Getting paid to shoot people, but I've never done it before -- Questions!

Hey everyone. So, somehow an owner of a business found me, and wanted me to take some photos of people in his stores so he could put them on his website. The only thing is, I've never really shot photos before. He asked for waist-up shots. I agreed to do it, however, I want to actually take good pictures, and would like some tips, and have some questions.

1. What lens? I have a Tamron 17-50, and the nifty 50. I will probably bring both, but I'm not sure. They are both sharp.

2. Flash -- I do not have an external flash, only the built in one on my XTi. Should I bother renting/purchacing one? Or will the camera flash do? Any tips regarding using a flash, and shooting people? (ISO, bounce it or straight on, settings in general, etc)

3. Composition -- Going to assume normal composition laws apply here, and I'll just center frame them, but I'm wondering how bokeh-ey the photos should be. I guess that would be up to the client.

Any help would be appreciated. I have 2 weeks to practice.

Get a transparent empty 35mm film canister. Cut a slit in it wide enough for your pop up flash. Home made diffuser. Try to shoot a few in portrait and the rest in landscape but off centre. Centred looks boring and dull to be honest.

Shoot 3 per person in succession as most people are bound to blink at the worst time possible. As for bokeh, try to shoot about 2.8 for full facial shots. 1.8 if you really need it. The 50mm 1.8 will sing happy.

Can you in any way show me the canister diffuser make shift you are talking about. Like use your xti as the example but shoot with another cam just so i can see what you are talking about.

hah, that's an awesome trick elysium, thanks. You would recomend the nifty 50 over the tammy?

RebelChick wrote in post #5538243
Can you in any way show me the canister diffuser make shift you are talking about. Like use your xti as the example but shoot with another cam just so i can see what you are talking about.

I dont have my 400D here but it would look exactly like below.

Coppatop85 wrote in post #5538248
hah, that's an awesome trick elysium, thanks. You would recomend the nifty 50 over the tammy?

Yes, it is just as sharp IMO and gives you more light to play with.

Use your money to upgrade your equipment...

Don't try to do a paid shoot with the on camera flash - it gives crappy results - even with the home made diffusion device. You wouldn't haul gravel, for pay, in a compact sedan by covering the back seat with plastic - why be cheap when you are going to earn a few bucks with your camera,

You can get a used 420ex for about a hundred and fifty bucks. Or you can get a new Sigma EF 500 DG Super Flash (which is more capable) for about the same price.

http://cgi.ebay.com …ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm​dZViewItem

Bounce the flash and use a reflector diffuser - either home made or a commercial product:

Home made:

http://super.nova.org/​DPR/DIY01/

Commercial:

Chinese rip off of the Stofen:

http://cgi.ebay.com …ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm​dZViewItem

Sort of a Gary Fong Rip Off:

http://cgi.ebay.com …ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm​dZViewItem

My all-time favorite; the Joe Demb Flash Diffuser Pro:

http://www.dembflashpr​oducts.com/diffuser/mo​dels/

Here is another link regarding using a flash creatively:

http://planetneil.com …h-photography-techniques/

Best of luck.... Remember one successful paid job leads the way toanother.

RPCrowe wrote in post #5538942
Don't try to do a paid shoot with the on camera flash

Agree 100%

Have a look here for how to use flash.

If you have a tripod, use it. Makes it easier to fine-tune your composition, and obviously counters camera shake.

RPCrowe wrote in post #5538942
Don't try to do a paid shoot with the on camera flash - it gives crappy results - even with the home made diffusion device.

I, too, am in 100% agreement with this.

Looks like I should try and rent or borrow or buy (long been meaning to get one) a flash then. Wonder if I can go to best buy, get a flash, use it for a day, and return it...

Coppatop85 wrote in post #5541053
Wonder if I can go to best buy, get a flash, use it for a day, and return it...

Depends. Are you one of those picky pedantic people who gets cranky if they buy something that is supposed to be new and it has obviously been used?

Don't even go there, dude. Karma will get you in the end. Plus it's rude and fraudulent.

+1 on that Primm.
Just buy a flash and enjoy it! I would suggest the 580ex if you can swing the cost. B&H Photo Video will have a decent price and will give you great service.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com/

Yeah, I'm going to try and pick up a 430ex here on the forums.