First official-ish shoot, need tips

[yulchick]

Ok so a friend of my parents asked me to take some pictures of them at their babies christening. Mostly unposed, just to capture the special event. I have never photographed someone other than my kids, and family.I cant say no to them eather, so I need a plan.

The equipment that I have is just the stuff listed in my signature.

They said they will pay me for my time, but I dont want to take the money for something Im not even proud off..I dont mind spending some of my time for my family's friends, so its not an issue if I dont get anythng out of it, other than experience I guess.
But than again I do want to do good!

Im guessing its gona be in a church, with, amm church lighting? Would I need an off camera flash to even get anything descent? A different lense? What are your sujestions?

Any tips are greatly appreciated!

[zona5101]

Relax - you'll do fine! Take both lens but I bet you'll end up with the 50 on your camera and even upping your iso a bit to get decent shutter speeds and adequate dof. Your feet will be your zoom Shoot lots, relax and have fun. If you're having fun, it will show in your images.

[GreggObst]

I'd find out where the church is and how it is lit. I shot my Niece's christening this past Sunday and it was a very modern Catholic church that had so much ambient light coming through the windows it really surprised me. Most Catholic churches I had been to before were older churches and fairly dark inside and any ambient light was coming through stained glass windows.

It's a little hard to recommend an approach without knowing for sure what lighting conditions you will be facing. I'd call the church and ask if you can come down during the week and just take a look at the area where they do christenings and maybe take some test shots with the equipment you have. Then at least you will have some more info and a baseline you can work from.

[Bruce A]

Totally agree with Gregg - check the lighting with your camera and lens in the church first - then when the event comes around you'll be better prepared and able to relax a little more. Also make a note of the time (sun direction etc) and if the ambient light will depend on fine or overcast weather, which no doubt it would so you might need to think how to compensate. Could be a job for an on-camera flash with a mini soft box as churches usually have too high ceilings for bouncing. Have fun!

[yulchick]

Thanks guys, will defenetly need to check out the place first. I'll be too nervous to even think about having fun I better get my hand shaking from being nervous under control

[MarathonMax]

I can only add that you do not repeat my mistakes LOL

Read about my first photo shoot here:

My first “professional” photoshoot: Part I, Setup | MaxPhotoBlog.net

PS: I just noticed that I dropped a few pics from Flickr. I will update tonight...

[Nellie73]

Just wanted to say Thank U 4 this thread... I've been asked to shoot my friend's christening for her 2 children & having no experience in this area am a little aprehensive. Have asked her to contact the Vicar & see if I can now go earlier to scout the place out!