Need help with photo shoot

[nano1908]

My son's coach asked me to take a photo of the team on Saturday. I'm a super newbie. Should I set my camera on the portrait setting and hope for the best? Which lens should I use? This is going to be inside a gym. My equipment: Canon XP, Canon 580EX flash, 50mm 1.4, 28-135 IS and 24-85mm.

Need help thanx.

[heartseye]

Hi.....if you have room to use the 50mm, I would. set iso to 400 and the white balance to flash, and you're off and running. Oh, and I would just shoot it on Program, never mind the portrait setting.....cheers, Bob

[yokolok]

Originally Posted by nano1908

My son's coach asked me to take a photo of the team on Saturday. I'm a super newbie. Should I set my camera on the portrait setting and hope for the best? Which lens should I use? This is going to be inside a gym. My equipment: Canon XP, Canon 580EX flash, 50mm 1.4, 28-135 IS and 24-85mm.

Need help thanx.

i think you meant the "P" mode? that's Program mode, not Portrait...

i would suggest the 28-135 to allow you a wider angle...also check out the place to see if any sunlight gets in...you may not need to use a flash...go to the place and take a few sample shots with both lenses and see how that works out...

it might also help if you scan through some old year books or online sports sites to get an idea of how to "pose" them...

[jvolpe]

One suggestion is to make sure they are all looking at you. Take more than 1 picture and pick the best one. Kids are always making faces or looking the wrong way, so good luck. Relax and enjoy the moment. It's a fun experience

[Benji]

I use the KISS method whenever possible. Use on camera flash with the camera set on as automatic as possible and take six or eight images. These are documentary images not works of art. Leave a little extra space at both ends in case anyone wants an 8 x 10.

Benji

[KerryG]

I would use the 28-135 IS on a tripod, go for late afternoon so the sun isn't so harsh on them and use the 580ex flash for fill. Shoot in RAW so that you can adjust white balance and exposure better in post if you unsure of your settings.

[W.Smith]

Originally Posted by nano1908

My son's coach asked me to take a photo of the team on Saturday. I'm a super newbie. Should I set my camera on the portrait setting and hope for the best? Which lens should I use? This is going to be inside a gym. My equipment: Canon XP, Canon 580EX flash, 50mm 1.4, 28-135 IS and 24-85mm.

Need help thanx.

Hi nano,

whether that team is 4 or 40 people will make a lot of difference.

I'd stick on the 28-135, and use a focal length between 85 and 135, and put as much distance between myself/the camera and the group as the situation allows. The longer the focal length the more flattering the (lack of) perspective distortion, in people('s faces). I'd choose outside if possible, late afternoon, between 4pm and 5pm, sun at the team's side or, preferably, rear to minimize squinting, tripod, aperture priority f/5.6, spotmetering the faces, AEL, bracket, RAW(+JPG), and shoot as many as I could.

If possible, I'd try to get some fill from the 580EX. On-camera it may be too distant from the group, so off-camera flash may be neccessary, placing the light closer to the group. In that case 2 remote flashguns, 45 degrees on either side, may be best.

Have fun!

[nano1908]

Wow, thanx guys. At least now I have an idea of what to use. I've used the 50mm and the 28-135mm and I liked the way the 50mm came out a little bit better. Still a little undecided. Saturday morning is the moment of truth. I'll keep fingers crossed.