November 12: Robin, Photograph the Conference photo

Robin Reid | all galleries >> Picture A Day (Year Two) >> Nov 05 PaD > November 12: Robin, Photograph the Conference


12-NOV-2005	Robin Reid

November 12: Robin, Photograph the Conference

Minneapolis, MN

I think I mentioned that the Executive Director asked me to photograph the people attending our annual conference again this year. So far today I have 60 candid images in the "can," and I expect to add at least that many each day.

They will be projected on large screens each day as people enter the main conference room for plenary sessions.

I'm open to feedback on my settings. I'm using a Canon 980EX flash with my 20D set on manual for 1/250th at f/4 to 5.6, at 200 ISO. This seems to be working pretty well, and I don't want to set up lights or anything like that. Any advice??

I hope you are enjoying your weekend. I am. This beats working for a living.

Oh, the subject here is Chrissa Merron a long time colleague and friend.

Canon EOS 20D ,Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
1/250s f/4.0 at 85.0mm iso200 with Flash full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto

previous | next

Manfred Bachmann		16-Nov-2005 01:21
Great shot, she looks very happy:)

Guest		15-Nov-2005 15:08
My comment to Pepe's comment: It's because we, ladies are afraid to face the reality, to see our wrinkles on the photo.. :) :) :) Great close-up candid! Gets my vote!

carol j. phipps		14-Nov-2005 14:01
Nice candid shot. Good dialogue, too.

snootydog		14-Nov-2005 05:58
Also, are you bouncing your flash or doing a head on? If head on, are you using any sort of diffuser?

snootydog		14-Nov-2005 05:56
Though this is a lovely shot and I think she looks great, you are likely to get more of a flash look with the settings you are using. Try dialing back on the shutter speed a bit so you can take advantage of the ambient light in the room. You will end up with some softer and more natural photos. But as I said, I really do like this one just fine.

Guest		13-Nov-2005 22:06
If you have time to PP, I'd suggest the healing brush, too. I've used it on "mature men" with great effect! ;)

Cliff		13-Nov-2005 06:21
I think it's a great shot - nice capture of this lovely high-energy lady! I have to shoot events too and appreciate the tips below. Thanks for opening this up.

shatterbug		13-Nov-2005 06:14
I like this shot, but I agree with Bandito. The healing brush makes a great facelift on mature women.

Herb		13-Nov-2005 03:20
You got some great advice there, have fun.

Cindy Flood		13-Nov-2005 02:32
You might try dragging the shutter. Put the camera on M, shutter on 1/60 and meter accordingly. Let ettl2 figure the flash. It prevents the "flash" look. You can try just setting shutter at 1/60 and aperture on f/8 and flash on ettl2. That usually works good in most situations. I see you used your new lens at 85mm...that should be perfect!

Guest		13-Nov-2005 02:18
Absolutely agree with Pepe - it's a RARE woman indeed who wants a digitally sharpened closeup image of herself show! Back off a bit, and do not sharpen. Also, if you have the time, add a duplicate layer, use the healing brush over some lines, then blend the opacity of the layers to softly blend out the lines if you can. Also, don't go too heavy on the wide angle - anything below 50mm makes the nose look fat. Consider a perspective stretch vertically if you end up with wide angle (very minor tweak - not a lot).

Gary Winters		13-Nov-2005 01:07
I have no advice. This looks good to me!

Coleen Perilloux Landry		13-Nov-2005 00:12
I agree with Pepe, unless you plan to add a lot of blur. However, this lady must not have known you were photographing her.

virginiacoastline		13-Nov-2005 00:04
and we like close ups just fine . . IF they are favorable =D

virginiacoastline		13-Nov-2005 00:03
expressive eyes and happy smile . . she appears vivacious =)

Pepe Zyman		12-Nov-2005 23:25
Robin: Ladies don't like closeups!