Freelance photographer - Clubs, Parties, Events

[pietropa]

<p>I have been contacted by an e-zine to work as a freelance in events/parties and I am very excited about this.<br>

Since I am a beginner I would like some advice from you experts on how to perform quality pics in clubs, which are usually dark and smoky (I guess I will have to use a flash, but I am very unexperienced on that subject!)</p>

<p>To give you an idea here is a photo published for a contest related to the magazine</p>

<p><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3318341627_89da5273e3.jpg?v=0">Click here</a></p>

<p>Maybe you'll find this an easy shot, and probably is just about pointing and shooting. But I like best to ask before do ;)</p><P>

 

<B>Note: In keeping with Photonet copyright policy, the displayed photo has been changed to a clickable link.</B></P>

[bueh]

<p>Super wide angle lenses are fun and are probably the best suited for party photography. However, if you fance a challenge and the setting is optimal, even a fast portrait lens is capable of very unique shots.</p>

<p align="center"><img src="http://www.photo.net/bboard-uploads//00K2Io-35086584.jpg" alt="" align="center" /> <br /> <strong>EOS 20D + EF 50mm + 380EX</strong></p>

<p>Use an external flash unit with a <a href="http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-82.html">bounce card</a> .</p>

<p>Drag the shutter, i.e., use flash to expose the subject and slow shutter speeds to expose the background.</p><div></div>

[bueh]

<p>And as you can see in the second shot, shooting parties and events is literally sweat shop photography. A lot what makes the resulting event gallery successfull cannot be influenced by the photographer -- the lighting, the responsiveness of the patrons, the decorations and outfits... Some nights can be very frustrating.</p>

<p>But be prepared as good as possible -- know your gear and check/adjust settings constantly. A good starting point is ISO 400, lens stopped down about 1 stop, exposure compensation -1, flash exposure compensation +⅔.</p><div></div>

[pietropa]

<p>Wow! Thankyou for your super post!</p>

[jesse_hartman]

<p>These vidios might help you out, and give you a few idea oh how you want to aproach this project. The videos are about 10 mins total and give tips and trics on nightclub/bar photography.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NEmufNi70w">Part 1</a><br>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5WEwsVvku8">Part 2</a></p>

[pietropa]

<p>I took some pics I will upload later, testing various setting for ISO not touching other parameters.</p>

<p>The event I partecipated was in the open and to get the "flashy/blurred" effect I had to use ISO 1200.</p>

<p> </p>

[pietropa]

<p>So I am keeping my pictures on my blog page</p>

<p>http://hellyeahblog.wordpress.com/</p>

<p>Any suggestion?</p>

[pietropa]

<p>I am going to an event tonight and after my first pictures and some usefuful readings I hope I'll get some nice pictures.</p>

<p>My camera is a D40x and I am using a f/5.6 lens. If I set the aperture down 1/3 stops (i.e. f/6.3) what should I select on the flash? (I am using an old SB-26, which I love).<br>

I guess the best would be set it to f/5.6 and not down the next stop (f/8)?</p>

<p>Let me know if I am correct!</p>

[pietropa]

<p>as for re touching, how can i get a picture like this one using photoshop cs3?</p>

<p>is there a tutorial?</p>

<p><img src="http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff156/turbovirus/fotorocket.jpg" alt="" /></p>

[pietropa]

<p>I believe that picture has been taken with f/8 and a 65° inlcined flash to get the lighting and no photoshop can make it that way right?</p>