Runway Gig

[sinnlee]

Hi everyone,

I am new in DPS Forum, it is such a pleasure to be reading this forum as there are plenty of useful tips and techniques shared amongst each other in this community. I have a favor to ask, my friend is holding a fashion show and she has asked me to be one the photographers. But i have been taking macro shots throughout all my photography journey, not so much with events or people gathering, and I do not wanna let her down.

As I know there will be models walking very fast on the runway leaving no time for simple a photosnap, and also there will be lighting issue. Are there any tips or tricks that any of you like to share regarding runway photography, or any specific lenses to be used?

Hope to hear from you guys, and I'll be happy know some of you and be friends...

Cheers,
Melissa

[Walkere]

Originally Posted by sinnlee

As I know there will be models walking very fast on the runway leaving no time for simple a photosnap

Yup. It all happens quick, and you look away for a moment you're gonna miss stuff...

But, there are pauses along the way. Usually, the model will stop at the end of the runway and pose, turn, do something. This is a good time to take a picture. But you might want to shoot in continuous mode and snap off 2-3 frames, so you don't accidentally take a picture after they turned around. They might stop halfway down the runway too, and do another pose/twirl.

Originally Posted by sinnlee

, and also there will be lighting issue.

Yup... there will be. It's good to be prepared with a flash.

If the event is in an auditorium/theater, then there's probably a decent lighting set-up and you just need to pay attention to where the spotlights are aimed (probably the end of the runway). If it's a temporary runway thrown up in the middle of a gym, then the lighting will probably be horrible and you need to use a flash.

If you've got the gear and you want to be fancy, you could set up 1-2 radio'd speedlites in strategic locations (like the middle of the runway and the end of the runway).

Originally Posted by sinnlee

Are there any tips or tricks that any of you like to share regarding runway photography, or any specific lenses to be used?

If you can get close to the runway and move around, then a normal zoom lens (like an 18-55 or a 24-70) would be fine.

If you're removed from the runway a bit, you could get away with a telephoto zoom. I sat about 5-6 rows back in an auditorium setup, and my 70-200mm was great. This also let me stay in one place and zoom in/out as the models walked, rather than walking up/down the runway with them.

Either way, like you said, the lighting won't be good. So you'll want something with a wide aperture.

Also, remember a fashion show is about the clothes/shoes. You'll want to get a full body shot of the model if you can. If you've got time for more shots, then go for something tight (waist up).

Good luck! If you have time, you might want to go backstage, too. The models will probably be happy to stand still and pose for the camera...

- Brian

[JFSanders]

If you want to keep her as a friend, then be honest and tell her that you do not have the experience to make these types of photographs. If she will need them to be professional grade and usable in an advertising campaign then definitely make sure she understands that you are not capable of that level of work.

But if you were interested in seeing and learning just what is involved in such an event then by all means see if she will let you have an all access pass and if she wants you to you can take environmental shots of the crowd and backstage if it is ok with the models (it usually is but it is always best to ask first). Make sure that if there is a paid photographer there working on a contracted agreement that you stay out of their way during the shoot. But I would introduce myself as a friend of the designer and express an interest in seeing how they go about setting up and running the shoot. Never know it might lead to a more beneficial relationship in the future.

Jim