office shots

i was asked to take some shots of some people at my work (heads of different departments). i have a 40D, 50mm f/1.8 and 24-70mm f/2.8 L. i don't have any lighting equipment right now. not even a flash.
how should i take the shots? any recomendations? should the people stand or sit? should i take some sheets to make a background? what color should i use? please give me some advice. it's my first time shooting for money and i'm really nervous...

You should not be doing this...........nothing more to discuss.

I'd go with natural light.

Most buildings have lots of windows that allow light in.

I'd also take a sheet to diffuse the light if the time of day when you are doing this is
when there is harsh light outdoors. You can use thin white paper, etc.

Some of the best portraits (most being award winning) I've ever see were done using natural lighting.

Get your head in the gear and remember confidence is a big part of the game.

You can and should be doing this! Shoot if anything its practice. Yea try doing some stuff at home practicing on a kid or something with natural window light... and since its at work maybe you can get a assistant to hold a reflector for you filling the rest of the lighting....
Or maybe go outside. theres no reason you shouldnt be doing this. unless challenges arent your thing! hehe

stathunter wrote in post #5730095
You should not be doing this...........nothing more to discuss.

i am doing this. and doing this not because of the money, but because i have this opportunity to get real hands on experience.

and one more question. should i use the built-in flash? or it won't do any good in this situation?

I think I agree with Scott. You shouldn't do it - taking pictures of bosses with little or no experience is probably a no-win situation. You say you want the experience - why not take pictures of friends and family in similar situations first, before you agree to take the office pictures. That way, you can gain a little expertise before potentially making yourself look silly. Judging by some of the questions you are asking, it seems that you are not ready yet.

Are you taking "head shots" of heads of departments - or are you shooting them "in their place of work"?

If it's the former, then maybe you can choose the location for the shoot. If it is only head & shoulders, then maybe you could use the boardroom - or CEO's office - or the canteen (depending on size of company I guess! )

However, you need to appear professional so I'm not sure I would recommend you turning up with some sheets to hang from a coat-hook (you probably wouldn't - but you get my drift)

As I said, use a room with plenty of natural light, try not to sit them in front of a window and use a tripod if you have one.

If it's option #2 (in their place of work) then only you know what the lighting will be like (as you work there!) If it's too dark then I would decline the job - UNLESS they can be persuaded - in return for their pics - to buy you a speedlite! (now theres an idea!)

Good luck

TJ

I have shot many office groups like what you are talking about.
But always with lights. I would never try to shoot that with available
light. To much to go wrong.

Roy Mathers wrote in post #5730251
I think I agree with Scott. You shouldn't do it - taking pictures of bosses with little or no experience is probably a no-win situation. You say you want the experience - why not take pictures of friends and family in similar situations first, before you agree to take the office pictures. That way, you can gain a little expertise before potentially making yourself look silly. Judging by some of the questions you are asking, it seems that you are not ready yet.

it's not like i'm on a contract with them. i was asked if i could help. i agreed. because last time they hired a pro and payed a ton of money for pictures that were not as good as they could have been.

TeeJay wrote in post #5730274
Are you taking "head shots" of heads of departments - or are you shooting them "in their place of work"?

If it's the former, then maybe you can choose the location for the shoot. If it is only head & shoulders, then maybe you could use the boardroom - or CEO's office - or the canteen (depending on size of company I guess! )

However, you need to appear professional so I'm not sure I would recommend you turning up with some sheets to hang from a coat-hook (you probably wouldn't - but you get my drift)

As I said, use a room with plenty of natural light, try not to sit them in front of a window and use a tripod if you have one.

If it's option #2 (in their place of work) then only you know what the lighting will be like (as you work there!) If it's too dark then I would decline the job - UNLESS they can be persuaded - in return for their pics - to buy you a speedlite! (now theres an idea!)

Good luck

TJ

it's going to be "head shots"...
yes, i have a tripod. and i can buy a decent background.

speedlite flash.... i was going to buy one. but i wanted to buy the best one. right now i can only afford 430 EX. and in a couple of months i don't really want to regret buying it.

stathunter wrote in post #5730095
You should not be doing this...........nothing more to discuss.

Nice... Really nice.... Should of figured though.... Look at how he colors michigan...

av3nger wrote in post #5730295
it's not like i'm on a contract with them. i was asked if i could help. i agreed. because last time they hired a pro and payed a ton of money for pictures that were not as good as they could have been.

That's partly my point - if a pro didn't satisfy them, what makes you think you could?

av3nger wrote in post #5730356
it's going to be "head shots"...
yes, i have a tripod. and i can buy a decent background.

Not sure you need a background, cant you just use whats there and throw it out of focus with a shallow DOF?

av3nger wrote in post #5730356
speedlite flash.... i was going to buy one. but i wanted to buy the best one. right now i can only afford 430 EX. and in a couple of months i don't really want to regret buying it.

So, if nothing else, why not get them to pay the difference for an upgrade to a 580EXII? Simple! If you don't ask, you don't get!

TJ

Just get some practice in before you go.
and i totally agree with you. you really have to start somewhere i think.
and yes dont rely on natural light becuase it CAN go wrong you just know its availible...
Just get your tripod set your white balance to flouresent or tungsten depending on how and use the light you can... but i would practice specifically what your doing try to duplicate the setting at your office at home so when you go to work and are ready to shoot. you have a better idea and understanding where to be at.

Roy Mathers wrote in post #5730441
That's partly my point - if a pro didn't satisfy them, what makes you think you could?

he did. he didn't satisfy me. i've seen good pictures, i know where to look at to find mistakes. and those were not pro pictures.

TeeJay wrote in post #5730442
Not sure you need a background, cant you just use whats there and throw it out of focus with a shallow DOF?

So, if nothing else, why not get them to pay the difference for an upgrade to a 580EXII? Simple! If you don't ask, you don't get!

TJ

all the backgrounds here are pretty bad. most offices in Russia are not like in US. especially not in big companies.