the histogram and making adjustments as I go.

This is a lot of good advice on flash techniques to found found on the various photo web sites, serch around and see what you find.

Practice practice practice and you'll be in much better shape next time.

How do you like your *istD? I came close to getting one before settling on Nikon. I really liked the idea of the super small and light body it has.

I really think I need a difuser, I used a ceiling bounce on the first shot, so I guess the flash was set too powerful by the camera itself. I'll have to start studying the manual modes more like you said.

I really enjoy the *istD. It's still got the features of the larger body cameras, like the 20D's and similar cameras from other companies, yet it's light enough to take with me backpacking without being such a burden. And the clarity and sharpness is wonderful. :)

I can't wait to learn more about how to use my camera and get better shots!