PLEASE advise on Photoshoot

couscous007

I'm doing a photoshoot next week for a local organisation with the theme 'Positive Lives' - the client grouping is travellers, so i'm very intrigued and excited to do this, as it will expand my experience. Only problem is its a while since I actually did portraiture as I mainly focus on Landscapes after a crisis of confidence doing a wedding over a year ago - i said to myself no more people but said i'd do this as a favour for a good friend who couldnt find a photographer willing to do the shoot.

The shots will be mainly indoor, I have my 50mm f1.8 lens, among others - but was looking for advice on camera setting/s and ideas for shoot would be greatly welcomed.

The other "pressure" is that the finished shots are to be exhibited in an Art centre on 9th Dec - so tight deadline - please please advise - all comments will be greatly welcomed.

Fenster

Get them outdoors, however you can, and use that f/1.8 bokeh to fine effect. Headshots/portraits. Umm. Me un-wordy today.

Okay.

If you can get the participants outdoors, do so. Try to pick a non-distracting backdrop and position them in front of it for headshots/portraits. Make a set from that.

Chorcai

I think you should post a full list of gear you are thinking of bringing, the lads here will quickly tell you what else you could use.

'Positive Lives' for me should be bright, happy and fun photos.

pixbyjohn

Have a look here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/positivelives/2955747383/in/photostream/

squareballoon

I think I would take headshots on a black background. And hands, don't forget the hands.

Fajitas!

Well, if your comfort zone is landscapes, why don't you stick with that - and incorporate people into the environments you're shooting. You mention a crisis of confidence from the wedding, well this is a difference situation, you make it comfortable for yourself, you have a lot more control over the situation (And you don't even have to wait around for that golden light.) Use the gear you're used to using, a project for exhibition on a somewhat short timescale isn't the time to start experimenting!

Obviously, I don't know the ins and outs of your brief, but you say the locations are indoors, are the locations those of the travelling community?

Also, you have loads of time to do this if you can manage your time right. Mark in three days shooting time, another two days processing and correcting, followed by reviewing the images, then get on to a printer that can mount and frame for you.

My own personal preference in Dublin would be www.360-dpi.com - Who's printed off some fantastic quality prints for myself at awkward sizes in good time. Plenty of selection in papers too, to get exactly what you want.

Best of luck with it

121FOTO

The 50mm lens will force you to get very close to the subject. not that advisable with people not used to pose. Try something over 100mm. I'd get a reflector with me just for a bit of spark in their eyes ( or you could try Vodka ). A good tip is to get them to look away from the camera then ask them to look at you. Thats when you take the shot. For a split second there is that visual contact in their eyes..I dont know. it works for me.
I would try to include their hands in the shot. Hads are as expresive as the eyes and they paint a nice story. Loads of more advice but..no time. Sorry.