Tips for people photography at events
 

I figure that every experts in any specialty have tips and techniques
that are not obvious to people new to the topic.

I winder what the pros know about taking pics of people in small
groups?

I'm associated with a group and find I'm doing photography of the
principle people at events and would like to hear any specifics to
produce better results. I know that the first rule is to get in close
and use a wide lens This is hard to me and IMO, good event photogs are
all elbows and attitude and don't get in the way of their good shot.

Here's a shot I took the other day.

http://picasaweb.google.com/AlDykes/...14662134551138

It serves the purpose but is a little boring. These are grab shots. I
can't pose anyone, not even myself when I see a good shot.

Should I try to a better perspective? Should I stoop a few inches?
Do pros set the camera to take 3 frames? Should always use a diffuser
on the strobe?

FWIW, I had to shoot "blind" because it was too bright to read any of
the controls on the camera. The sun was f'ing brilliant and low from
the left side. I was almost looking into it. Look at the exposure on
the face of the bystander on the right to get an idea. I'm impressed
with the metering and strobe on this new camera to "do the right
thing". It was on full auto.

My kit, these days, is a Canon G9 and a 420EX strobe. The combo works
in e-ttl metering mode. I took this shot the other day and am happy
with it but I think it could be better.


--
Al Dykes
News is something someone wants to suppress, everything else is advertising.
- Lord Northcliffe, publisher of the Daily Mail