Tips needed for a 'still photographer' for a Short Film Shoot

[ICE]

So I'm pretty new and I guess 'alright' with taking pictures with my Nikon D40 now..
Kind of use to the main settings, but not fully.

My friend has given me the opportunity to be one of her stills photographer for a short film shoot which she is currently making.

Because I have never done anything like this before, I was hoping if any of you guys here with experience or any type of knowledge would like to shed some light into this 'field' to help me!

Help is greatly appreciated! thanks!

[RecurrentNerve]

A good source of inspiration are the 'Making of' books that often accompany the release of big movies. This kind of shoot is pretty much candid, documentary style. Try to capture a spectrum of shots, from the action being filmed to purely behind the scenes, i.e.

- Take shots of the action to give a different perspective on it from the film itself.
- Take shots of the action, but including the film crew in them as well. If the action is being lit off-camera, you might get some great silhouette shots of the crew as well (use spot metering and meter for the well lit action).
- Take shots of the cast and crew going about their jobs between actual filming - for example the classic 'Director consulting with the cinematographer' shot.

If it's not too late, try and shoot some of the pre-production, and when filming has finished get some shots of the editing/PP process so you have a complete 'story' from start to finish. Take advantage of digital photography's large capacity and just snap away, that way you're bound to get some great shots!

[ICE]

thanks mate for the advice!

But what do you mean by "when filming has finished get some shots of the editing/PP process"

[RecurrentNerve]

Well, I assume the makers will edit the film afterwards, right? That will involve at least the director and an editor sitting down for hours going through the film in front of a computer. Take shots of that!

PP=Post production btw.

[Quo Fan]

From what I understand, still photographers are used 2 different ways. 1) To get candid shots of the film so they don't have to do frame grabs for promotion and 2) So the director knows what was where when he says cut so the scene can be set up exactly the same way for multiple takes.

[RecurrentNerve]

1) yes 2) should really be handled by a dedicated continuity person. OP, worth checking what they expect of you!

[vsa]

Ask them what kind of pictures they'd want and what purpose they want to use them. Really. And if they give you general "Just shoot whatever's happening and so on and so forth" ask for more. I've been a still shooter for couple short films and each time they don't have a clear vision of what the stills are for I've sorta left with a feeling that my work was useless. Even though I've gotten some great photos.

If no one really knows the plan everything's gonna turn to shit after a while and no one's gonna be satisfied. Sounds grim but that's one possibility.

Either way... Keep an open mind and a trigger happy finger. And be brave and get close. Don't just stand behind everyone and be content with that. Oh yea remember that when they're filming you probably shouldn't take pics as it'll hear in the sound track. :P