First paid photoshoot

miss_alexx · 09-22-2010, 02:36 PM

Hi, I have been hired to take photos of every student of my school department. This is the first time I will shoot portraits of this kind. They want very simple photos with a blank white background. I need some advices about this.

I don't own an external flash so I will use my k-x popup flash. I'm thinking about using the DAL 18-55 because the shooting space is small (I have about 8 feet in front of the white background) . What do you think about this setup? What aperture value should I choose?

Thanks for helping me.

MysteryOnion · 09-22-2010, 03:08 PM

My two cents... Shoulder to head or waist head...? You going to use your 50mm or 90mm? Consider a low distortion lens or else never here the end of... "that doesn't look like me does it... did my nose grow?"
The pop up is a little harsh sometimes so a diffusion of some sort might be in order. Otherwise you might need to consider the old left and right with a behind the back light... 75 watt lamps and set the camera to tungsten 2800K?

**blackcloudbrew** · 09-22-2010, 03:11 PM

Personally, I'd have a little experience shooting portraits under my belt before I'd take a paid gig. However, that said you should try to practice some before having at it. I'd recommend some kind of a diffuser for your pop up flash like this:

LumiQuest Soft Screen Diffuser LQ051D1 - B&H Photo Video

I have one of these (and there are other types) and they do a fair job of softening the harsh light from the pop up flash. You should shoot practice shots with what ever set up you use. Keep your subject far enough away from the wall that no shadow appears - if possible. As the K-x has scene modes, you might try the Portrait setting first, then try Tv at say 1/125th and vary the ISO until you have a good depth of field. Can you add any light to the set up? It might help. With your lens selection, I'm not sure I'd want the kit lens and might try your best 50mm. A tripod might be a good idea too.

Really, if you have to do a lot of these, I'd practice there first to get the optimum set up.

**jon.partsch** · 09-22-2010, 03:18 PM

First of all, congratulations on your first paid gig!! That's huge!

Take my advice with a grain of salt, because I am an amateur, but I would ABSOLUTELY NOT use the pop-up flash (at least not without combining it with an off-camera strobe). Not knowing how much you are getting paid for this, I would advise you to spend the amount you would make in obtaining a cheap shoe mound strobe, shoot-through umbrella
(or reflector) and a trigger (cheap optical or radio - like the Cactus radio trigger). You can probably break even and end up expanding your toolkit. Solo direct on-camera flash almost always looks terrible. Read the strobist blog (Strobist) to get some basic ideas about how to work with off-camera, shoe-mount stobes in manual mode.

I say that solo pop-up flash almost always looks terrible - at least indoors. If you are able to do the shoot outdoors and use the pop-up flash to add some subtle front-fill light (in neg. flash compensation mode) to detract from any harsh shadows created by the sun (or even better - do it on a cloudy day), that might also work out for you.

I hope some other forum members can also provide some advice....

Cheers!

**jon.partsch** · 09-22-2010, 03:22 PM

Originally posted by blackcloudbrew

Personally, I'd have a little experience shooting portraits under my belt before I'd take a paid gig.

Nah! You can do it!

Originally posted by blackcloudbrew

You should shoot practice shots with what ever set up you use. Keep your subject far enough away from the wall that no shadow appears - if possible.

Yes, yes, yes - this is also VERY good advice. Even use yourself for a model if you have to (remote or timer mode), and practice a bunch until you get the feel for it.

**jon.partsch** · 09-22-2010, 03:26 PM

Originally posted by MysteryOnion

My two cents... Shoulder to head or waist head...? You going to use your 50mm or 90mm? Consider a low distortion lens or else never here the end of... "that doesn't look like me does it... did my nose grow?"

I completely, but respectfully, disagree with this. The kit lens should be fine, especially if you use a middle focal length, like 35mm, where the distortion is lowest.

I know folks that shoot portraits and weddings with cheap lenses like this and make money at it too - not to worry.

**jon.partsch** · 09-22-2010, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by jon.partsch

The kit lens should be fine

Oh, I just checked out your profile and I see that you actually have some very nice glass. I would suggest the M 50mm f/1.7 or the Tammy 90mm for the shoot (depending on the working distance you will have between you and your subject), but I STILL think you can do it with the kit lens if you want to.

Oh, and I would also choose a wide aperture on any lens you decide to use.

Last edited by jon.partsch; 09-22-2010 at 03:38 PM. Reason: didn't fully answer poster's questions

miss_alexx · 09-22-2010, 03:37 PM

Originally posted by jon.partsch

Not knowing how much you are getting paid for this, I would advise you to spend the amount you would make in obtaining a cheap shoe mound strobe, shoot-through umbrella
(or reflector) and a trigger (cheap optical or radio - like the Cactus radio trigger).

Thanks for trying to help me. I'm paid on time I work on the project. I have 350 people to photograph. I can't afford buying a flash right now and the photoshoot is wednesday... So I think I will use my popup flash maybe with a diffuser... that I don't own right now.

miss_alexx · 09-22-2010, 03:39 PM

Originally posted by blackcloudbrew

LumiQuest Soft Screen Diffuser LQ051D1 - B&H Photo Video

I have one of these (and there are other types) and they do a fair job of softening the harsh light from the pop up flash

That's a good idea but I live in Canada...B&H shipping rate to Canada is 40$... I have to find something avaible here since the photoshoot is in one week.

**jon.partsch** · 09-22-2010, 03:41 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by miss_alexx

That's a good idea but I live in Canada...B&H shipping rate to Canada is 40$... I have to find something avaible here since the photoshoot is in one week.

These should be easy to come by in a local shop.

twilight_samurai · 09-22-2010, 03:55 PM

Originally posted by miss_alexx

Thanks for trying to help me. I'm paid on time I work on the project. I have 350 people to photograph. I can't afford buying a flash right now and the photoshoot is wednesday... So I think I will use my popup flash maybe with a diffuser... that I don't own right now.

That's going to be a lot of pictures taken with flash.. I know you won't be doing all 350 in a day but make sure you have lots of spare batteries!!

miss_alexx · 09-22-2010, 03:56 PM

Originally posted by twilight_samurai

That's going to be a lot of pictures taken with flash.. I know you won't be doing all 350 in a day but make sure you have lots of spare batteries!!

True. 5 different days.

miss_alexx · 09-22-2010, 04:15 PM

Originally posted by jon.partsch

These should be easy to come by in a local shop.

This is what I found. I think this is a bit expensive... http://www.lozeau.com/product.aspx?NavID=17315&CultureCode=fr-CA

**jon.partsch** · 09-22-2010, 04:26 PM

Originally posted by miss_alexx

This is what I found. I think this is a bit expensive... Lozeau - Diffuseur Gary Fong The Puffer

Well, poop - that does seem a bit expensive. I would have figured $20-25 CAD. You can basically make the same thing for yourself out of a couple pieces of milky translucent plastic and some paperclips and stuff - does milk come in those type of translucent plastic jugs in Canada the same way it does here in the states?

miss_alexx · 09-22-2010, 04:48 PM

Originally posted by jon.partsch

Well, poop - that does seem a bit expensive. I would have figured $20-25 CAD. You can basically make the same thing for yourself out of a couple pieces of milky translucent plastic and some paperclips and stuff - does milk come in those type of translucent plastic jugs in Canada the same way it does here in the states?

Thanks for the idea.

09-22-2010, 02:36 PM	#1
miss_alexx Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montréal, Québec Photos: Albums Posts: 584	First paid photoshoot Hi, I have been hired to take photos of every student of my school department. This is the first time I will shoot portraits of this kind. They want very simple photos with a blank white background. I need some advices about this. I don't own an external flash so I will use my k-x popup flash. I'm thinking about using the DAL 18-55 because the shooting space is small (I have about 8 feet in front of the white background) . What do you think about this setup? What aperture value should I choose? Thanks for helping me.

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09-22-2010, 03:08 PM	#2
MysteryOnion Giveaway winner! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: beantown Photos: Albums Posts: 944	My two cents... Shoulder to head or waist head...? You going to use your 50mm or 90mm? Consider a low distortion lens or else never here the end of... "that doesn't look like me does it... did my nose grow?" The pop up is a little harsh sometimes so a diffusion of some sort might be in order. Otherwise you might need to consider the old left and right with a behind the back light... 75 watt lamps and set the camera to tungsten 2800K?

09-22-2010, 03:11 PM	#3
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,460	Personally, I'd have a little experience shooting portraits under my belt before I'd take a paid gig. However, that said you should try to practice some before having at it. I'd recommend some kind of a diffuser for your pop up flash like this: LumiQuest Soft Screen Diffuser LQ051D1 - B&H Photo Video I have one of these (and there are other types) and they do a fair job of softening the harsh light from the pop up flash. You should shoot practice shots with what ever set up you use. Keep your subject far enough away from the wall that no shadow appears - if possible. As the K-x has scene modes, you might try the Portrait setting first, then try Tv at say 1/125th and vary the ISO until you have a good depth of field. Can you add any light to the set up? It might help. With your lens selection, I'm not sure I'd want the kit lens and might try your best 50mm. A tripod might be a good idea too. Really, if you have to do a lot of these, I'd practice there first to get the optimum set up.

09-22-2010, 03:18 PM	#4
jon.partsch Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 442	First of all, congratulations on your first paid gig!! That's huge! Take my advice with a grain of salt, because I am an amateur, but I would ABSOLUTELY NOT use the pop-up flash (at least not without combining it with an off-camera strobe). Not knowing how much you are getting paid for this, I would advise you to spend the amount you would make in obtaining a cheap shoe mound strobe, shoot-through umbrella (or reflector) and a trigger (cheap optical or radio - like the Cactus radio trigger). You can probably break even and end up expanding your toolkit. Solo direct on-camera flash almost always looks terrible. Read the strobist blog (Strobist) to get some basic ideas about how to work with off-camera, shoe-mount stobes in manual mode. I say that solo pop-up flash almost always looks terrible - at least indoors. If you are able to do the shoot outdoors and use the pop-up flash to add some subtle front-fill light (in neg. flash compensation mode) to detract from any harsh shadows created by the sun (or even better - do it on a cloudy day), that might also work out for you. I hope some other forum members can also provide some advice.... Cheers!

09-22-2010, 03:22 PM	#5
jon.partsch Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 442	Originally posted by blackcloudbrew Personally, I'd have a little experience shooting portraits under my belt before I'd take a paid gig. Nah! You can do it! Originally posted by blackcloudbrew You should shoot practice shots with what ever set up you use. Keep your subject far enough away from the wall that no shadow appears - if possible. Yes, yes, yes - this is also VERY good advice. Even use yourself for a model if you have to (remote or timer mode), and practice a bunch until you get the feel for it.

09-22-2010, 03:26 PM	#6
jon.partsch Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 442	Originally posted by MysteryOnion My two cents... Shoulder to head or waist head...? You going to use your 50mm or 90mm? Consider a low distortion lens or else never here the end of... "that doesn't look like me does it... did my nose grow?" I completely, but respectfully, disagree with this. The kit lens should be fine, especially if you use a middle focal length, like 35mm, where the distortion is lowest. I know folks that shoot portraits and weddings with cheap lenses like this and make money at it too - not to worry.

09-22-2010, 03:36 PM	#7
jon.partsch Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 442	Originally posted by jon.partsch The kit lens should be fine Oh, I just checked out your profile and I see that you actually have some very nice glass. I would suggest the M 50mm f/1.7 or the Tammy 90mm for the shoot (depending on the working distance you will have between you and your subject), but I STILL think you can do it with the kit lens if you want to. Oh, and I would also choose a wide aperture on any lens you decide to use. Last edited by jon.partsch; 09-22-2010 at 03:38 PM. Reason: didn't fully answer poster's questions

09-22-2010, 03:37 PM	#8
miss_alexx Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montréal, Québec Photos: Albums Posts: 584 Original Poster	Originally posted by jon.partsch Not knowing how much you are getting paid for this, I would advise you to spend the amount you would make in obtaining a cheap shoe mound strobe, shoot-through umbrella (or reflector) and a trigger (cheap optical or radio - like the Cactus radio trigger). Thanks for trying to help me. I'm paid on time I work on the project. I have 350 people to photograph. I can't afford buying a flash right now and the photoshoot is wednesday... So I think I will use my popup flash maybe with a diffuser... that I don't own right now.

09-22-2010, 03:39 PM	#9
miss_alexx Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montréal, Québec Photos: Albums Posts: 584 Original Poster	Originally posted by blackcloudbrew LumiQuest Soft Screen Diffuser LQ051D1 - B&H Photo Video I have one of these (and there are other types) and they do a fair job of softening the harsh light from the pop up flash That's a good idea but I live in Canada...B&H shipping rate to Canada is 40$... I have to find something avaible here since the photoshoot is in one week.

09-22-2010, 03:41 PM - 1 Like	#10
jon.partsch Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 442	Originally posted by miss_alexx That's a good idea but I live in Canada...B&H shipping rate to Canada is 40$... I have to find something avaible here since the photoshoot is in one week. These should be easy to come by in a local shop.

09-22-2010, 03:55 PM	#11
twilight_samurai Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 288	Originally posted by miss_alexx Thanks for trying to help me. I'm paid on time I work on the project. I have 350 people to photograph. I can't afford buying a flash right now and the photoshoot is wednesday... So I think I will use my popup flash maybe with a diffuser... that I don't own right now. That's going to be a lot of pictures taken with flash.. I know you won't be doing all 350 in a day but make sure you have lots of spare batteries!!

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09-22-2010, 03:56 PM	#12
miss_alexx Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montréal, Québec Photos: Albums Posts: 584 Original Poster	Originally posted by twilight_samurai That's going to be a lot of pictures taken with flash.. I know you won't be doing all 350 in a day but make sure you have lots of spare batteries!! True. 5 different days.

09-22-2010, 04:15 PM	#13
miss_alexx Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montréal, Québec Photos: Albums Posts: 584 Original Poster	Originally posted by jon.partsch These should be easy to come by in a local shop. This is what I found. I think this is a bit expensive... http://www.lozeau.com/product.aspx?NavID=17315&CultureCode=fr-CA

09-22-2010, 04:26 PM	#14
jon.partsch Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 442	Originally posted by miss_alexx This is what I found. I think this is a bit expensive... Lozeau - Diffuseur Gary Fong The Puffer Well, poop - that does seem a bit expensive. I would have figured $20-25 CAD. You can basically make the same thing for yourself out of a couple pieces of milky translucent plastic and some paperclips and stuff - does milk come in those type of translucent plastic jugs in Canada the same way it does here in the states?

09-22-2010, 04:48 PM	#15
miss_alexx Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montréal, Québec Photos: Albums Posts: 584 Original Poster	Originally posted by jon.partsch Well, poop - that does seem a bit expensive. I would have figured $20-25 CAD. You can basically make the same thing for yourself out of a couple pieces of milky translucent plastic and some paperclips and stuff - does milk come in those type of translucent plastic jugs in Canada the same way it does here in the states? Thanks for the idea.