Portrait help needed
Dec 23, 2010 | 12:24 AM
#1
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| Teamspeed Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,059
From: Kansas City, Kansas
Portrait help needed
Hey guys.
A friend of mine has contacted me asking to take pictures of her cast for a small video she's producing. I took the offer, but I have no experience with shooting people and portraits whatsoever. So, I thought I'd read up and get as much info. as possible before I have to do the shoot in January.
Extra info/questions....
I'll be doing the shoot with a Nikon D5000 DSLR camera.
The shoot will be at her house, I'll be shooting ~15 people.
I currently own/can borrow the following lenses, which two would be the best?
Nikkor 18-55mm
Nikkor 18-200mm
Nikkor 55-200mm
Nikkor 50mm
I also have a Nikon SB-400 external speedlight, and could probably get my hands on an SB-600 and reflectors for the shoot.
I don't know what the "mood" of the pictures should be yet.
I'd prefer tips for shooting over post-processing and editing, although anything is much appreciated!
Many thanks to everyone that can help
A friend of mine has contacted me asking to take pictures of her cast for a small video she's producing. I took the offer, but I have no experience with shooting people and portraits whatsoever. So, I thought I'd read up and get as much info. as possible before I have to do the shoot in January.
Extra info/questions....
I'll be doing the shoot with a Nikon D5000 DSLR camera.
The shoot will be at her house, I'll be shooting ~15 people.
I currently own/can borrow the following lenses, which two would be the best?
Nikkor 18-55mm
Nikkor 18-200mm
Nikkor 55-200mm
Nikkor 50mm
I also have a Nikon SB-400 external speedlight, and could probably get my hands on an SB-600 and reflectors for the shoot.
I don't know what the "mood" of the pictures should be yet.
I'd prefer tips for shooting over post-processing and editing, although anything is much appreciated!
Many thanks to everyone that can help
Dec 23, 2010 | 11:03 AM
#2
Teamspeed Cigarette Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 620
From: Blue Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Monterey and beyond
imo for your d5k, i would rent/borrow/buy the 17-55. Its a fast wonderful lens-no regrets.
If you go to a ff (d700, d3 etc), then the 24-70 or even the 17-35.
Enjoy
If you go to a ff (d700, d3 etc), then the 24-70 or even the 17-35.
Enjoy
Dec 23, 2010 | 11:11 AM
#3
Teamspeed Cigarette Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 620
From: Blue Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Monterey and beyond
forgot to add this that you may already have
Shutterbug: How To Photograph Big Groups
also forums like nikon cafe are a great resource.
Shutterbug: How To Photograph Big Groups
also forums like nikon cafe are a great resource.
Dec 23, 2010 | 11:35 AM
#4
Teamspeed Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 873
From: Minnesota US
Yes the 17-55 (which I have) is very very nice. However, for portraits I think the 50 is a little better suited for it. Crank the aperture wide open and go nuts. Don't be afraid to shoot while they are just interacting with each other.
Dec 23, 2010 | 12:03 PM
#5
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,871
From: Montreal, CA
Not sure about flashes ... here's what happens when you fiddle with lights during a video shoot.
YouTube - Christian Bale Freaks Out on Set w/ SUBTITLES OF CREW in background
Stick to wide open apertures primes.
YouTube - Christian Bale Freaks Out on Set w/ SUBTITLES OF CREW in background
Stick to wide open apertures primes.
Dec 25, 2010 | 03:28 PM
#6
Teamspeed Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 141
From: Florida
I have a Nikon 35mm f/1.8 which I used for shooting an XMas card for some of our friends. It's only $189 and a fantastic portrait lens. Here's a quick one I shot, unprocessed but done with the 35mm.
Last edited by Murph5000; Dec 25, 2010 at 03:30 PM.
Dec 25, 2010 | 08:40 PM
#7
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 31,976
From: Minnesota
Use the nifty fifty with a wide aperture (f/2.0-2.8) and borrow the SB600 if you can. Point the flash head up towards the ceiling to bounce it so it won't be as harsh on the faces.
As for PP, it depends entirely on the mood and look that your friend is looking for based on theme of the video so ask her and edit accordingly.
As for PP, it depends entirely on the mood and look that your friend is looking for based on theme of the video so ask her and edit accordingly.
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