Restaurant Interior

[evader]

I've been asked to shoot the interior of a restaurant...it's an upscale type place, with rich colours and textures.

I'm shooting with a D7000 and the lenses I have are the kit 18-55mm f/3.5 as well as the 35mm f/1.8 and my 70-200mm f/2.8.
I also have 2 SB-600 flashes that I can set up, one with an umbrella and one with a softbox.

I will be going in early before they open to do the interior shots.

I'm just wondering if anyone has tips on how to shoot indoors for something like this? Obviously I will have to use a tripod...should I set up the lights and if so, how should I use them? Which lens should I use...the 18-55mm or the 35mm?

Any advice would be great...thanks

[zona5101]

I think in general you are going to want to shoot the ambient light, so +1 on bringing your tripod. I would use the flash to bring out distance enclaves, hallways or other accent areas so the photo had depth as opposed to dropping off into darkness. Limiting the flash to controllable areas will also mean you have less to worry about with flash reflections in nearby windows and any tableware/glassware. My first choice would be the 35mm lens but it may not be wide enough on the crop body. I'd shoot a custom white balance or shoot a gray card to get white balance in post. Without knowing more about the room those would be my thoughts going in.

[GlynT]

I agree, ambient light with slow shutter speed. Using flashes can cause so many more shadows. If you do have to use them then consider bouncing of ceiling or walls....

Also think about a very gentle HDR... this can really help with that type of shot, especially if you want to get anything on the outside exposed through windows.

Cheers,


Glyn