fashion show, scared!

[rocker83]

So because my girlfriend is a model in the runway show at a charity event I got asked if I would be one of the photographers...Ive never really done a big event before...aside from weddings...there will be other shooters...I am assuming its a big big room....
I have two canon bodies a 24-70mm 2.8 and a 70-200 f4...oh and a sigma ef dg super flash....
do I need any more focal lengths? Should I just be pointing my flash up with a bounce card to take candids? Any info on events like this would be greatly appreciated thanks!

[Perry Ge]

Is it a big runway show or a small, private event?

If it's a proper fashion show you won't be allowed to use flash, and even if you are recycle times won't be able to keep up so basically forget about it. Get to the pit early and stake out your spot, a monopod is useful.

Your two lenses will be fine, if it's a big room, you won't use the 24-70, if it's a small room, you won't use the 70-200, you've gotta figure that out when you get there. Hopefully the place will be well lit, but meter and get your custom white balance set BEFORE the show starts, other photographers are usually happy to be a test model so long as you return the favour.

Stop down a little, it's nice to see the designers' names in the background.

TIMING is key. Keep tracking the models in servo, and fire when their bodies are in nice positions during the walk, and catch the poses at the end of the runway too if they're stopping. Don't spray and pray, you will run out of buffer and CF card space so fast if you do.

Depending on the clothes, choose your shots. Full body shots are usually what you want for everything, but if the designers don't make the shoes, you can get away with 3/4 sometimes. Remember, you wanna show off the CLOTHES, not just the models, so think about how the clothes look in your frames.

Good luck, and share some pics when you're done.

Edit: this really shouldn't be in the performing arts talk forum, I only found this thread because Derek sent me here from somewhere else.

[Stealthy Ninja]

Just remember to have fully charged (or new) batteries ready (right Perry?!). ;)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=455916

[arnie12]

...

If it's a proper fashion show you won't be allowed to use flash, and even if you are recycle times won't be able to keep up so basically forget about it. Get to the pit early and stake out your spot, a monopod is useful.

....


Just remember to have fully charged (or new) batteries ready (right Perry?!). ;)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=455916

He Ninja,

this doesn't fit together! ;)

[Stealthy Ninja]

^^ Cameras need batteries too. ;)

[rocker83]

thanks for the input! I really didn't know what forum to put it in...but I will do my best and share...in the right forum!

[sspellman]

Fashion show photography is difficult because of a variety of lighting conditions and the quick pace of the event. Less professional fashion shows without a large buget for professional lighting will almost always require flash for solid results. I would start with ISO400, centerpoint focus, f4, 1/125 and flash head on. Select a lens that will allow full length and close up pictures-most likely the 24-70. Your limiting factor will generally be slow flash recyle-so I use an external battery pack. It will take many pictures of a single outfit to get a solid runway picture witha good facial expression. Your best position is directly at the front of the runway.

If you get a chance, practice at the rehearsal to refine your technique.

-Scott