What’s Your Preference?

sydneyns · #1 (**permalink**) 09-18-2011, 12:11 AM

I am using a Nikon d5000 with two lens, 18-55mm & 55-200mm...

I want to set up a poker table in a dark parking lot with 5 firefighters sitting around it playing Texas Hold 'em in the middle of a ring of fire in there full gear. I have 5 - 50 watt day lights or the use of 6 tungsten work lights. I want to stand on top of the fire truck or something even lower to try and take the picture. This is for a contest for $5000.00 for the Department that gets the most votes. Most of the pictures so far entered are the same old group shots in front of the trucks.

First do think what I have to work with I will be able to take such a picture and if so which lights would you use to set this up. Don't forget they will be sitting at the table with a ring of fire burning around them..lol

See what you think and any advice you have would be great and if you think I am nuts that's ok..........lol

sydneyns · #2 (**permalink**) 09-18-2011, 12:13 AM

Is this the best spot to post this or is there another spot on this site that would be better...

Thank you

IABoomer · #3 (**permalink**) 09-18-2011, 12:30 AM

This section will work. There is a section on composition, which might have been slightly more appropriate.

Are we talking about the typical round/hex/octagonal table? The problem I could see with that is, if you're shooting from the ground, you're probably going to be getting more of someone's back(s). Plus, encircling the guys with fire could prove to be a little hot/difficult.

Another option that might work well is to get one of the oval tables like they have in casinos. You can also get less expensive models for home games. Put the guys on the same side of the table so you can see their faces. Get the fire behind them. With a zoom lens, you should be able to compress the background and make it look like they're closer to the fire than they actually are.

I'd probably try using the work lights to light the scene. Maybe one on each side angled down and in to help feather the light some. I don't see 50w bulbs being nearly bright enough to fill the shadows and knock down the ambient enough.

sydneyns · #4 (**permalink**) 09-18-2011, 12:55 AM

We tried out the fire and it is easy to do, we just make a circle around them with sawdust soak it in fuel and light it and it works great. I see what you mean about someones back which I could not sit someone on the side I am taking the picture from. Also this will be at night. The part of using our fighters is is cheap because I am one of them and these always like to be in front of the camera...lol

I think as you said I will us the work lights due to it being at night.

Thanks for the quick reply and the great advice...

autofocus · #5 (**permalink**) 09-18-2011, 01:20 AM

access to a cherry picker?...or swing the big ladder around and over them and shoot straight down on them. Probably could position one of the work lights over them on that same ladder, and strategically place the others around the perimeter out of view. Sounds like a neat idea...try to post the results

Don't forget some cigars burning and being chomped on

SwissJon · #6 (**permalink**) 09-18-2011, 09:05 AM

Couple of ideas.. You guys use search lights don't you? You could try lighting the area with those, but noy too much, you don't want to take from the drama... And have the blue lights on.. It should add to it.. Perhaps get them to sit very still and use a long exposure, then add flash at the end, or light the players with a torch..

Have a table there and take the photo from the position of the dealer.. Perhaps have your cards in front of you, visible, holding 5 aces..

And no, I don't think it's a crazy idea, I think it's inspired.. Good luck.

sydneyns · #7 (**permalink**) 09-18-2011, 05:19 PM

I am going to try and take it from the top of one of our fire trucks we are volunteers we don/t have the big ladder truck. I really want to see the ring of fire around them sitting st the table.

What does everyone think would be the best metering for this, spot, etc.

Or any other types of settings that might work trying this. first there is the work lights and then the ring of fire around them which won't be to high....Sawdust and fuel.......

thanks for the help guys I am marking down everything you say so I can take a list with me...lol

autofocus · #8 (**permalink**) 09-18-2011, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sydneyns

I am going to try and take it from the top of one of our fire trucks we are volunteers we don/t have the big ladder truck. I really want to see the ring of fire around them sitting st the table.

What does everyone think would be the best metering for this, spot, etc.

Or any other types of settings that might work trying this. first there is the work lights and then the ring of fire around them which won't be to high....Sawdust and fuel.......

thanks for the help guys I am marking down everything you say so I can take a list with me...lol

I would say say metering off one of their faces or the table top should be OK. Spot metered, or center weighted would be my choice. It kind of hinges on how the scene overall will be lit. Too much light and you'll make it look like daytime, and lose the ring of fire effect..too little, and the faces will be dark and ruddy looking.

miraroadvolfire · #9 (**permalink**) 09-19-2011, 02:58 AM

See what you think about it and yes I do have raw files for each one. It's late so I will add a few more tomorrow If you want the raw file and see what you can do in post P I will be happy to give them to you....

DSC_0137.jpg