I'm going to tag along for a shoot, what will i need

[Tamster]

Hi~ A friend of mine is now the head director of a little league i played softball at when i was growing up. The photographer (a friend of his) has allowed me to hang out and watch him do the team pictures as well as individual photos. And take a few of my own just for learning purposes. I have only taken pictures of my daughter outside playing..lol is there anything i should know or need? I want to be sure i have it right for this awesome opportunity! Believe me i am searching online also but since you guys are so helpful i thought i'd ask you as well. Somewhere along the line i recall a few people that do this kind of work.
Thanks in advance!

[LeeR]

You may get different advice from the others, but I think I would leave my camera in the car. This is a learning opportunity and it makes sense to just follow, ask questions, and see how he does it. You will be surprised at how many secrets he will give away if you just ask the right questions. All too often I have seen people in your situation start taking pictures and stop asking questions. They miss out on all the good stuff.
If you leave the camera in the car you are less likely to make this mistake, plus, if things get slow you can always go get it. When you do, hand it to him and ask him what he thinks. You are likely to learn some things about your camera you don't know right now. Then ask him to take a few pictures with it. Pay attention to where he places the settings. Again, watch and learn. The pictures you take that night will never do you any good, but the lessons you learn could be invaluable.

[Tamster]

Originally Posted by LeeR

You may get different advice from the others, but I think I would leave my camera in the car. This is a learning opportunity and it makes sense to just follow, ask questions, and see how he does it. You will be surprised at how many secrets he will give away if you just ask the right questions. All too often I have seen people in your situation start taking pictures and stop asking questions. They miss out on all the good stuff.
If you leave the camera in the car you are less likely to make this mistake, plus, if things get slow you can always go get it. When you do, hand it to him and ask him what he thinks. You are likely to learn some things about your camera you don't know right now. Then ask him to take a few pictures with it. Pay attention to where he places the settings. Again, watch and learn. The pictures you take that night will never do you any good, but the lessons you learn could be invaluable.

Yes, I guess you're right. I was thinking some what along the same lines, watch as he does it and fiddle with my camera as he makes his adjustments and such. To have a little more hands on. But listening and watching and asking questions might be the better option. I guess i could ask him what type of lens he uses for group shots like that?
Thanks