Assistance Needed

[KimC]

I did use my flash soft box which worked well. Yes, I did focus on pics before the dinner; however half the guests arrived during the dinner as we had a storm and the roads were bad. For people who made a face, I did say, "please... for the guest of honor" and smiled.

Which selective adjustments do you use in LR for flash?

Thanks for the additional tips :-)

Using a small flash softbox makes a real difference, and a second flash to one side to give a little modelling, even if bounced from a ceiling is good.

Take photos before people eat - when the table is tidy and cutlery and glasses are not spread everywhere. You are the photographer, TELL the guests to look at the camera to make eye contact - if some don't co-operate embrass them by reminding them that you are making a record of XXX's special day.

For groups sitting round a table be above them, and yes for large standing groups get higher. Take a lot of pictures of any groups, so if nessary you can clone a head of someone who has their eyes closed etc.. Often the third onwards photograph is best as people relax ofter the first flash.

Finally I find lightroom selective adjustments excellent for removing the effect of the flash fall off..

[Mike Buckley]

place was packed with tables and chairs and about a foot for walking space in-between.

Photography in situations like that is almost always more enjoyable for the event participants viewing the photos than for the photographer making them.

[KimC]

Well, I survived and at first glance my images are respectable which was my goal. The room ended up being even tighter, as one room I thought they had, they didn't, so it was packed with tables and chairs. The ISO did control the ambient light in a larger room -- so thanks for that tip. I did end using a faster shutter and a slightly higher ISO than Dan's suggestion. I also used my soft box with the flash head pointing up (there is a sliver top on it). I did have to use my flash's exposure compensation.

The upside was - my pictures are respectable, I learned a lot about my flash, and I am inclined to experiment more. So taking this on, enhanced my growth. I also didn't take any work away from a photographer that does this for their livelihood, as this group would not have paid for photos. I also learned that I do not enjoy this type of photography and would not do it again. It's not what makes my eye happy.

I was a bit surprised about - how people jump in front of you with no consideration with their cell phones (and I'm not talking one person), the number of people that sit at the table looking at their cell phones the whole time and the number of people who really do not appreciate having their picture taken (most lightened up when I said -- please... for the guest of honor).

Thanks to each and everyone of you for your help. I'm sure this thread will be helpful to others as well.

[KimC]

Exactly Mike, when I looked thru the photos, I said, the family will enjoy them; however, it's not something I will do again.

Photography in situations like that is almost always more enjoyable for the event participants viewing the photos than for the photographer making them.

[Mike Buckley]

I also learned that I do not enjoy this type of photography and would not do it again.

I have been doing volunteer photography for the local American Heart Association over the years. They asked me to photograph an event very similar to the event you photographed. I politely explained that I hate doing party photography and asked that they find someone else to photograph it. I can get motivated to do it for my own family, but not for anyone else.

[Geoff F]

I'm never keen on this sort of thing either; and, like Kim said, I tell them they need a professional but the reply is usually 'We can't afford that - it's you or somebody with a basic point and shoot, and no knowledge or experience'.

When forced, and in suitable locations, I treat it as a wildlife shoot and try to get a few individual portraits or small groups who are doing their own thing within the wider scene. The formal group pose is my least pleasant experience of any shoot.

And the one thing I won't do under any circumstances is weddings.

So well done for tackling the challenge, Kim.

[barrydoig]

I understand your nervousness Kim, but your Nikons will handle this lighting easily on a very high ISO without flash. I have recently photographed in a Cathedral on my cropped sensor D7100 at 5000 ISO and got excellent results, so your full frame camera should do it well. Any chance of you contacting the restaurant owner and asking permission to go in on another day for some test shots?

[KimC]

Equating it to wildlife is perfect Geoff! That's exactly what I did -- I focused on some children while waiting for the late guests to arrive, and then went after smaller groups. He wanted me to take eating shots, but I said no, it makes guests uncomfortable.

I'm never keen on this sort of thing either; and, like Kim said, I tell them they need a professional but the reply is usually 'We can't afford that - it's you or somebody with a basic point and shoot, and no knowledge or experience'.

When forced, and in suitable locations, I treat it as a wildlife shoot and try to get a few individual portraits or small groups who are doing their own thing within the wider scene. The formal group pose is my least pleasant experience of any shoot.

And the one thing I won't do under any circumstances is weddings.

So well done for tackling the challenge, Kim.

[KimC]

Thanks for your comment Barry. I did do a family Christening in a large church a few weeks back without a flash. Although the camera did handle certain images at a high ISO perfectly fine, I wasn't all that pleased with the portraits - that's why I wanted the flash on this go around. I don't mind using the high ISO on people, but IMO it only works in a way that pleases me if there is some natural light coming from some place.

I understand your nervousness Kim, but your Nikons will handle this lighting easily on a very high ISO without flash. I have recently photographed in a Cathedral on my cropped sensor D7100 at 5000 ISO and got excellent results, so your full frame camera should do it well. Any chance of you contacting the restaurant owner and asking permission to go in on another day for some test shots?