What’s Your Preference?

askj113 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-29-2008, 08:08 AM

Hey, all. I just photographed my little brother's holiday parade today and, frankly, the shots sucked. The only decent ones were the closeups that weren't really related to the parade at all. It was at night and the light was just too dim, and I always feel obtrusive using a flash. So, any tips from all you photographers out there? Be they on things to try to capture or techniques to capture better in low light or just ways to get around obtrusive soccer moms, bring it on!

waffles · #2 (**permalink**) 11-29-2008, 03:19 PM

If you're shooting in any official capacity then get in front of everyone and tell them to suck it up and deal with it. Nicer of course though. If you're not official, then get in front of them nicely. If you're wanting a specific person or group, it would probably help to tell them that and to get back behind them after you get what you want.

What camera were you using? That will make a difference in the advice given.

Without knowing that, I will say that you should try to get over your aversion to using the flash and use it. You can shoot with a higher ISO, slower shutter speeds, or wider aperature. But as for specific settings on that, I can't tell you without knowing what you have to work with.

Mr Guy · #3 (**permalink**) 11-29-2008, 04:00 PM

This is why confidence is the number one quality photographers need. Step politely in front of them, take the pictures, then ask them if they have someone in particular they are looking for, get a picture for them, and offer to sell it to them at a reasonable rate.

Bluff and bravado go a very long way toward making you look like you "belong".

askj113 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-30-2008, 03:35 AM

I'm using an xsi with the kit lens. I was shooting on iso 800, all the way open aperture and underexposing so I could hit 1/20 shutter speed. I know how to use my camera though, it wasn't really that, I was just thinking any more general tips for parade photography.

I wasn't there in any official capacity, so on a parade with a defined route where there are barriers or caution tape or something like that, what can you really do? Everytime I got close I would get warned off by a cop. What I've noticed in both of the parades I photographed was that I got far better shots by wandering around in the area before the parade started, pretending I was supposed to be there.

I suppose assertiveness is always good, and I should be a little pushier.

Mr Guy · #5 (**permalink**) 11-30-2008, 01:54 PM

Try introducing yourself to the cops ahead of time; like "Hey Officer whoever, I'm such and such, I don't wanna be in the way, I'm taking photographs for (whatever group your brother is with) and I was hoping you could recommend the best spot to get a good picture and then get back out of the way quickly?"

dhart · #6 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 03:39 AM

During our County fair parade, I sat on a curb for the photos. It gave an interesting perspective that is normally reserved for little kids. I also walked around before the parade started and took photos. Another things was I was literally at the first corner of the route. That way, there wasn't anyone "upstream" to the floats. (Make sense?) I was able to get some good shots that way. Most of the corwd was at the town circle where the bands stop to play, so I really stayed clear of the main crowds.

The idea about asking the cop was a good one. I would definitely suggest trying that. Also, find out who is putting on the parade and see if you can't get "official." It's worth a shot and you might have a chance to get either paid or published.

krossk · #7 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 06:29 PM

I just shot my daughter's dance company in a local holiday parade on Sat.

If you are affiliated with or are shooting as a representative of the group, your best bet is to be included as part of the group support staff. (There's always parents and assistants following along the parade route with the unit.) Then you have the opportuity to discretely run ahead of the unit, snap the pics as they pass and then fall back in line with the group. Repeat as often as necessary... If questioned, you just say "I'm with the xyz group..."

askj113 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008, 01:38 AM

Talking to the cops about it is definitely a great idea, thanks.

I also like the sitting on the curb suggestion, interesting idea.
Well thanks, those are both great suggestions.

Trevor.Dennis · #9 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008, 08:44 PM

Get out of the crowd and among the parade if you are able to.

Look for contrast, and see your shot ahead of time so you can have a suitable background in mind. This is even more important in poor light so you can delineate the subjects against the background.

Move with your subject and wait for your moment. This usually means walking backwards, so try not to fall over. LOL Hold the camera in front of your face for as long as it takes to get the right expression. Try and keep your other eye open – you’ll see your moment easier.

I almost never take photojournalistic people shots without a flash whatever the time of day (watch PJs or wedding photogs). In fact I am so used to using flash I even take a lot of my landscape shots with a camera mounted flash to make foreground objects pop and boost the colour.