NationStates Jolt Archive

I get to shoot the Mummers Parade (http://mummers.com/) next week, and I'm kinda thinking I'm not prepared.

Could you give me some advice on how to not screw up my camera in winter conditions?

Any advice on how to not make an ass out of myself in front of potential clients?

Uh... try not to get drunk before/during the parade?

make sure all pictures have at least one pair of breasts in them?

Uh... try not to get drunk before/during the parade?

I don't know really I mean it could be like the world though the eyes of a drunk or other thought provoking nonsense

you could get a lens hood in case it rains or snows... might help. i tend not to use the camera in the rain, so i don't really know :p

I get to shoot the Mummers Parade (http://mummers.com/) next week, and I'm kinda thinking I'm not prepared.
Och you're good at photos, yer always prepared.
Could you give me some advice on how to not screw up my camera in winter conditions?
See if one of your neighbours or friends or family will knit it a little hat to keep it warm or something.
Any advice on how to not make an ass out of myself in front of potential clients?
Don't drop acid or mushrooms before you have a chat with them.

Don't move the camera from the cold outside into a warm room suddenly or you might get condensation inside the camera and lens which is a bugger to get rid of.

I'm by no means a camera genius, but Carterway has this to say about event shooting:

1) Scout your location. If possible, go there the day before so you can get an idea of how you want to shoot this event - maybe take some shots just of the locale in order to see how the light works and get the best view possible to know where you want to be and when on the day of the parade. Once you have a feel for the location itself, you'll know better how to position yourself for the best possible light (ie, not shooting into sunlight, etc...)

2) Check your gear out. Make sure that everything is working well ahead of time and select lenses that will suit - I'd suggest 1 wide angle zoom and a moderate telephoto (80-200 or possibly 300mm lens for close in shots) but this is purely up to your choice. Also, if you can, put your gear in a good gear bag and let sit out to come to the ambient temperature naturally. Cooling or warming gear too fast will fog and cause problems that are tricky to deal with.

3) Have a backup. Nothing irks me more than to have a camera fail in the middle of a shoot - if you can, have a back up of some kind available.

4) Have spare batteries. Same issue as three, except that if you are shooting in the cold, you will drain batteries fast. Keep charged backups on your person, next to your body if possible as keeping them warmer will ensure that they'll work better.

5) Plenty of film or memory. Goes without saying. Take about 3 times or more what you think you'll need - you'll need it.

6) While shooting, relax and try not to rush shots, but make sure that you take more than one photo of each view you want. I like to use three shots per if possible and "bracket" the shots - +1 or -1 stop exposure on each side. If you're shooting digital and shooting raw, this is not quite as important, but may still be useful if your lighting changes or is uncertain.

7) Lens hood is a must, especially if you're shooting in bright sunlight or misty conditions. You can try putting a plastic bag over the camera and stick the lens out with a hood if it is raining - hopefully, you won't have to deal with that mess. I'm guessing that they may postpone the parade if it is TOO nasty, but not sure.

I want to see those pictures as soon as they're in digital form, Ruffy!

As for potential clients... my advice in any jobish situation is usually, "Be yourself, just less of it."

have you scouted out the best perches for getting shots over the heads of the crowds?

do you own fingerless gloves?

if its going to be very cold bring hand warmers so your fingers dont get too cold to press the buttons. dress warmly so you dont shiver. bring a thermos with a hot drink in it.

if you havent shot outside in the area of the parade in the winter, check it out to make sure you know where the sunny/shady spots are. they will be somewhat different than in the middle of summer.

ive never had any particular trouble shooting in winter except for fog on the lens at the beginning and keeping snow off the lens. its more keeping yourself warm enough that you dont decide to quit because of getting too damned cold to continue.