By Peter Phun, on May 23rd, 2010%
Lunchtime entertainment–UC Davis students danced during the talent show at the recent UC African American Black Coalition Conference on the campus of UC RIverside.
I mentioned in my previous post on event photography, the more important the event, the more likely there will be a printed program.
This program is extremely useful because you can use it to plan your coverage.
Since I work alone, this program can help me decide where to be and with what lens I’m going to shoot the scene before me.
A very tight picture of the program can serve as a very effective title slide or opening when I author a slideshow. Continue reading Tips on event photography Part 2
By Peter Phun, on May 18th, 2010%
Scene setter–During a Prisoner of War medal presentation ceremony at Riverside’s Mission Inn, this veteran decked out in full military regalia waiting for the ceremony to begin, gave me a good opportunity to set the scene.
Event photography is as straightforward as it sounds.
What your client wants is often straight documentation of the event.
Most events have some components which are predictable so expect you’ll need:
- the customary keynote speaker at the podium
- the reaction of the audience (hopefully the speaker is engaging).
- some award presentations
- some group pictures
Most of the time, your client will make sure you’re in position and ready.
More than likely too, if it’s a big deal, they will have a schedule that is printed and handed to all guests so they know what to expect.
Continue reading Tips on event photography Part 1
By Peter Phun, on April 17th, 2010%
I can’t remember an April as busy as this in a long time.
But it’s been a really good mix of play and work.
First there was my little exhibit, then Easter/Spring vacation followed by the launch of my very own small flash lighting workshop.
Faces from Santa Barbara
Interesting character–I bet this cowboy’s collection jar is usually full by the end of the evening. Demeanor and persona is important when you’re a musician performing in public. The best musicians don’t necessarily have that, that’s probably why they need to hire a publicists? I shot with my 50 mm lens as well and in the end, I liked this one with my wide angle best because it gives you a sense of location and therefore “context.” For vacation pictures, sometimes that’s important.
On Tuesday evenings the city of Santa Barbara hosts its Farmers Market on State Street, downtown.
I’m a sucker for an interesting face so I gravitated towards the street performers and musicians.
In particular I liked this guitar-slinging fellow who sang Country songs, used a train whistle and harmonica for accompaniment.
When you’re out in public, you can’t assume everyone wants a camera in their face.
Continue reading Faces on public streets
By Peter Phun, on February 13th, 2010%
Unless you have darkroom experience, you probably won’t know what a “contact sheet” or “proof sheet” is.
Now that we have digital photography, the term itself is irrelevant.
The “contact sheet” or “proof sheet” is nothing more than a grid of thumbnails of your entire shoot which displays unique numbers underneath each image.
A lot can be learned from it. But you must have the right attitude when you share it with your coach or mentor.
Remember not to get defensive. If you’re asking for help this way, leave the attitude at the door.
As I said previously, if you have enough memory cards, never erase your images in the camera.
I’m not saying save those “masterpieces” of your foot, car trunk or back of your lens cap when you accidentally fired off the shutter.
Continue reading Learning from your contact sheet
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