How should I shoot a fashion show?

[twrmnd]

Hi POTN,

I'm going to be shooting a fashion show at my school this Friday and I needed some advice. I will be using a Canon T1i gripped with a 50mm f/1.4. I was wondering if that would be adequate to take photos or should I use a 17-55mm f/2.8? I'm not worried about getting a good seat but I don't know if the 50mm could take photos of both the models on the catwalk and the various dancers that will be doing routines in between. The fashion show is at night so I was wondering if I should shoot manual and what settings to use or to shoot Av or Tv.

Thanks
Raymond

[[Hyuni]]

it's going to be tough if there's not a lot of light available.
It'd use your 50mm, put it on Tv to about 1/100th and bump up your ISO to get proper exposure.

Remember to use spot metering and since they usually walk at a brisk pace, put your AF on AISERVO.

I shot the Parsons vs FIT fushion fashion show last year (my friend won it 2009) when I was a complete newb at photography and had a VERY hard time shooting. I didn't get many keepers, especially since I didn't have a flash at the time.

I'd jump at the opportunity to shoot again now that I'm more knowledgeable...

Good luck!

[twrmnd]

Could you link me a thread where it explains metering?
The light actually wont be that bad because it doesn't get dark until around 9 and theres going to be a lot of lights around the area.

Thanks!

[René Damkot]

If the catwalk is evenly lit, don't bother with spot metering but use M: Meter, shoot, chimp, adjust until okay, don't touch it again ;)

If you don't understand metering, spot metering might not be the best idea anyhow.

Also, I'd prefer Av over Tv: IMO, DoF has more impact on an image then shutterspeed.

Metering: http://www.canon.co.jp/imaging/enjoydslr/part2/2E.html

[[Hyuni]]

Renee is right. Before the show starts, I would put your camera in Av mode, check out what settings it gives you, switch to manual and put in those settings and tweak it around to get proper exposure.
Once you get the right settings, all you have left is to shoot.
I rely on spot metering a lot because I use back button AF-ON focusing with exposure lock on my shutter. If you're unaware of metering modes, it'll be a lot easier (and more consistent) to find the right settings and dial them into your camera on M mode.

Keep in mind that models move a lot more brisk than you think, so keep in mind to keep the shutter speed at least around 1/100th. You can adjust as necessary though.

[sveneselgroth]

Hey there, I have written a blog post on lighting behind the scenes at a fashion show if it would be useful for anyone. I have put a fair amount of detail and even a diagram! http://www.gunforhireblog.com/2012/04/shooting-fashion-show-for-money.html

[400dabuser]

If it is dimly lit and allowed to use flash
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/297373_2498939754148_1272527819_32987280_341085673 _n.jpg

I used manual for this won't touch Av or Tv for something like a fashion show. You might have to chimp for a while to get the right exposure