To shoot or not to shoot, that is the question

[aroberts]

A friend of mine asked me to do a friend of hers' baby shower photos. I haven't asked her exactly what she wants out of it, but I have never really done events before. I do lots and lots of portraits but events scare me. Though a baby shower is not as big a deal as a wedding or anything like that, it still freaks me out a little. I'm using a Canon 50d with the kit lens, and I assume the baby shower will be indoors which worries me a bit because I seem to screw up lighting wise on indoor photos. Would it be better for me to pass this up or use it as a learning opportunity? What sort of equipment should I have, ideally? (not that i'll actually be able to acquire any of it before this Saturday, if I agree to do it) What would you look for when photographing a group of ladies at a baby shower?

[FireOpal]

I would say go for it. The best way to get comfortable with something is to try it first. I was terrified the first time I was requested to photograph a baby shower, but after it was over I felt like I had learned a lot. And you are right, a baby shower isn't as big as a wedding, so it's the perfect event to get the practice of photographing events.

When photographing at a baby shower, be sure to photograph the mother-to-be (obviously) and her family that are there. If there isn't much family (because everyone's situation is different) be sure to find out who she is closest with at the shower. Is it a really good friend, and aunt etc.
When the mom is opening gifts, watch for ones that get a really BIG reaction or make the mom cry or laugh and be sure to get photographs of that moment. I wouldn't photograph each and every gift that gets opened, but usually all of the gifts are placed together somewhere once they've been opened. Makes for a great overall shot of the generosity of her friends and family, as well as some chances for great colourful shots too.
Also, be sure to get photos of the mom with the host/hostess of the shower. I didn't think about it until the end of the shower, but I was really happy that I got that shot as the hostess at the shower I photographed was very close with the mom-to-be.

A piece of advice that I can offer for shooting groups is to break the event down into smaller groups or photos of people on their own. A group shot of everyone together might be nice, but to make it less nerve wracking for you, get some shots of people in smaller groups Ie)Jane is standing with a glass of wine by the piano talking to Grandma-to-be, or two of the guests are helping the hostess prepare food in the kitchen and laughing, that sort of thing. And when you aren't sure what to shoot next, shoot what you are comfortable with.

I hope this helps a bit. I really hope you give it a try. If nothing else, I guarantee you will come out of the event knowing more than you did and will hopefully get lots of great shots in the process.
Have confidence in what you know you can do, and push yourself just a bit to break out of your comfort zone. It's a valuable experience. Good luck!

[natek313]

In addition to FireOpal's comments, I would possibly suggest getting your hands on a 50mm f/1.8 II lens before the event (it's only $110 brand new at B&H). I'm assuming your 50D came with the 28-135mm IS lens, which isn't the fastest lens. Regardless, any kit lens isn't going to have a large maximum aperture. The 50mm f/1.8 will give you a large aperture and will help you achieve hand-holdable (is that a word?) shutter speeds.

Or, if you know someone that shoots with Canon gear, maybe they would have a fast lens they could loan you for the day...

All that aside, I would say go for it. You're never going to get comfortable with something until you get your feet wet.