Some weird questions of mine...

Hey all, I'm still an amateur in terms of wedding photography, but I have a few

questions for the pros. I have 2 Canon 20Ds with standard and telephoto lens,

and flash on each. I do mostly photojournalistic style photos, so i have to run

around alot. I try to carry both cameras whenever i could, holding one in my

hands, with the other camera strapped to my shoulder. i have trouble switching

cameras quickly, they fling around when i put one on my shoulder while getting

the other one from my other shoulder. What's the best way to carry 2 cameras so

I can switch between them very quickly?

My second problem in shooting is that when people interact they tend to face

each other directly. It becomes hard for me to get more of their faces in the

photos. Some people move their heads alot when they talk, and I can lose them

quite easily. Any advice on this? Thanks very much!

Search for the two cameras answer. Here is one of many.

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00IyZ9

Ultimately, it is a personal thing. Lots of experimentation will help you find the best way for you.

I don't shoot people when they are talking--rather--I wait for them to smile naturally or have some other fairly stable expression on their faces. Shooting while someone is talking results in funny mouth positions. As for people moving their heads--pre-focus and build in a little DOF, then shoot when you want. As for getting more of the face, shift your angle and get one at a time, or just shoot the two facing each other. If you change their positions in relation to each other, you change the candid nature of the shot.

I hope this is not a joke post.

Wide angle camera with flash around your neck hanging at your chest, telephoto around your shoulder. Whoever is the most animated or most important angle to get more of their face.

"My second problem in shooting is that when people interact they tend to face each other

directly. It becomes hard for me to get more of their faces in the photos. Some people

move their heads alot when they talk, and I can lose them quite easily."

Ever notice that people talking with each other in movies are shot over the shoulder of one

of them? Try that, it'll give you a nice variety to mix in with side shots.

It is true that you can end up with strange facial expressions, yet it is often worth it to try

since a great expression can make the shot.

Also, look for people sitting down and talking because they are usually slightly facing

camera.

>> I try to carry both cameras whenever i could, holding one in my hands,<<

I had a leather worker make me wrist straps.

Given that working with two or three 35mm bodies stems from inadequate zoom lenses and or the need to cover a job with both B&W and Colour film.

I have just kept using the wrist straps.

The main camera on the right wrist and one or two bodies around the neck: if two, then one on a shorter strap than the other (the smaller lens on the short strap).

When not using the main camera it just hangs: with practice a small jerk and it pops into a ready shooting position.

I do not like a camera strap over the shoulder; but this is a personal thing.

WW<div></div>

>> they tend to face each other directly. It becomes hard for me to get more of their faces in the photos.<<

Profiles sometimes show interaction also: timing is the key above all else, IMO.

WW

You might have a look at this thread.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/539259

It specifically addresses a technique for carrying two slrs.

"What's the best way to carry 2 cameras so I can switch between them very quickly?"

Like this:

http://tinyurl.com/6cwgf

Or this:

http://tinyurl.com/2aq9pq

one of the bride's and groom's favorites:

<p>

<img src="http://www.r-s-r.org/rsr/images/lina/IMG_1390-1b800.jpg">

"It becomes hard for me to get more of their faces in the photos. Some people move their heads alot when they talk, and I can lose them quite easily. Any advice on this? Thanks very much!"

Use this to your advantage for moments that are more candid like these.

Bogdan<div></div>

<p>Depending on the sizes and weight of your cameras/lenses, you might be able to use the

<a href="http://www.camdapter.com/products.html">Camdapter Hand Strap System</a> to

lessen the load on your neck.</p>

<p>However, the problem with using a hand strap is that it reduces your ability to easily

switch cameras.</p>

>>> However, the problem with using a hand strap is that it reduces your ability to easily switch cameras. <<<

Interestingly, it was the old `Hand Grip` on some Medium Format cameras, which lead to the wrist strap I mentioned above.

A strap on the wrist, as apposed to around the back of the hand, allows free movement of the right hand, to grab and use the other camera(s), slung around the neck or over the shoulder.

WW