Fashion Show Fotog?? Help!

[StunGunAshley]

Hey Everybody... I have a dear friend that is fighting his way into the fashion reporting world. This weekend, there is a fashion show that he has invited me to... to be his photographer... We'll have full backstage access and first look at the runway, in addition to shooting the after party. These are 4 local (san diego) designers, so we're not talking BIG names, but I've still never done anything like this before.

ANY advice is appreciated!! what lens to use... what to shoot and not shoot... do i need model releases? - I dont plan to sell anything, but I will want to show off any good shots. ... how to have a unique perspective... how to not be nervous...should i shoot RAW?... etc... ANYTHING!

I have very basic equipment: Sony Alpha 700, 18-70mm kit lens, 18-200mm lens. and I have access to a 50mm fixed lens. And maybe others (a friend that works for sony).

THANK YOU in advance for any help you provide.

[Swisstony10]

What lens to use? What lens are you most comfortable with using - what lens suits your photographic style best? If you're shooting backstage, then chances are the lighting won't be the best, so you want fast pretty fast glass.

Shoot RAW if you're comfortable with the processing that goes along with it. If you normally shoot Jpeg, then maybe take a shedload of memory cards with you, and shoot RAW+Jpeg, so you have an easy version and a more "pliable" version of each shot that you can work on afterwards.

Look for little details, in addition to the obvious pictures of models wearing the outfits. Try to catch designers fussing over the final details of how things look, models (or make-up artists) applying make-up, hairstylists tweaking barnets, that kind of thing.

As for not being nervous - if anyone's got a good tip for that, I'd be happy to hear it.

[StunGunAshley]

Thank you for the reply! I've read around a little bit and most people suggest the telephoto for the show itself. but I'll use one of the others for behind the scenes and the afterparty. I'm debating between testing my knowledge and trying to go manual or just throwing my camera into 'sport' mode and hoping for the best. I'm worried the lighting will be atrocious. And I'm much more excited about the behind the scenes stuff but also slightly uncomfortable with feeling like the paparazzi. I guess I'll have to keep telling my self that these people want thier picture taken.