My first photoshoot...

jaebird82 · Mar 20, 2012

Hi,

So... my photography level from 1 to 10? I would say a 2. I've been a photographer for like 2 days.I can put it on auto and point and shoot.. that is where I'm at. Let me explain:

Just purchased a Canon T3i a few days ago with the 18-55mm kit lens and the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens, a few UV filters and a class 10 memory card. I find myself in a lucky position where my boss will pay me to take pictures of this HUGE event we have coming up. I told him I just learned how to turn the thing on, but that I'd be ready for the next one. Then he told me 'the pictures don't have to be awesome. just point and shoot'. I have about 7 days to at least be competent and take some decent pictures of the event. The event will be indoors mostly, at a hotel, so I'll have some decent lighting for the most part. However, there's an after party later and I'm not sure about the lightning situation.

I just want to make sure I don't mess up, and I want to take some decent pictures. The pictures will displayed for all to see on our website.

1) Are the two lenses I have above good enough for most scenarios?
2) Should I get a prime lens? Wide angle lens?
3) What other vital equipment will I need to do a decent job?
4) Should I shoot in RAW or another format?
5) Am I in over my head?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

-J

Mamarazzi514 · Mar 20, 2012

18mm is wide angle, so what u have will be good if u need to take group shots. Do u have a speedlight?

jaebird82 · Mar 20, 2012

I do not have a speedlight. Should i get one? There's a huge ballroom I want to get some really wide angle shots.. is 18mm wide enough? And is there any shame in keeping the camera on auto pilot? lol.

rexbobcat · Mar 20, 2012

If you are going to keep everything on Auto most of the time, then a speedlight probably won't be necessary. Unless you're planning on illuminating the entire ballroom.

On an APS-C size sensor (which is what the T3i is) 15mm is the widest you can really go without getting into super fish eye territory, unless that's the look you're going for.

A prime lens would be beneficial if it's going to be pretty dim. Look at the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

And yes, I would say you are in a bit over your head, especially since you are being paid. In no other profession does one begin and after a few days they are getting paid for their work. Or if there is one, then I am not aware of it.

jaebird82 · Mar 20, 2012

Thanks. They know my skill level, but they don't care. I told them I wasn't ready, but they said don't worry about it. Press buttons and do your best. Lol. So.. there shouldn't be a ton of pressure, but I'm feeling it anyway. But yeah, I figure I'm in over my head, but it's a cool opportunity and if I could just learn my camera's basic functions, I may be able to pull it off.

rexbobcat said:
If you are going to keep everything on Auto most of the time, then a speedlight probably won't be necessary. Unless you're planning on illuminating the entire ballroom.

On an APS-C size sensor (which is what the T3i is) 15mm is the widest you can really go without getting into super fish eye territory, unless that's the look you're going for.

A prime lens would be beneficial if it's going to be pretty dim. Look at the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

And yes, I would say you are in a bit over your head, especially since you are being paid. In no other profession does one begin and after a few days they are getting paid for their work. Or if there is one, then I am not aware of it.

KmH · Mar 20, 2012

Your camera needs a lot more light than your eyes do, because the camera doesn't work the way your eyes do.

But, your camera has a built-in flash unit to compensate, and using AUTO mode the camera will turn it on and control it when it is needed..

The UV filters were a waste of money, and you didn't need more than a class 6 memory card because the T3i's write buffer is a lot slower than class 10.

I recommend studying composition this week and being aware you can turn the camera 90° to the portrait frame orientation. The image frame of your camera is a rectangle, longer on one side than the other. You would shoot medium and large groups of people using landscape (horizontal, long side on the top/bottom of the frame) framing. Most 1 to 3 person shots usually look better if shot with portrait faming (long side on the sides of the frame).

Austin Greene · Mar 20, 2012

No offense, but I'd recommend you tell your boss to put that money towards hiring a professional, else you seriously risk damaging your relationship.

cgipson1 · Mar 20, 2012

Sounds like a recipe for disaster..

LuckySe7en · Mar 20, 2012

If it's a ballroom/low light environment, both your kit lenses won't cut it without the help of a flash. You can crank the iso but you'll still need more light. you can use the pop up flash but then all of your photos will look like crap.

In my opinion here are your options (but I'm no pro by any means)

1. Get a speedlight. Something that will allow you to bounce the flash
2. Get a super fast, low aperture lens. (it'll cost you about a million dollars)
3. Tell your boss to hire someone who knows a little more than you

On a side note, I wouldn't take it off of auto-mode for this event. You'll run the risk of screwing up the pictures.

jaebird82 · Mar 20, 2012

Impossible, he's family, so it would take more than a few botched photos for him to unlove me... I think. Maybe not. Thanks for the tips. I'm thinking of just doing the next event six months from now when I actually know a little more and can actually have fun with it, as opposed to running around pressing buttons and screwing s*it up. Low expectations is the part that is very tempting.. it's kind of like a 'what do you have to lose?' moment. I do like putting my best foot forward though, so I'll probably hold off.

togalive said:
No offense, but I'd recommend you tell your boss to put that money towards hiring a professional, else you seriously risk damaging your relationship.

KmH · Mar 20, 2012

Just use the built in flash and let the camera's programming handle all the technical stuff.
But like I mentioned, the camera can't do the composition. You don't have time to learn much else and even then your knowledge of composition will still be very shallow.

scorpion_tyr · Mar 20, 2012

I say you should do it, and here's how. Do what you know how to do. Leave it in auto, use the pop-up flash. If you know how to select focus points, take it to P, set ISO to auto, and then just wory about focus, if not, let the camera do it. Use the 18-55mm lens. Like KMH said, you have time to learn some quick stuff like rule of thirds, direction of action, and other rules of composition: 10 Top Photography Composition Rules | Photography Mad is just one site you can go to.

Don't freak out about learning a whole lot or buying other equipment. If your set on buying something buy the 50mm f/1.8 cause it's dirt cheap, very much worth the money, and you'll probably buy one later anyways.

Just shoot JPEG unless you're already handy at PP. You'll probably come out with nothing more than snap shots, but they should be very good snap shots, and your boss will probably be very happy. My experience is that when situations like this arise, they have no plans on hiring a pro, but they want at least a dedicated picture taker. Nothing wrong with being that, especially with your level of experience. Have a lot of fun trying out the composition stuff and angles. And inbetween this and the next photo-favor, learn how to effectively use your flash, custom white balance, and the exposure triangle.

Other quick tips:

If you get too much blur: Take the mode dial to Tv, set ISO to AUTO, use the scroll until you see the number that changes read 200, and push the button to make the pop up flash come out.

When people are eating, put the camera down and grab a bite yourself. Don't shoot while people are eating, the images will NOT be flattering, trust me.

If you have trouble getting the right person in focus, take the mode dial to the picture of the face (portrait) and make sure the person you're taking the picture of is the closest thing to you.