Shooting my first fashion/runway show this weekend and looking for some tips out there from those of you that have done this before. I will be sitting at the end of the runway very close to the walk to get the best shots. Right now I am thinking of this setup.
Canon 1D MarkIIn
Canon 24-70
Canon 580ex
Quantam power pack
I would opt for the 70-200 if I was a bit farther back but I believe they want me right at the end. Any thoughts? Asked them about setting up strobes or anything before the show along the runway but thats out of the question. Any tips at all would be great.
I've only done this once, but I'd suggest at least bringing the 70-200. To fill the frame at the wider end means you're going to be very close, and likely shooting a bit up -- not the most attractive perspective.
My guess is that the 70-200 would be fine, especially if you caught the models a bit before they got to you.
You'll want to bounce, or at least seriously diffuse, that 580. Photos with with a drop-shadow effect from direct flash look amateurish.
I meant using the 580, but not firing it directly at the models. If you have a light ceiling, point the 580 straight up (and pull out the bounce card). If the ceiling is too dark or to high to bounce light, use a diffuser like the Flip It, something to take the edge off the light. Even the Omni Bounce is better than nothing.
If the light is really good, centerpoint focus, spot metering AV mode f2.8, ISO800, is great if you can get at least 1/250th. That will give you the best shot to shot times. Shoot in bursts on the models downstep.
If the lighting is marginal, I would recomend M Mode, centerpoint focus, spot metering, ISO400, f4, with the flash head on at FEC -2/3 or -1. Bouncing the flash will suck up too much power to keep up a high recyle time. Your lens choice is based on distance-bring both. I usually use 2 cameras.
www.zoomlookbook.com is a great runway sample photo site.
What are the chances of setting up that 580 up somewhere, then triggering with pocketwizards? You already know where your subject will be, you could easily mix the ambient exposure with the 580 to get a nice background with a one light setup (way up and to one direction). That would help with your shadows.
Hell, if they approve that, I'd set up a remote camera too.
Yeah I would like to do that I am trying to get some access before the show if possible to try and set something up. Going to bring a 550 and 580 thats all i have for lights right now and see if i can throw them from above and to the sides with a pocket wizard. If i cannot then on camera will have to do for whatever kinda fill i can produce. ill be sure to post some results here.
thanks