Need tips for my first 'shoot'

[jdsfighter]

Without delving into too much detail, here is a quick introduction. I've been practicing for several weeks with DSLRs, and while I don't have a ton of experience, I have a general, basic understanding of most of the primary information.

I am an Employee at Best Buy, and as a company we are heavily involved in community activities. Tomorrow, we are shooting a local pet adoption event and we are taking a few DSLRs (mine included), several extra batteries, a couple telephoto lenses (70-300mm IS USM), and a few smaller (18-55mm) lenses.

They left me in charge of gathering all the stuff together to take with us (apparently I have the most experience), so essentially, here's everything I grabbed, let me know if there is anything I'm missing.

Gear:
2 Canon Rebel T3i
2 Canon 60D
4 18-55mm Telephoto
4 70-300mm Telephoto
4 25% ND Filters
4 Polarizing Filters
4 Decent Tripods
4 Canon Speedlite 430 EX II
4 Sandisk Extreme Pro 16gb SDHC Cards

It is an ASPCA event, and it consists of us shooting both people with their new pets, posing. As well as, us shooting them playing with them.

I figured we'd use the Kit lenses with the tripods for posing, as it shouldn't be too difficult, and in case it is very bright, we're bringing the ND and polarizing filters (depending on conditions).

For the motion shots, we also have the tripods, but the large zoom telephoto lenses should do well for that I believe. As I'm the only person going, with relatively any experience when it comes to DSLRs, I'll be doing most of the shots of people posing with their pets.

Is there any tips, or special setting you all would recommend on the Canon T3i, while I'm shooting them? Also if it turns out capturing action is too difficult for my coworkers, I'll be taking over that position, so any help here would be appreciated as well.

If it turns out well, I'll attempt to share some of the pictures.

 

[Designer]

Good luck!

 

[jdsfighter]

Good luck!

Haha, thanks. As I have not scouted the area, I'm just not sure how I should set up. I don't know whether a shallow depth of field would be appropriate, or rather just a simple snapshot.

We're literally snapping a photo and then printing it. No color corrections, touch ups, etc. So I'm trying to figure out how to get the best shots the first time around.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

subscribed.

 

[Designer]

Haha, thanks. As I have not scouted the area, I'm just not sure how I should set up. I don't know whether a shallow depth of field would be appropriate, or rather just a simple snapshot.

We're literally snapping a photo and then printing it. No color corrections, touch ups, etc. So I'm trying to figure out how to get the best shots the first time around.

As I see it, you have what are essentially amatures taking snapshots of people with pets who are not paying you, and are probably not expecting much in the way of photographic expertise. You will be lucky to get halfway descent snapshots.

You might think about some reflectors, and or scrims, and possibly some backdrops. This stuff doesn't need to be very costly, as you can probably locate some makeshift materials for cheap.

Are you planning to teach the others how to use the equipment and pose the people? How much control will you have over the people? I'm guessing little to none.

At least they can't refuse to pay you.

Have Fun!

 

[jdsfighter]

Haha, thanks. As I have not scouted the area, I'm just not sure how I should set up. I don't know whether a shallow depth of field would be appropriate, or rather just a simple snapshot.

We're literally snapping a photo and then printing it. No color corrections, touch ups, etc. So I'm trying to figure out how to get the best shots the first time around.

As I see it, you have what are essentially amatures taking snapshots of people with pets who are not paying you, and are probably not expecting much in the way of photographic expertise. You will be lucky to get halfway descent snapshots.

You might think about some reflectors, and or scrims, and possibly some backdrops. This stuff doesn't need to be very costly, as you can probably locate some makeshift materials for cheap.

Are you planning to teach the others how to use the equipment and pose the people? How much control will you have over the people? I'm guessing little to none.

At least they can't refuse to pay you.

Have Fun!

I'm fairly sure I'll be rewarded in some way (as we usually are during these events). I don't expect any form of payment, but should some of these shots come out half decent, I'll possibly toss them into my portfolio. We essentially have no equipment, and since Best Buy generally only carries the basic photography tech, we don't have much in the way of lighting, drops, etc. We're 'borrowing' product from inventory (approved by the managers), to use in the shoot, but I have very little equipment of my own aside from my camera, lens, tripod, and some filters (since I've only been shooting for a couple weeks).

If there is something I could grab from the local walmart to rig something for pretty inexpensive, I'll do that.

I'll be quickly educating my other coworkers on the basic settings and functionality of the cameras, but chances are, they'll be shooting in auto most of the day.

 

[Sherm]

I would try and stick to the basic fundamentals to get some shots that are hopefully decent.

Watch out for the harsh sunlight. Try and use the trees or other parts of nature as a diffuser. Don't position the subjects so they are looking into the sun and squinting.

Get down low with the telephoto lens assuming the people are on the ground with the animals. Don't shoot down on them.

Trying to soften the background would be great but for some reason I am envisioning a busy small area with lots of people/objects roaming around. Might make it tough to get the DOF you are looking for.

I am sure the animals will be moving a lot so for those shooting in auto you may have to determine if sports mode is better than portrait.

Good luck.

 

[jdsfighter]

I'll most likely be shooting in manual for a majority of it. My question is, since I have no real backdrop (as far as I know), to eliminate a busy background, should I use a shallow depth of focus to help give a nicer appearance to the overall image? As for filters, I'm thinking a polarizer should be sufficient, I doubt many will want a diffusion filter used, but I'm not entirely sure. I do have the ND filter to attempt to lower the overall exposure, but I doubt it will be a massive issue in this case.

Since I wont be able to touch up many of the photos before hand, getting a decent shot first time around will be my major goal. I'll be positioning the models as best as possible, but as I've never really worked with people (except friends), I'm not sure how to best position everyone. I assume I'll just have to use my better judgement.

I'd really like to give people a nice photo they can cherish to help build amazing memories with their new pets. Obviously, I don't want to be overly artsy, but at the same time, I'd hate for it to be just a plain snapshot.

 

[gsgary]

I thought there was more experience at Best Buy because most of the new pro's on here were taught at Best Buy

 

[jdsfighter]

I thought there was more experience at Best Buy because most of the new pro's on here were taught at Best Buy

A lot of our associates have good theoretical knowledge. They know what 'should' work, but don't have any hands on experience. I only know of 1 or 2 associates that even own DSLRs and most of the time, they just sit on their shelf.

 

[jdsfighter]

Well, finished up with my shoot. Everyone seemed satisfied with their pictures, so I'll take it as success. Definitely had fun shooting and positioning people (along with my 4 helpers).

I've fallen in love with the 70-300mm IS USM lens, definitely recommend it.

I'll post up some pictures once I get home from work (approx 8 hours).

 

[jdsfighter]

Here is the outcome: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/general-gallery/287357-c-c-results-my-first-shoot-photo-heavy.html

Also on my flickr: Flickr: Jdsfighter's Photostream