RUNWAY PHOTOGRAPHY
Shooting a catwalk can be a bit different that what you are
accustomed to and knowing a few tricks of the trade should help reduce
some of the stress of avoid common blunders along the way.
Most runway photography doesn’t need the addition flash of your camera
since more than likely it is well lit and using an extra flash is only
going to upset those around you who are not using an additional flash.
Don’t worry, these shows are usually so well lit that your shots are
going to come out very well and you won’t regret not needing that extra
flash you are thinking of taking with you.
Use a monopod and save yourself some grief. Fashion shows are not a
quick ten minutes and then over. Try holding your equipment for more
than a few minutes and feel the fatigue set in. Using a monopod will
eliminate fatigue and muscle soreness in addition to being able to pick
up and move quickly with it.
Since everyone’s favorite position is at the end of the catwalk, expect
to find yourself further away and know that the monopod is going to be
more than advantageous for you! Make sure to take a shorter lens just in
case you do end up closer to the catwalk than you thought you were going
to. Either way, if you arrive early then you are only doing yourself a
favor by grabbing a prime position by beating the crowd.
Those who have worked runway fashion shows will tell you that a 10-200
F2.8 and high ISO is the basic minimum requirement. 800 ISO is the norm
and shooting at least 1/200 a second is best as long as the ISO is
correctly set. If you are using 800 ISO at 1/200 be sure to pack an
extra battery. Shooting at a lower ISO will help save the battery, but
depending on the lighting conditions this may not be an advantageous
option for you. Again, flashes will more than likely not be necessary as
most fashion shows are well lit and fill light won’t be a problem.
Using high speed daylight print film may be a good choice, but pushed
tungsten slide film can eliminate the need to correct when printing.
One of the main differences between portrait photography and runway
photography is the need to take vertical shots of your models on the
runway. Understanding that you are framing everything from hat to shoes
helps you understand this need. Also, magazines are set up for vertical
fashion shots as well. Many DSLR cameras can be modified for a vertical
grip without too much of a hassle.
Be prepared to shoot in a wide range of environments; not all fashion
shows are in prime conditions so it is good to know what you are getting
into before hand.
Runway photography does not need to be an intimidating event. Do your
research, know your equipment and arrive early. These three tips alone
will help you advance your talent and it will be reflected in the photos
you are able to produce.
|
