Hired For B-Day Party..Need Help!

[DavidSR]

Hey guys,

I was hired to do a b-day/wine tasting party consisting of 30 people in an upscale part of Dallas and this will be my first paid shoot..I know..not the smartest thing to do, but everyone else who responded to me flaked out on me. Anyways, I have an XTi, kit lens, flash and off camera stuff. This is going to be indoors and outside on a patio. Any tips? I don't know if I should worry about the glare on the wine glasses or anything else. I was planning on taking my brother as a voice activated light stand, but that might be the end of me..lol..my light stand might take better direction than my brother.

She has seen my pictures and is still deciding to go with me over other photographers, so she knows what I'm capable of with what I have. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!!

[Rainyday]

I'm not a pro, so my opinion is probably worth zilch. But what the hey...

Be gentle when photographing people who are fat.

Be aware of how annoying flash can be for some people.

Work quickly. Really quickly.

If some people don't want their picture taken, respect that.

If they want to see the image, let 'em. If they don't like it, delete it. If they are okay with it, keep it.

Watch for the obvious-lamps growing out of their heads, stuff like that.

I've learned all this from covering events at work. It really helps and once you get a reputation for being fast, gentle and considerate, everybody wants you and your camera at every event.

[Super-Nicko]

be pro-active in your approach... dont sit back hoping people will group together for the shot... some might but most wont...

a nice friendly approach really helps "...hey guys are you having a good night? ive been asked to get some shots of this event - mind me taking a few... " lift camera up - they bunch together naturally... dont be shy to say - hang on - 1 more.... :)

dont forget to vary your shots... esp if lots are group ones like this... some from eye height, some from knee - left right etc etc...

i think a nice friendly joking attitude really helps... like "oiy!!! you blinked! 1 more - cmon you always wanted to be famous" - keeps people smiling too...

Take business cards... wouldnt be surprised if it leads to another paid gig...

[DavidSR]

Thanks for the informative replies guys!!! I was thinking of taking business cards, but I don't have any printed!!! This event is going to pay a decent amount of money in my opinion, since I'm just starting out. I was going to try and print a wallet size of one of my prints and write my contact info. on the back, would that look to amateurish?

[PhotosGuy]

I was going to try and print a wallet size of one of my prints and write my contact info. on the back, would that look to amateurish?
I've done something similar to that when I wanted 1-2 special purpose "cards".
Post your business cards - See post #76 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=3214574&postcount=76)

Try VistaPrint (http://www.vistaprint.com/)when you have time.

[DavidSR]

Thanks for that!! I'm designing my card right now.

[iAMB]

Be social with the people. Let them know that you are there but to the point that you were invited and just a guy snapping some wonderful photographs. Be a little forceful, but respect the people. A good attitude will always lead to more people being friendly with you, especially to those who normally do not like photos taken of them

[HappySnapper90]

I hope the environment will be decently lit. Because the on-board flash will fire the strobe of flashes if the lens senses it needs help focusing and that strobe will be an instant turn off for those it is blinding. Though I'm not sure dragging a light stand like a hospital I.V. stand would be good for an event like yours.

And as someone said you need to be open and friendly, hopefully you're outgoing, if you are to get good photos instead of just candids.

[DavidSR]

Thanks for the help!! I wasn't planning on using my on-board flash since my strobes fire with triggers. I have seen pro's shoot with flash at weddings, but I will just have to see how they do it.

[SYS]

Get there early, taste some wine, and you'll be all right...:)