Exhibition photography

[size13]

Anybody got any hints & tips for taking pictures in exhibitions e.g. Motorshow, boatshow etc

Took some at the dinghy show this weekend and not really happy with them. I tried with flash (sb600 with and without omnibounce) and without (upto iso 1600) using the kit 18-105 vr on my D90.

I saw a few other 'togs around with flash bounce cards etc.

It could also come down to lenses too.

My pitiful efforts are here...
http://www.sailpics.co.uk/zenphoto/index.php?album...

[Andy M]

I know it's not what you want to hear, but I'd honestly not bother trying to take anything else but snaps.

The lighting is exhibition halls is not conducive to pleasant looking photos, especially if you choose to use flash. Add to this the cramped space, people getting in the way, boring backgrounds etc etc, is it not more of a hassle than it's worth - taking away from the pleasure of actually being there?

[racing green]

Here's a couple from the Goodwood Revival motor show which had really poor light. No flash, the pics were taken in RAW allowing me to adjust the light and colour temp.



Standard lens and making sure to stand still due to low light levels. If you can get the angles give it a go.

[Felters]

The lighting doesn't look too bad for an exhibition - but shooting in RAW and then fiddling around in PS is the only way to go. Throwing some money at some f2.8 lenses will always help indoor shots. 17-55 and 70-200 Nikkors for a D90 ...

You could try cropping rather harder - and take down the stuff that you really don't think is up to scratch. If you don't think anybody will seriously buy DSC 3966 for example then take it out. It just dilutes the overall impact. HTH...

[size13]

Felters said:

The lighting doesn't look too bad for an exhibition - but shooting in RAW and then fiddling around in PS is the only way to go. Throwing some money at some f2.8 lenses will always help indoor shots. 17-55 and 70-200 Nikkors for a D90 ...

You could try cropping rather harder - and take down the stuff that you really don't think is up to scratch. If you don't think anybody will seriously buy DSC 3966 for example then take it out. It just dilutes the overall impact. HTH...

I think I need to have a play in Lightroom. I have a Sigma 70-200 2.8 but thought it would be too long with the close proximity of exhibit to photographer and something wider was needed. I did notice the pros were carrying 2 cameras with 2 lens options though.

I'm not aiming to sell any of them, I suppose I should have put them on my other site that doesn't sell pictures but I know people check this site to see what's changed. I was going to the show anyway and thought I'd have an experiment. I'm used to outdoors with natural light so it was a bit of a challenge.

Thanks for the feedback

[itsnotarace]

50mm 1.8 or or 1.4 if you're feeling flush. Zoom with your feet

[size13]

itsnotarace said:

50mm 1.8 or or 1.4 if you're feeling flush. Zoom with your feet

I have a 50mm too, but it's not easy zooming with your feet when the aisles are busy with people.

Maybe next time, I'll take all my kit in and play around.

[Simpo Two]

The flash is what's killing your photos. As above, try ambient light with fast lesnes, higher ISO if required and shoot RAW so you can straighten out the WB afterwards. My weapon of choice: Nikkor 17-55 f2.8.