Shooting a conference w/80d

[stixclgi]

TLR - Shooting a conference w/80d, need advice on rental equip and general shooting tips.

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Good afternoon DP

I apologize in advance for this wordy post. Please move if this is the wrong forum.

I had a question about my gear setup for a large conference I will be shooting in June. I wanted to run my gear list by photogs with more experience than my 2 or 3 years lol. I'll be shooting in a large conference center with an extremely high ceiling and dim lights. Not quite dark, but think banquet style lighting. I will also be doing some portrait work for a graduation ceremony taking place at the same event. I have a small budget (around $200) for equipment rentals and was thinking of renting some equipment:

Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II

Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L IS II

Two(2) light stands to mount OFC's (portraits)

To round out my list, I will be bringing with me or purchasing beforehand:

Canon 80d w/battery grip

Extra batteries (4 total)

Canon 18-135 USM

Canon 50 1.8

Yongnuo 568exII flash

Yongnuo yn600ex-rt

Yongnuo yx600(?) radio transceiver

4 SD cards

Slew of rechargeable AA batteries

Laptop w/2 or 3 1TB HDD's for backups

Two(2) tripods

So my questions:

Has anyone used the 24-70 f/2.8 on their 80d, and if so do you think this lens is worth renting for the situation (high ceiling, no flash, lower light)? I know it will be better than my 16-135 f/3.8-5.6 USM

Secondly, regarding the flashes, I've never used OFC before, so if the 600ex-rt has a radio transmitter built in, do I still need two transceivers or just one for the 568exII?

Finally, is there a fast method of uploading my sd card to my hdd? I thought I saw a device before, but I don't know what it's called.


Thank you in advance for your help, I hope you are having/you have a wonderful day!

 

[Mark B.]

TLR - Shooting a conference w/80d, need advice on rental equip and general shooting tips.

*LENGTHY POST WARNING*

*YOU'VE BEEN WARNED*

Good afternoon DP

I apologize in advance for this wordy post. Please move if this is the wrong forum.

I had a question about my gear setup for a large conference I will be shooting in June. I wanted to run my gear list by photogs with more experience than my 2 or 3 years lol. I'll be shooting in a large conference center with an extremely high ceiling and dim lights. Not quite dark, but think banquet style lighting. I will also be doing some portrait work for a graduation ceremony taking place at the same event. I have a small budget (around $200) for equipment rentals and was thinking of renting some equipment:

Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II

Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L IS II

Two(2) light stands to mount OFC's (portraits)

To round out my list, I will be bringing with me or purchasing beforehand:

Canon 80d w/battery grip

Extra batteries (4 total)

Canon 18-135 USM

Canon 50 1.8

Yongnuo 568exII flash

Yongnuo yn600ex-rt

Yongnuo yx600(?) radio transceiver

4 SD cards

Slew of rechargeable AA batteries

Laptop w/2 or 3 1TB HDD's for backups

Two(2) tripods

So my questions:

Has anyone used the 24-70 f/2.8 on their 80d, and if so do you think this lens is worth renting for the situation (high ceiling, no flash, lower light)? I know it will be better than my 16-135 f/3.8-5.6 USM

Secondly, regarding the flashes, I've never used OFC before, so if the 600ex-rt has a radio transmitter built in, do I still need two transceivers or just one for the 568exII?

Finally, is there a fast method of uploading my sd card to my hdd? I thought I saw a device before, but I don't know what it's called.

I'll just address the SD card question, and let others respond about the rest. There is a specific hard drive that will allow you to d/l directly from an SD card - Western Digital Wireless Pro to be specific. A smartphone app allows you to confirm & view the transfer. But there is no way to directly d/l from your SD card to a simple 'dumb' HDD, not without it being connected to the laptop.

Mark

 

[elfroggio]

Do you think that do it all may be too much to bite, especially when you don't have the experience?

Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II

No, not for events. Portraits, that's another story

Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L IS II

Yes or a 24-70 f/4. It use the f/4 all the time. It's 1/3 less in size and weight than the f/2.8

Canon 50 1.8

Yes. Love my new f/1.8 STM and very cheap. f/2.2 and focus on the eyes

Two(2) light stands to mount OFC's (portraits)

No

You are better off, "renting a buddy" for the flash. 1 flash corded with a "good" eTTL flash to give you the "side-ish" lighting.

Don't try to do it all yourself. Your buddy can talk to the people, distract them... make them less conscious and stiff...

To practice, get a toy or a doll go into the bathroom! with most of the lights dimmed and take photos with flash bounced with the flash on camera and with the flash corded to the camera and you holding the flash high up in one hand and the camera in the other.

Then try a very, very large room like a banquet hall or a train station and bounce flash. You will be amazed by how much light is being bounced back if the ceiling/walls are white or off-white.

Flash: I don't like the Yongnuos. Very unreliable, my 2 Yongnuo flashs have died, now they only fire full power.

I have switched to Godox/Adorama-Flashpoint flashes (in addition to my Canon flash).

Important tip:

Have somebody, reliable, that will show you:

• who to photograph (and keeps track of who needs to be photographed)
• where are the locationS (sometimes they are private/other rooms and they conveniently 'forgot' to let you know)

 

[Dale Garman]

well you have asked a lot of questions and it's hard to know where to start. First of all I would never do an event with one camera and one flash. That's just a non starter in my book, way too risky if you are the one who has to bring home the pictures. I have had unexplained issues just suddenly crop up in the middle of an event and you need plan b now, not next event.

With the lenses you are talking about you are going to be carrrying some weight and your are planning for a lot of moving parts. Unless you are very experience with all those moving parts, I would recommend you simplify. The suggestion of having someone help with the off camera flash is a good one. But you can even use something like a Rogue Flash bender, and with an RT transmitter get the flash off the camera and to the side while holding the camera with the other. The flash will stop any motion. However, the more weight on the camera the less likely that option is.

So final thought - simplify.

 

[guy schlacter]

I think the OP needs to be more specific with what the expectations and setup of the Conference will be for capturing shots.

Milling around during networking events you want the 24-70 f2.8ii And could be even a little long when under 6' away from ppl on a crop sensor.

if you need to take photos of the speaker in from off the room, 70-200 f2.8ii would give you very good flexibility

i wouldn't plan on using flash except For imore fixed setup portrait or group ..needs..

 

[stixclgi]

I'll just address the SD card question, and let others respond about the rest. There is a specific hard drive that will allow you to d/l directly from an SD card - Western Digital Wireless Pro to be specific. A smartphone app allows you to confirm & view the transfer. But there is no way to directly d/l from your SD card to a simple 'dumb' HDD, not without it being connected to the laptop.

Mark

Thank you for the response. This is exactly what I was looking for...an external HDD with a built in SD card reader! I found some other devices earlier today, but they were all over $200!
--
Your mind is a canvas. Your emotions are the brushes; and your memories paint the picture...

 

[stixclgi]

Do you think that do it all may be too much to bite, especially when you don't have the experience?

Thank you for your response!

Honestly, I won't know until I do it. I've attended this conference for the last 25 years, so I know how things work and who everyone is. I shot as a member of the photo team last year at the same conference, just during a different event. I'm inclined to think I'll be alright, but I definitely want to be as prepared as possible.

Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II

No, not for events. Portraits, that's another story

I was definitely planning on using this lens for the graduate portraits. I've used it twice before...I love this lens! There will be some occassions where I will need the focal range, but I figure to use the 24-70 the most.

Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L IS II

Yes or a 24-70 f/4. It use the f/4 all the time. It's 1/3 less in size and weight than the f/2.8

Canon 50 1.8

Yes. Love my new f/1.8 STM and very cheap. f/2.2 and focus on the eyes

Two(2) light stands to mount OFC's (portraits)

No

You are better off, "renting a buddy" for the flash. 1 flash corded with a "good" eTTL flash to give you the "side-ish" lighting.

Don't try to do it all yourself. Your buddy can talk to the people, distract them... make them less conscious and stiff...

Are you suggesting I get my friend to hold the flash for me? I definitely like the idea of having a second person there to make the grads feel comfortable. It helps that I know quite a few of them too.

To practice, get a toy or a doll go into the bathroom! with most of the lights dimmed and take photos with flash bounced with the flash on camera and with the flash corded to the camera and you holding the flash high up in one hand and the camera in the other.

Then try a very, very large room like a banquet hall or a train station and bounce flash. You will be amazed by how much light is being bounced back if the ceiling/walls are white or off-white.

I've been practicing with my flashe. Sometimes I feel like I'm really getting it, others I want to throw everything away lol! I'll be able to practice in a large room this weekend, so I will take your suggestion to heart!

Flash: I don't like the Yongnuos. Very unreliable, my 2 Yongnuo flashs have died, now they only fire full power.

I have switched to Godox/Adorama-Flashpoint flashes (in addition to my Canon flash).

I've been looking at Godox flashes for a bit also. So Godox and Adorama Flashpoint are the same products? I read somewhere that Godox also makes CheetahLights. I want to purchase a flash with a built in radio transceiver so I need as few radio remotes as possible. Which model Godox/Adorama are you using?

Important tip:

Have somebody, reliable, that will show you:

• who to photograph (and keeps track of who needs to be photographed)
• where are the locationS (sometimes they are private/other rooms and they conveniently 'forgot' to let you know)

THank you! I've created a list of important moments/people to capture during the event and shared it with the organizer. That should cover the "who" hopefully. Fortunately, the event I'm shooting at will be held in one main room, so everyone I need to capture should be in there.

Thank you again!

 

[elfroggio]

You are better off, "renting a buddy" for the flash. 1 flash corded with a "good" eTTL flash to give you the "side-ish" lighting.

Don't try to do it all yourself. Your buddy can talk to the people, distract them... make them less conscious and stiff...

Are you suggesting I get my friend to hold the flash for me? I definitely like the idea of having a second person there to make the grads feel comfortable. It helps that I know quite a few of them too.

Friend: yes

You know know quite a few of them: no it doesn't help. You are becoming the 'enemy', you have the camera. That's how most people see a big camera. Smaller cameras are more friendly.

To practice, get a toy or a doll go into the bathroom! with most of the lights dimmed and take photos with flash bounced with the flash on camera and with the flash corded to the camera and you holding the flash high up in one hand and the camera in the other.

Then try a very, very large room like a banquet hall or a train station and bounce flash. You will be amazed by how much light is being bounced back if the ceiling/walls are white or off-white.

I've been practicing with my flashe. Sometimes I feel like I'm really getting it, others I want to throw everything away lol! I'll be able to practice in a large room this weekend, so I will take your suggestion to heart!

It's very simple:

1. camera speed = ambient light
2. aperture = flash light
3. set camera to manual: 1/180s or 1/125s
4. set lens to manual: f/4 or f/5.6
5. set iso to 400 or 800
6. set flash to ttl

Flash: I don't like the Yongnuos. Very unreliable, my 2 Yongnuo flashs have died, now they only fire full power.

I have switched to Godox/Adorama-Flashpoint flashes (in addition to my Canon flash).

I've been looking at Godox flashes for a bit also. So Godox and Adorama Flashpoint are the same products? I read somewhere that Godox also makes CheetahLights. I want to purchase a flash with a built in radio transceiver so I need as few radio remotes as possible. Which model Godox/Adorama are you using?

• 565exii

Important tip:

Have somebody, reliable, that will show you:

• who to photograph (and keeps track of who needs to be photographed)
• where are the locationS (sometimes they are private/other rooms and they conveniently 'forgot' to let you know)

THank you! I've created a list of important moments/people to capture during the event and shared it with the organizer. That should cover the "who" hopefully. Fortunately, the event I'm shooting at will be held in one main room, so everyone I need to capture should be in there.

No. You are already busy enough. You can't take good photos and think of what you need to do next at the same time. When you have lot of experience with that type of photography, you can start doing it on your own. You are still learning the technical stuff.

Other important tip

• head in a clear spot: which is quite difficult in busy places.

 

[stixclgi]

Friend: yes

You know know quite a few of them: no it doesn't help. You are becoming the 'enemy', you have the camera. That's how most people see a big camera. Smaller cameras are more friendly.

I understand. I asked this morning, based on your suggestion. My girlfriend (who is part of the staff for the event) and one of the other organizers will assist me with the grad photos/flash.

It's very simple:

1. camera speed = ambient light
2. aperture = flash light
3. set camera to manual: 1/180s or 1/125s
4. set lens to manual: f/4 or f/5.6
5. set iso to 400 or 800
6. set flash to ttl

Thank you for the config tips. I will be practicing this weekend!

• 565exii

Is this a Godox model? I only see Yongnuo's with this model designation. Have you seen the Godox TT685C?

No. You are already busy enough. You can't take good photos and think of what you need to do next at the same time. When you have lot of experience with that type of photography, you can start doing it on your own. You are still learning the technical stuff.

Other important tip

• head in a clear spot: which is quite difficult in busy places.

Thank you for the tips, I appreciate your candid remarks and willingness to answer my questions!

 

[stixclgi]

well you have asked a lot of questions and it's hard to know where to start. First of all I would never do an event with one camera and one flash. That's just a non starter in my book, way too risky if you are the one who has to bring home the pictures. I have had unexplained issues just suddenly crop up in the middle of an event and you need plan b now, not next event.

Well I learned last night that I have access to another camera for the event, a 5dmkIII, so I'll have a backup camera/lens.

With the lenses you are talking about you are going to be carrrying some weight and your are planning for a lot of moving parts. Unless you are very experience with all those moving parts, I would recommend you simplify. The suggestion of having someone help with the off camera flash is a good one. But you can even use something like a Rogue Flash bender, and with an RT transmitter get the flash off the camera and to the side while holding the camera with the other. The flash will stop any motion. However, the more weight on the camera the less likely that option is.

So final thought - simplify.

My girlfriend and another organizer are going to be assisting me during some of the events, which will help me out greatly. I'm working on someone keeping track of the important shots for me.

 

[stixclgi]

I think the OP needs to be more specific with what the expectations and setup of the Conference will be for capturing shots.

Milling around during networking events you want the 24-70 f2.8ii And could be even a little long when under 6' away from ppl on a crop sensor.

if you need to take photos of the speaker in from off the room, 70-200 f2.8ii would give you very good flexibility

i wouldn't plan on using flash except For imore fixed setup portrait or group ..needs..

So this is a youth/young adult religious conference. The closest thing I can think of is setup like a concert. People will be standing, sitting, clapping, dancing etc. There will be a large stage about 5" up front where the church bishops/officials will be sitting, and a rising choir stand behind them. The auditorium seats 1700-2000 chairs.

The organizer has specifically asked me to capture her as she speaks, and the youth dancing and singing. Concerning the graduation ceremony, she asked me to shoot portrait shots of all the graduates, which will happen early morning before the ceremony starts. I'm most apprehensive about that as I've never done grad portraits before. I have access to backdrop, backdrop stands, and even stationary strobes, but I've never used any of this equipment before, hence the flashes, which I have used before.

I've used the 70-200mm at this event before and feel pretty comfortable with it's uses, especially as I shoot the speakers from the middle of the conference room. Pics while everyone is standing, or while I'm moving around the room will be shot on the 24-70. I found out last night that I'll have access to a secondary camera, so I've been thinking about carrying two bodies...but the weight I'm not sure about.

Thank you for your response also!

 

[BAK]

The biggest mistake amateur event photographers make is shooting lots of useless photographs, and while doing this, miss the important ones.

We both know this:

You need a good picture of the organizer while she speaks.

You need head and shoulder (and gown?) shots of some unknown number of graduates.

Only you know:

Based on previous years, what pictures were important, and how were they used? Do pictures get sent to home town churches? Home town newspapers? Are pictures used on web sites? The whole organization's web site, or lots of web sites connected to each graduate?

Is there some decor feature that should be in each picture, to delineate the venue and the education that led to the event? A giant cross that is so big that anyone standing by it looks tiny? A background of flaming torches? a background logo 10 feet wide or 100 feet wide?

All of this knowledge helps you decide where to be.

For grad shots, it is a lot easier to set yourself up in one place, put your lights where they will do a good job, and have the people come to you.

Get them to sign a check list, so you know you've photographed everyone.

Do you need names and addresses for distributing images?

You'll get a much better picture of the organizer if you set up a speaking picture before the actual speech, even if just in the 30 seconds befor words start to flow.

Many modern events are shot for video, either live for giant screens or recored for other use. Find out what kind of light there will be.

I bet she's not speaking in the dark, unless there's a slide show going on. So figure out how she is going to be lit. And if there are slides, figure out how they go into the picture with her.

When shooting groups, make sure you have everyone positioned so you can see both their eyes. Backs of heads means the photographer is chicken.

When you get drinks, only fill the glass half way, Otherwise you'll spill it when you try to run a camera and hold a glass at the same time.

Buy lots of cards. Trying to download in the middle of confusion and maybe even gospel singing is not a good idea.

BAK

 

[Dale Garman]

the buttons and layout for these two cameras are very different, I find it hard to move from one to the other even have lots of experience with it. One way to minimize that is to use them differently and pre set them. e.g. I often have a 70-200 on one camera and a shorter lens on another. Or I will have a fast lens that can be used for natural light and the other set for flash. It's the changing back and forth that will get you if you are not very familiar with them.

 

[rmexpress22]

128gb cards are fairly cheap. I wouldn't bother with offloading cards. You can hold several thousand pictures on a 128gb card and that should be more than enough for most events.

I think if you have to ask these questions it's a little concerning but if you keep practicing in terrible lighting conditions you'll do alright.

Depending on how much room you have I'd go for a 24mm 1.4 L, which will go well in low light. There's also the Sigma 18-35 1.8, which would be more flexible than a prime. Just make sure to thoroughly test whatever lens you rent and MFA if needed.

A 24-70mm 2.8L will do fine if you're comfortable with flash and you don't need wider than 24mm. Then again, it does depend on how dim the place is.

 

[elfroggio]

• 565exii

Is this a Godox model? I only see Yongnuo's with this model designation. Have you seen the Godox TT685C?

Oops, the 565s are my yongnuos. Yes: my godoxes are the 685c

 

[stixclgi]

The biggest mistake amateur event photographers make is shooting lots of useless photographs, and while doing this, miss the important ones.

We both know this:

You need a good picture of the organizer while she speaks.

You need head and shoulder (and gown?) shots of some unknown number of graduates.

Only you know:

Based on previous years, what pictures were important, and how were they used? Do pictures get sent to home town churches? Home town newspapers? Are pictures used on web sites? The whole organization's web site, or lots of web sites connected to each graduate?

Is there some decor feature that should be in each picture, to delineate the venue and the education that led to the event? A giant cross that is so big that anyone standing by it looks tiny? A background of flaming torches? a background logo 10 feet wide or 100 feet wide?

All of this knowledge helps you decide where to be.

For grad shots, it is a lot easier to set yourself up in one place, put your lights where they will do a good job, and have the people come to you.

Get them to sign a check list, so you know you've photographed everyone.

Do you need names and addresses for distributing images?

You've given me a ton to think about and prepare for. I've been able to secure assistance which will help me with organization. The check list is definitely going to be implemented. From a conference call I learned that the grad photo shoot is more organized than I thought...there will be around 3 assistance during the shoot to direct the grads, talk to them and keep them relaxed, taking names/addresses, etc. As it stands I'll need to focus on taking the shots themselves and not much else.

You'll get a much better picture of the organizer if you set up a speaking picture before the actual speech, even if just in the 30 seconds before words start to flow.

Many modern events are shot for video, either live for giant screens or recored for other use. Find out what kind of light there will be.

I bet she's not speaking in the dark, unless there's a slide show going on. So figure out how she is going to be lit. And if there are slides, figure out how they go into the picture with her.

I am going to talk to the organizer this weekend when I see her to see about setting up a speaking shot before she gets going. Give me a minute and I will post pics of the event from last year so you all can get an idea of the lighting. There are very bright lights pointing at the stage and podium, with dimmer lights over the congregation. And there are two giant projection screens to either side of the stage that normally show a view of the podium for the people farther in the back.

When shooting groups, make sure you have everyone positioned so you can see both their eyes. Backs of heads means the photographer is chicken.

When you get drinks, only fill the glass half way, Otherwise you'll spill it when you try to run a camera and hold a glass at the same time.

Buy lots of cards. Trying to download in the middle of confusion and maybe even gospel singing is not a good idea.

BAK

Thank you for your response! I've already looked into renting or purchasing CF cards, I can't decide which at the moment. My personal camera uses SD cards, so purchasing CF cards to use for 3 days seems unnecessary. Needless to say I plan on having 3 or 4 64gb cards either way. The Lexar 1066x models look to have great reviews from photographers. I have quite a few SD cards already for my 80d.

I don't plan on having any liquid near my camera if I can help it

 

[stixclgi]

the buttons and layout for these two cameras are very different, I find it hard to move from one to the other even have lots of experience with it. One way to minimize that is to use them differently and pre set them. e.g. I often have a 70-200 on one camera and a shorter lens on another. Or I will have a fast lens that can be used for natural light and the other set for flash. It's the changing back and forth that will get you if you are not very familiar with them.

 

[stixclgi]

Here are a few pics from last year.

114 mm, ISO 2500, f / 5.6, 1/125 sec


114mm, ISO2500, f/5.6, 1/125




176mm, ISO5000, f/5.6, 1/250




300mm, ISO4000, f/5.6, 1/100




70mm, ISO2500, f/2.8, 1/160




80mm, ISO2000, f/3.5, 1/200

I see my mistakes in these pics after a year of practicing since then, but these will give you a general idea of the layout and lighting. You'll notice in second and third photos I had my ISO up very high. I would do my best not to have it set there again!

Thanks again to everyone responding. I will be researching and practicing a lot in the next two months to be as ready as I can.

--
Your mind is a canvas. Your emotions are the brushes; and your memories paint the picture...

 

[rmexpress22]

For what it's worth, I think these look fine.

 

[stixclgi]

For what it's worth, I think these look fine.

I appreciate the kind words.

These pics show the lighting in the conference room more accurately than I can describe.
--
Your mind is a canvas. Your emotions are the brushes; and your memories paint the picture...