First PJ assignment -- Help!!!

After months of haranguing a friend who owns a magazine for a shot to shoot something for him, he finally called today. He asked me to shoot a press conference for him next week, as his regular guy is out of town on assignment.

I jumped at the chance, and am all set to go. Problem is, I have never ever BEEN to a press conference, so I have not idea what I am in for.

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Ide go 40D with 70-200 f2.8 IS L and 30D with 17-40L and a speedlight. Take a small bag and stick in your 85 f1.8, 24-105 and other speedlight as well as spare batteries.

You will likely shoot with the 70-200 most i imagine it will be up on a podium talking so mainly just face shots, if there is a logo in the background or on the podium try get that to.

You are wise beyond your years. Thanks!

you know,im the first guy to have the zen view of jump off the cliff and the bridge will appear
but a little research wouldn't hurt either,am i right ?

there is also this pearl of wisdom

fail to prepare,prepare to fail.

if anyone wants to throw tomatoes,i love tomatoes

Take it, but if it's televised, the TV lights should be bright enough that you won't need to use it.

This might spoil it for some people - but take several pictures of this person with different facial expressions. Based on the "un-biased" decisions of the editor/paper-owner/article writer, they might want to use different kinds (One that makes them look mean, proud, dumb, funny, important, etc.)

Also try to get a horizontal and vertical of each shot (your editors will love you). Oh, and if you're going to be in the "pit" at the front of a stage, you'll be on your knees/ass for a long time - pop a few Excedrin/Aspirin or whatever an hour before your shoot and you'll be golden.

Yea, definitely prepare ahead of time - make triple sure you have everything and TEST FIRE YOUR CAMERA before you leave for the shoot. I can't tell you how many times I've taken a shot 5 minutes before I leave, and realize I didn't have a card in, or there was a huge smudge on the lens I was going to use, or my sensor was dirty.

Also, watch the pro's you'll be surrounded by. Theres nothing wrong with learning by copying somebody with more skills that you! If they move someplace to get a different angle, try it! Sometimes you might feel in the way, or awkward if you move, and each event is different. I usually just get a feel for what everybody else is doing and follow suit.

Good luck out there!

Definitely ask about the venue, where you will in comparison to the speaker, etc. You may be limited in your placement and that can save you from lugging equipment you won't need.

The venue is small. I am somewhat familiar with it.

congrats Matt let us know how it goes

Yea. Definetly let is know how it was.

I've got something similar in two weeks. Also my first time

If there are TV Cameras, please stay low when moving in front of them. The news shooters will love you for this...

Good Luck

Well, I am off to see how it goes. Thanks for the tips -- I am locked and loaded, and we will see how it goes!

Thanks
Ty