Advice for Karate School shoot

[tomservo51]

Here is the lo-down. I've been asked to do portraits for a karate school. They want some very basic shots, one of torso, one full body for kicks, etc and I would like some equipment advice. Here is what I plan to use:

Canon 60D w/ 17-55mm EF-S IS
430 Speed-light

I'd like to get a basic portable lighting kit, strobe, umbrella, stands? etc and keep it under $500 if possible.

These shots will be indoors so I'm also wondering if a single light source will be enough. I could always use my 430 speed-light as a second source? I'm trying to keep things simple.

Am I missing something?

This will be my first venture into turning photography info a business as well. I've done stuff for friends but I'm thinking about taking this 'hobby' more seriously Thanks in advance.

Flickr: Joseph B Wright's Photostream

[cyber3d]

One bit of possible advice is to keep the flash off camera. Maybe bounce it off a large reflector. If these are more portrait than action shots I'd like to see you try putting a color light fill in the mix. White Gi would pick up the color well. I'd also suggest not using the ambient dojo lights so the students will standout and separate from the background. These are just some random thoughts.

[superduperwesman]

Maybe you have but I always like to take some time on Flickr and look for sOme inspiration. I'd prob search strobist karate.

[tomservo51]

Originally Posted by cyber3d

One bit of possible advice is to keep the flash off camera. Maybe bounce it off a large reflector. If these are more portrait than action shots I'd like to see you try putting a color light fill in the mix. White Gi would pick up the color well. I'd also suggest not using the ambient dojo lights so the students will standout and separate from the background. These are just some random thoughts.

I do have a large reflector. I was thinking a lighted dark grey background would work to offset the Gi well. I've no experience using a color fill light but that is something I never would have thought of. I look into it.

Thanks Cyber3d.

[tomservo51]

Originally Posted by superduperwesman

Maybe you have but I always like to take some time on Flickr and look for sOme inspiration. I'd prob search strobist karate.

I did do that yesterday. I didn't find anything that looked like it would pass for professional quality except for a few heavily post processed magazine style studio shots. I might look again though.

[superduperwesman]

Just looked really really quick and thought these were neat and most seem to be in a indoor setting:


Karate Kid! (explored) by jarvzphotog.blogspot.com, on Flickr


Jump Kick by Peter Tsai Photography, on Flickr


The Karate Kid by One Drop, on Flickr


Movember Day 09 by Paul Hillier Photography, on Flickr

[tomservo51]

Thanks SuperD. I just found out it have until the Fall to plan for this so I should have a good plan in place by then.

[BecomeAPhotographer]

Don't get bogged down with too much gear. You can get great shots with the flash you described. Take into account what they are going to pay you, and it may be a good idea to test out the lighting in the location first, before the shoot, so come photo day you are confident that what you have will work best.

Good luck,
Aaron @ Become A Photographer

[Daisho]

As a former Athlete in a wide range of Martial Arts and a Photographer, here are some hints.
1) Try to get an Idea of what you want to shoot before i.e. moves/poses typical for the style of Karate they are doing.
2) Try to figure out what they expect from you in terms of pictures, there are some nice ideas for group shots possible with MA and the dojo and maybe the want more action, more family atmosphere, what ever.
If it is for promo purposes get some trainers/good guys and ignore the shitty rest. If it is for something else, get group shots as much as possible, so everybody can say "look here I am".
3) test shoot a bit before, maybe 2 3 times so you get a grip on the stuff, especially if you are, as it looks, not yet familiar with the light equip as well as getting a feel for the sport.

Oh and max out your flash sync speed, if you want to freez movement or slow it down to get more motion into the stuff, 2sync flash etc.

[tomservo51]

Originally Posted by BecomeAPhotographer

Don't get bogged down with too much gear. You can get great shots with the flash you described. Take into account what they are going to pay you, and it may be a good idea to test out the lighting in the location first, before the shoot, so come photo day you are confident that what you have will work best.

Good luck,
Aaron @ Become A Photographer

Thanks Aaron!