SEMA 2009

[synth19]

Hi, I am going to SEMA next month. I have never been to this show, so I have a few questions. Currently I'm using a 40d and am considering using my 10-22 exclusively considering how busy it's going to be. I assume I'll have to get up close for most shots. My concern is the lighting. Would it be weird if I used my tripod? I have never used flash before and I don't think this is the right event to test this out. Let me know your thoughts... thanks!

[stu46]

I've gotten good exposure times with a monopod. It would be a bit more portable.

[PhotosGuy]

Auto show tips? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=297624)

[synth19]

^ I did look at this thread. But I'm curious how doable a tripod would really be @ SEMA.

[n3gativ3]

Hi, I am going to SEMA next month. I have never been to this show, so I have a few questions. Currently I'm using a 40d and am considering using my 10-22 exclusively considering how busy it's going to be. I assume I'll have to get up close for most shots. My concern is the lighting. Would it be weird if I used my tripod? I have never used flash before and I don't think this is the right event to test this out. Let me know your thoughts... thanks!

Good Ol SEMA..... I have shot at SEMA for the last 3 years. Let me give you some suggestions.
One of the years I used a 16-35mm f/2.8. With that lens, I felt I had to get too close to the models to photograph. It almost seemed a little awkward. LOL! The vehicle images came out great with that lens. The year after that I switched to a 24-70mm f/2.8. That felt a little better. I could keep a better distance from everything. I used my 580EX flash with a diffuser for every image. (to eliminate hotspots)
On the tripod question..... you could use a tripod but remember that is one extra thing you need to carry around ALL DAY. Also you have to consider that there are tons of people trying to get the same picture as you whether its a car or a model. So being able to get your picture in the fastest amount of time is the best. Take that time into consideration (setting up a tripod, composing your image, then closing your tripod). A monopod might be a better idea.

If you plan on walking the whole show bring the most comfortable shoes you have. Trust me on that one.

Hope that answers some of your questions.

[synth19]

^ Thanks, much appreciated.

[veronephoto]

my 8th year there this year, dont bring your tripod, there's a good chance it will get knocked over. It is ridiculously packed in the South and North Hall. In the midway, no way in hell. Go hand held and you should be fine. I used a 28-135. No prob. I tried my 20-35 but I needed some more zoom. This year Im gonna use the 24-105 f4. Bring Dr. Scholl's inserts. Its about 30 miles in walking if you do the whole show, all the halls, upstairs and downstairs. This doesnt even include APEX

dont forget:
Tuesday night --spo com party
Wednesday night --0-60 magazine party
Thursday --falken tires party

[synth19]

veronephoto, are you going with flash or without? My hand/held skills are not the best. :(

[veronephoto]

I'll bring a 580ex2 but the lighting is great inside the convention center

[HoRnYTuRbO]

Bump your iso to get up to speed and go ealry to avoid crowds, bring a CP filter and flash if u can

[4g63]

i wish i could go to SEMA...

[Burrellimages]

I'll be attending again this year and was worried about the 28-135. I just got that lens with my 7d and was scared it wouldnt be wide enough so im taking my 17-85 as well. I cover car shows ALL the time and never had a problem, but SEMA is a whole other animal. LOL

I also plan on bringing my 580 flash, but with the 7d, i might be able to up the ISO and be fine. Any suggestions?

[John Photography]

V - i'll see you there!

i'm planning on shooting with my 24-70 hand held. i'll bring the 580ex2 if needed.

[Burrellimages]

I stopped by a show today on my way to Vegas and used my new 28-135 and figured out REAL quick that it didn't go wide enough for show coverage. Will be fine for features and other photos, but ill stick with my 17-85 for show coverage and for SEMA. Glad I packed it in my bag for Vegas. LOL

[328somewhere]

These are some good tips for car shows.

[NaturalMystic]

Well I guess you're enjoying the show as I write this. I was there in 2003 and only had a Nikon P&S at the time. Since then I've gotten by at other indoor shows with just the18-70 or now the 18-200VR on my Nikon D70 or now D300. With the 18-70 I needed a tripod or really steady hands but with the 18-200VR handheld is fine. I know you're shooting Canon but with a fast and wide lens you should do fine.
Walking around with a tripod is a real PITA because you're constantly adjusting it to compose each shot, unless you're shooting every one from the same height, etc, which gets monotonous and boring.
Decent fast glass with IS/VR should do the job just fine.
Hope you're enjoying the show. I was supposed to go this year but had to pull out at the last minute. My buddies that are there are having a blast though.

[synth19]

Just got back and used ONE lens (10-22) and my tripod. Might have looked kinda dorky, but it worked. :)

Here are my pics. 100+ ! I have to warn you, spread across 6-7 pages. heh

http://www.jdmchicago.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3153

[NaturalMystic]

Synth19, just checked out the coverage you posted. Great work! That CF Zonda is sweet! What lens did you use though? I'm noticing some barrel distortion on some shots.

Anyhow, thanks again for posting and I hope you had a good time. I'm debating going to the Tokyo Auto Salon in Jan(?).

[synth19]

Synth19, just checked out the coverage you posted. Great work! That CF Zonda is sweet! What lens did you use though? I'm noticing some barrel distortion on some shots.

Anyhow, thanks again for posting and I hope you had a good time. I'm debating going to the Tokyo Auto Salon in Jan(?).

Some of that is intentional. :) I used my 10-22 for 100% of the shots. I also brought the 24-70, stayed in the bag the entire time. Love the sharpness of that lens, but too limiting for a car show imho (on a crop)!

[zelseman]

Great coverage, and it looks like you had ALOT of people viewing your pictures.
I like the use of the 10-22. The distortion does not bother me at all.
Also I love how alot of them get people moving around with the slow shutter gives it a lens-zoom effect.

[synth19]

Thanks dude... I posted all the pics as thumbs here:

www.jdmchicago.com

First blog post, at least for this week.