Restaurant Shoot

[_Sim]

I'll just start out saying I don't know much (read: anything) about interior/architecture photography. A friend of mine asked me to take a few promo shots of his family's restaurant and I'm at a loss for what it would take to get some good pictures. I've done a few searches here as well as on Google and here's what I've got so far...

A tripod is a given, of course, and I'm thinking of using my 16-35 f/2.8 stopped down to f/8 or f/11 for adequate depth of field. I also have two 580EX IIs (and umbrellas) but I'm not sure what their best use would be...

Does anyone have any suggestions? Am I on the right track?

[PhotosGuy]

A tripod is good. Lights used incorrectly could destroy the atmosphere? So be careful. OTOH, they probably wouldn't hurt in a McDonalds. Take a few test shots. See where a bit of light will help & not hurt. Gells for a/both light(s) might be a good idea, too.

[Perry Ge]

I've done an interior shoot here in Toronto for a brochure for the delta chelsea, some of the results are up on my flickr. It was challenging.

A few key things:
a) Composition - this is really important. You need a tripod. Think very carefully about what you want to show about the place with your compositions. Wide angles will make it look spacious, but make sure there's enough interest, compose it like it's a landscape, maybe.
b) Light - custom white balance is your friend. Especially if there are various light sources. I avoided using flash because I found the interior light to be quite interesting. Flash is generally not powerful enough to light a room, so only use it to light specific areas if necessary.

Feel free to PM me with any questions.

[_Sim]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to respond, Frank and Perry. I think like you both suggested, I think I may leave the flashes in my bag and see what happens at first. I can always take them out later if I need them.

I'll definitely pay a lot of attention to the composition... hopefully I can come up with something interesting. I'm told they have quite an exquisite stained glass ceiling.

Perry, I like the shots you took of the Detla. The lines you used were really modern which worked perfectly with your subject.

Thanks again!