need HELP!

[lilo1225]

I am new to this forum and I need help. I don't by any means call myself a photagrapher yet (at least not as good as I wish I was). My husband's coworkers want me to take their pictures, one for a birthday party on thrusday and another for belly session. I have been reading tips on shoots for birthday parties for kids and ihave more or less an idea of what i am going to do but.. the party is at night and in a reception hall... do i need an external flash? Suggestions?? A friend of mine said it would be cheaper for me to buy the 50 mm 1.4 lense...

all of this was so unexpected, i have never taken pics for other ppl before... so i am kind of nervous!

Suggetions for me?? Pleae help me!

P.S. i have a canon eos 7d

[Niresangwa]

Oh boy. Put your helmet on, this could get rough.

Yes a flash is going to serve you much better than a 50mm at this point, but you're going to have to know what you're doing with it.

Get comfortable in your chair and spend some time looking at posts similar to yours here on DPS. There are plenty of them, all with the exact same advice that will collect here over the next couple of days.

[lputman]

Don't be afreaid to bump the ISO, the 7D can handle it. The 50 1.4 is an excellent lens coupled with the 7D.

[Izzy]

First shoots are always stressful.

I don't know that you will need an external flash even though one might be nice. For shoots like the one you are describing I use a flash puffer. Simple and less gear to worry about.

Amazon.com: Gary Fong Puffer Pop Up Flash Diffuser: Camera & Photo: Reviews, Prices & more

What you do need is some practice shooting in similar light. This will make the less than desirable lighting not so scary. Practice is everything. One of the biggest difference between Pro's and Amateurs is that Pros have their gear memorized for just about all situations.

Hope this was of some help to you


Keep Shooting

[funcrunch]

I almost never use flash in low-light situations, but that is my specialty and it took some time to develop it. You don't have much time to prepare so you may want to bring a flash as a backup. But with a 50/1.4 at ISO 1600, a steady hand, and practice, you should be able to get some excellent flash-free images in low light.

[Photologyst]

Flash, when not used properly, often destroys atmosphere and produces those infamous digi-shadows. Try practicing in low light without flash and see what you think.

Put your camera on burst mode and have fun with those kids!

[lilo1225]

Thank you all!

I will get busy on looking for those posts and practicing more!

Thanks!

[Jim Poor]

The problem with the 1.4 and a party situation is that the depth of field can get too shallow VERY quickly.

You can't get one entire person completely in focus from front to back at 1.4, and then when you through groups into the equation, it gets ugly really quickly.

Now, that shallow depth of field can be used to isolate images and do a lot of very creative things, but it sounds like you're not at that point yet.

Are they paying you? Do they expect anything beyond snapshots?

If you're considering taking this as a paid event, I'd honestly recommend skipping it. As much as I don't like "working for free" it sounds like you're not ready to do any paid work as yet, and if they are expecting snap shot type work, then I'd go play, experiment and have fun.