What’s Your Preference?

heidimaranell · #1 (**permalink**) 02-26-2010, 10:05 PM

I am new to this business, having just started this past year. All my shoots thus far have been on location as I don't have a studio up and running yet. That being said, I have been hired by the high school where my husband is a teacher to do their prom photography.

I will be set up in the cafeteria area for the formal portraits, but I will also be responsible for taking pictures as the prom court is introduced into the gymnasium.

I have a Canon 50D with the kit lens (25-135mm). I know I need a backdrop and backdrop stand. But here's where I need your help.

What other equipment do I need/do you recommend?

I'm planning to buy a Canon 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens. Is this a good lens for this type of job? What lens would you use?

As far as lighting, I have none since I do all my current work using natural light. What should I get?

Also, I just have the flash that's part of my camera. Do I need another one?

Any specific recommendations (brands, websites, etc) would be a great help.

Thanks!

zona5101 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-26-2010, 10:34 PM

Welcome!
Well that's quite a challenge you have in front of you!
Have you thought about how much money you want to invest in all the new gear?

Benji · #3 (**permalink**) 02-27-2010, 04:53 PM

I hope the prom is several months away and you have about $1000.00 to spend on equipment! A prom is a huge undertaking and if you take a blase' laid back-"oh whatever" approach to these shots you will tick off every junior and senior at the school (and the prom director) and you will probably never be asked to do the prom again. I have made upwards of $4000.00 at one prom in one night!

I have done about 100 proms in the last 28 years. Here is how I do them.

I shoot in Raw. I shoot a gray card first to make color corrections later. I NEVER move the lights after positioning them for the first couple. It will cost you a lot of money if you move the lights, because the lab wants the exact same exposure on every capture so they can run 'em through the machines without having to analyze each and every capture for differences in exposure.

Lighting. I use one powerful a/c powered studio flash unit directed into a 62 inch umbrella positioned directly above the camera. I use ISO 100. I use another a/c powered flash in a softbox as my main light. I meter the main at about one stop more than the fill. Proms with the guys wearing black tuxedos is NOT the time for 5 to 1 lighting ratios.

Backgrounds. I ask the students for their input and help with the background. If someone in the art department wants to paint it all the better. If not I provide a background that fits the theme. A company called "Stumps" has lots of prom background ideas. Solid black backgrounds will get you in trouble unless you are using a hair light because dark hair blends in with dark backgrounds, plus black backgrounds are boring and prom and boring should not be uttered in the same sentence!

Payment. They pay my office gal before they are photographed. She also makes suggestions like "your flowers, tie handkerchief (or whatever) is crooked" and makes sure the gals bra straps are not showing. They fill out a form which they hand to me. I put the image number on that form AFTER I photograph them and make sure their eyes are open and they have nice expressions. I tell them DO NOT MOVE until I have checked the LCD screen. If they have their eyes shut or look bad I reshoot them right then and there.

I usually put the 5 x 7s in a little prom folder, sometimes with the studio name stamped on it.

Benji

archersdad · #4 (**permalink**) 02-28-2010, 08:11 PM

Everything Benji said is spot-on. This is definitely a situation for AC strobes. You will want to pick up your lights ASAP and start practicing with them every day until you can nail every shot. Cowboystudio.com has a decent beginner package with 2x300WS strobes and background for around $500.

Benji · #5 (**permalink**) 02-28-2010, 10:22 PM

I would love to try their stuff out. I believe the flash units are made in China and are sold under four or five different names in the US. I'm particularily intrigued by their a/c d/c unit.

Benji