Shooting a sign museum

Scuba · Nov 11, 2011

So a friend of mine/coworker asked me to photograph the Cincinnati sign museum which is where they are having their wedding reception in June. So they want some artistic shots of the signs for use on their invitations. They are making their own invitation and doing a lot of the stuff for their wedding to give an idea of the style of the wedding. The Cinicinnati sign museum is basically all kinds of old signs (shocker) from neon's to metal to plastic etc. I have never actually been here, but here is the link to pictures of the inside. American Sign MuseumThe museum is moving to a new location before the wedding and now is the only time there will be access before their wedding.

So I am looking for ideas for this shoot. I am limited with my gear right now as I am in transition with upgrading. I have a 5D with a 50mm 1.8 and a xsi with the kit lens and a 420ex speedlite. I really wanted to have a way to have my flash off camera beforehand but she asked if we could do it TONIGHT. I was also going to try and borrow another lens but this is what I got. I am doing this for experience and maybe a few beers so if things don't turn out it is what it is. I can always get in there again in a few weeks if necessary.

So what shots would you suggest? Ideas for different types of shot of neon signs? Best way to use the flash for the different types of signs?

Just in case you are wondering....no I am not shooting their wedding in June and will say no if they ask.

redessa · Nov 11, 2011

Since you can't get the flash off camera, bring a reflector (can even be a piece of white foam board) to bounce the flash.

cgipson1 · Nov 11, 2011

There has to be somewhere you can pick up a OC cable... otherwise you are going to have reflection glare issues with the signs if you shoot them dead on. If you shoot at a slight angle, that will help. Bouncing (like Redessa mentioned) would work too. Bounced (diffused) OC would be your best bet though.

Scuba · Nov 11, 2011

Yeah I was worried about the glare which is why I wanted the off camera. Not sure if I am going to be able to get to a store that has one before hand. I do at least have a diffuser for my flash. Oh yeah and I will have my tripod. I will have to bring a reflector...not that I have one per say. Do you think one of the silver windshield sun shade things would work....not talking about the really shiny ones that is like aluminum foil with a pattern, I am talking about the ones that are fabric of some sort and twist down. Like this.

Scuba · Nov 11, 2011

any more suggestions? If this goes through tonight I will post some pics of how it went. If not I will ask more questions until it is time

cgipson1 · Nov 11, 2011

That would probably work... might get some strange color off of it, but it should be correctable. Or you could just pick up a piece of white foam board or something, as mentioned before.

good luck.. have fun!

Scuba · Nov 11, 2011

so I just found out this isn't happening tonight....which I am happy about. This will give me a chance to pick up the OC cable etc. Now that I have more time any other suggestions?