Lighting and lens for indoor conformation photography

[amartin43206]

My wife and I have been asked to photograph our breed's national specialty this summer. It will be a small show, not expecting more than 50-75 dogs. We will be doing candids as well as photos of the wins. It is indoors in a poorly lit facility, needless to say. What kind of lighting do you guys suggest for a situation like this? We currently do not own any external flashes and are looking to stay fairly cheap, but do want to know what's "best".

Also, what lens do you suggest for this kind of set-up? Thanks!

[alessandro2009]

I think a 50 mm f/1.8 is a good solution, extreme value with a very small price.

I don't known if the use of the flash is allowed in this kind of events.

[zerovision]

There are some diffusers that work well for pop up flash systems that you should look into. These will allow you to shoot direct flash without so much harsh light and still shoot low ISO without having to invest in a fast lens. This will not work well unless you can get close to the dogs. If you have to stand outside the ring, you will need something along the lines of a 70-200mm f/2.8 or an 85mm f/1.2 if the dogs are moving. Standing still, you might not need something this fast.

There should be some place near by that you can rent lenses like the ones above and forget about the flash it you have to shoot from a distance.

If you can use your on camera flash, be sure to ask the owner first or talk to everyone before. You don't want to scare any of the dogs.

[blkdogak]

I would go outside for the win shots. They did that at my National Specialty.

[sant430]

I think a 50 mm f/1.8 is a good solution, extreme value with a very small price.

I don't known if the use of the flash is allowed in this kind of events.

+1 for the 50mm. Nice little lens..

[dimples41479]

i agree, 50mm would be good for winners portraits