Suggestions for shooting for a "Red Dress Event"

[SS308]

Hope I'm posting in the right area.

I've been asked to shoot for a fund raiser "Red Dress Event" for the local Red Heart Association. Many formals of Ladies walking down a cat walk etc..

Any suggestions?

My equipment:

50D gripped, 20D, EFS 17-85mm, EF 75-300mm, 580 EX II, numerous filters. Monfrotto Tripod and Monopod.

Thanks in advance.

[SS308]

Anybody?!

[Mark_Cohran]

You're really talking about fashion photography, not G&N. so I'm not sure how many responses you'll get in this forum.

Additional details about the shoot would help, like:

1. What do you mean by "formals" of ladies walking down a catwalk? Formal is usually considered a portrait with specific styles of lighting and poses. It sounds more like what you'll be doing is shooting candids of the models as the progress down the walk.

2. What is the venue like? How high, and what color are the ceilings? Where will you be in relation to the catwalk? How far away?

3. Will there be a rehearsal where you can practice?

If it were me, I'd do the following:

I'd make sure I would have a spot at the end of the catwalk where the models generally stop and pose for a second or too. I would get a spot marked on the catwalk floor with tape (an X or a line) and make sure the models know the do their stop and turn there.

By knowing where I stand and where they will be, I could then determine a preset focus and depth of field sufficient to ensure I get a sharp image of each model - the rehearsal, if there is one, would confirm those settings.

Finally, if possible, and by that I mean if the ceilings are low enough and white, I'd use my flash in bounce mode (straight up) with the catchlight panel pulled out to throw some light into the models face.

This would be done in a manual mode with manual focus and I would try to be on a small platform or step-stool so I wouldn't be shooting up at the models on the catwalk (no "up the nostrils" shots).

Others may go about this differently, but that's my take on it.

[SS308]

Mark, thank you very much. That's exactly the kind of information I was looking for! I'll get more info, now that I know what to look for.

On a side note, I really enjoy your pictures...thanks!bw!