Graduation ceremony in theater...

[LuckyShot]

Hi all -

Longtime lurker here, finally signing up and joining the community! Hi!

I was hired to photograph a small graduation ceremony that is being held in a gorgeous old theater. I'm getting anxious about the lighting options, as my first opportunity to get into the theater to do test shots is earlier on the day of graduation.

My preference would be to shoot with just a bracketed flash, since I should be able to plant myself close to the graduate. But I'm concerned about light fall-off/absorption given the dark drapes that surround the stage (been inside the theater before, but not with a camera).

Any suggestions? I'm shooting with a Canon 5D Mark II (XTI back-up body) and have a slow telephoto (Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS). Also have Canon 50 mm f/1.4 and the 16-35mm f/2.8L II - faster, but not necessarily the right fits for this job...

Just curious how others would handle this situation with this equipment. Thanks for your input... and patience!

Julie

[natek313]

Hi, Julie.

Welcome to DPS! I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay here.

What exactly are you photographing at the ceremony? Are they wanting a more photojournalistic approach to covering the event, or do they want you to photograph each graduate receiving his/her diploma?

[LuckyShot]

Thanks for the welcome! Looking forward to learning from everyone and just maybe helping a few folks too!

It's a nursing school graduation - technically a "pinning." The shots I'm nervous about are of each nurse receiving his/her pin. (I'll also be doing some more

At the rehearsal, I will identify a spot on the stage for the graduate to stop and receive the pin. So I do have some say in where this happens and will of course be aiming for the spot with the strongest available light.

[LuckyShot]

I meant to finish that hanging sentence.

I'll also be doing candids before and after the ceremony.

[natek313]

Hmm. Do you have any lighting equipment whatsoever?

If not, the lenses you have will probably be a bit too wide on your 5D Mark II. Have you considered renting a 70-200mm f/2.8L USM IS lens?

[LuckyShot]

I've got three strobes (and softboxes) - just hoping to keep it simple with the flash only.

I could just use the XTi...

[natek313]

For what it is worth, here is what I would do:

For the ceremony, I would get a two light setup going, and keep it really simple - one light as your main, and one light for lighting the background. I'd use the 5D Mark II with the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens.

For the candids, I would keep the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens on the 5D Mark II and use that combo for any shots that require longer focal lengths. I would have the 16-35mm f/2.8L II on the XTi and use that combo for any wide-angle shots.

That's just what comes to mind first, though.

[LuckyShot]

Thanks so much for the suggestions - I'll let you know how I make out!