Nightclub / Dark rooms

ant1

ant1

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Hello all,

Haven't posted in a while. Just a quick question that I could do with a fairly quick response.

My girlfriends step mom is bar manager at a new club opening. The guy said he would like some photos of the opening night, but doesn't want to pay anyone. Whos name is to come forward, is mine.

I am limited in time to even think about getting more gear now. It's saturday they want it done. I went tonight to try and get a few shots but here is how it went.

I have a 50mm (too close).
55-250mm. Self explanatory really.
28mm Prime 2.8.

Now, i used my 2.8. Can get some shots in the lighter rooms without a flash. But was thinking when people have had a drink, they aren't going to be so steady on their feet, even if I am. So i added my flash and used my gf as a model.

The ceilings in the smaller rooms are white. And the walls light grey. Where should I point my flash? It only angles towards the ceiling or the subject.
I tried my ISO 1600 to work down. Expecting it to be darker in there. Flash up, but night quite to the ceiling. f4. It still comes out overexposed. Drop the iso. 800, and under. I get motion blue. Angle the flash down a little. Its then overexposed again, drop the iso. Its too slow and motion blur occurs again. I can't seem to win.


Any suggestions please?

Before you say it, I tried to say no. But they insisted they didn't want anything over professional anyway. But c'mon. I can't be using on board flash and auto.
 
Hey, I'm shooting at nightclubs 3 times a week so I hope I can help. :)

From the gear you have you can probably get away with using the 28mm Prime 2.8 seeing as you will only be doing this once.

What flash do you have? Seems a bit odd that you can only point it at the subject or the ceiling? Unless I've misread something. But unless you know how to properly bounce light I would invest in a cheapo diffuser to put onto your flashgun. I got this one to start with (I'm even starting to think it gave better results than my £15 Sto-Fen Omni Bounce). Once you have this try to point it slightly above your subject if possible - if not you should be fine to shoot straight into the face.

Settings wise, there are loads of options you can try. Some people go for about 1/60, 800 ISO, and f6(ish?).

I personally prefer a longer shutter speed so that I can grab more ambient light but make it look all bury in the background with different light trials. So I generally use 1 second exposure, f9 and iso 100. Also another tip to use is to set your white balance to cloudy, this will make the skin tones a nice colour (or at least it makes the women feel overly happy...:thinking:)

Any other questions, send me a PM or reply here. :)
 
When I say about the swivel I mean.. I'll try explain haha.
Say your facing the subject. You have left wall, and right wall. I can only swivel it up and down, I cannot make it face the walls unless facing the camera portrait. I know most are like this, but seen a few while out they have them swivelling all over the place haha.

Anyway, I saw that diffuser, so glad you mentioned it because didn't know whether it was any good. I have at the moment put a piece of paper card over the flash. Testing it directing facing the subject. I can have it just above thats no problem.

I was testing out at f5.6. Should I go higher? I'm testing at home, the lighting is completely different if I'm honest haha. Going to go pop in with my gf tomorrow to try it out more. Had the ISO 800 and Shutter at 1/25.

The lighting is quite hard. The main room, is like a usual nightclub really. Dark, strobe lights. etc. So guessing I will slow down the shutter speed here for the strobe lights.

But then, two other rooms are just dim lighting rooms. Called the whiskey bar haha, where people can get away from the dancing and music, have a sit down and chat. So should I then up the shutter here back to 1/25 1/60? And ISO down to say 400. Obviously you can't tell without seeing it but generally haha.

Onto the diffuser, may i see any image you took with it? Love to see the outcomes of it.

Thanks for your reply mate.


EDIT: The flash I have, well, I haven't a clue if i'm honest. It's an old one my dad had on his old film canon haha. Vivitar Zoom Thyristor 2500 or something haha.
 
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ant1 said:
When I say about the swivel I mean.. I'll try explain haha.
Say your facing the subject. You have left wall, and right wall. I can only swivel it up and down, I cannot make it face the walls unless facing the camera portrait. I know most are like this, but seen a few while out they have them swivelling all over the place haha.
Click to expand...

In that case, don't worry about bouncing and just get that diffuser from Jessops and point the flash just above the subject.

ant1 said:
I was testing out at f5.6. Should I go higher? I'm testing at home, the lighting is completely different if I'm honest haha. Going to go pop in with my gf tomorrow to try it out more. Had the ISO 800 and Shutter at 1/25.

The lighting is quite hard. The main room, is like a usual nightclub really. Dark, strobe lights. etc. So guessing I will slow down the shutter speed here for the strobe lights.

But then, two other rooms are just dim lighting rooms. Called the whiskey bar haha, where people can get away from the dancing and music, have a sit down and chat. So should I then up the shutter here back to 1/25 1/60? And ISO down to say 400. Obviously you can't tell without seeing it but generally haha.
Click to expand...

Yeah can be tricky, lighting is always changing so sometimes the pictures will be naff, but then the lights may be just right making an awesome picture. I found having the longer exposure though I was getting fairly consistent results.

ant1 said:
Onto the diffuser, may i see any image you took with it? Love to see the outcomes of it.
Click to expand...

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.446877752017249.104851.424595110912180&type=3

You should be able to see that.
 
Haha, was just about to say thats Que Pasa isn't it, but its now Chicagos. Just realised you live 5 minutes from me. I live in Stourbridge lmao.

Anyway, I'll get one from Merry Hill tomorrow morning. Providing they have one in stock.

I will keep the flash just above the subject then and keep the F/stop around 5 in the main room to begin with. Prob have to have 1/5 or 1/10 there.
But when into the smaller rooms with go.. i dunno, f/6 at 1/25 - 1/60.

Not being paid, just get a couple of beers for even bothering haha.

Also, with my flash is doesn't have a light to aid auto-focus. DO you think i'm going to struggle with manual focus haha?
 
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ant1 said:
Haha, was just about to say thats Que Pasa isn't it, but its now Chicagos. Just realised you live 5 minutes from me. I live in Stourbridge lmao.

Anyway, I'll get one from Merry Hill tomorrow morning. Providing they have one in stock.

I will keep the flash just above the subject then and keep the F/stop around 5 in the main room to begin with. Prob have to have 1/5 or 1/10 there.
But when into the smaller rooms with go.. i dunno, f/6 at 1/25 - 1/60.

Not being paid, just get a couple of beers for even bothering haha.

Also, with my flash is doesn't have a light to aid auto-focus. DO you think i'm going to struggle with manual focus haha?
Click to expand...

haha wow yeah. small world. :lol: I live in Kingswinford so only 5/10 minutes. I photograph in Chicagos ever Thursday, Friday and Saturday except for tomorrow (Friday). :)

Yeah they should have them in stock, I think you can check online though. And hmm, it will defiantly be tricky with no auto AF beam but still do able - especially if you're setting your appeture a bit higher. Just need to test it all really, depending on the lighting in there the camera might be able to focus OK.
 
I know haha, my gf lives in Kford.
Fair enough mate. Whats it like? How did you get into it, and i'm guessing you get paid? Or is it for portfolio?

I have done this ladies wedding haha, invited as a guest. Also photographed one in Santorini haha. Just both in the light. Now it comes to clubs, way out of my depth haha.

Yeah, should really get a new flash, Might see if they have the jessops one in stock. £60 or something. Because if it works out they might ask me back in future haha.
This one: http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/67557/Show.html?cm_vc=PPZ2
Know if its any good mate? From the info on the site you may know if it's decent haha.

EDIT: Can already see it has a Auto focus assist light. Think thats a buy for the price tbh haha.


Thanks again.
 
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ant1 said:
I know haha, my gf lives in Kford.
Fair enough mate. Whats it like? How did you get into it, and i'm guessing you get paid? Or is it for portfolio?

I have done this ladies wedding haha, invited as a guest. Also photographed one in Santorini haha. Just both in the light. Now it comes to clubs, way out of my depth haha.

Yeah, should really get a new flash, Might see if they have the jessops one in stock. £60 or something. Because if it works out they might ask me back in future haha.
This one: http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/67557/Show.html?cm_vc=PPZ2
Know if its any good mate? From the info on the site you may know if it's decent haha.

EDIT: Can already see it has a Auto focus assist light. Think thats a buy for the price tbh haha.


Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Its pretty fun actually, got into it by seeing an advert on facebook. I actually work for IAMVIP which have a global contract with Chicagos. I just happened to get assigned there!

I don't get paid, but I sell keyrings for £3 on behalf of IAMVIP, and I get roughly £1.50 per sale. Sell a suprising amount and works out to at least £15/hour so not bad. :) I'm still learning, just using it to invest in more kit to be honest. :thumbs:

That flash would be fine for nightclub work, however if you could stretch your budget you may be able to find a second hand Canon Speedlite 430EX I for about £100 which would be far better? (not sure on price just guessing but its worth looking into).
 
Would recommend the 430II aswell. One thing I've just learnt recently is the if you shot on AI Servo the AF Flash Beam doesn't work...you have to use single shot!

Kinda annoying, would be interested on what you use lolage?
 
Luckily got the lash flash they had in stock and also got the diffuser. Going back tonight to try and get a few practice shots so will see how it goes aha. Just hope they don't come out over exposed.
 
Cheers Bass. Saw that last night. Was very helpful.

Just got home and turned out my lights. Shut my blinds so its dark in my room. Pointed the flash slighty above my head. F/8. 1/10 shutter and ISO 800. Came out nice. Just can't wait to see how they come out tomorrow night haha.

The Auto Focus assist light seems to work great. Focused me quickly in the dark, even if it struggles in the club I will prob focus on something they have on. Hoping its bright haha.

EDIT: LOLage what lens do you use usually. Should I borrow my friends 18-55mm IS lens do you think?
 
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ant1 said:
Cheers Bass. Saw that last night. Was very helpful.

Just got home and turned out my lights. Shut my blinds so its dark in my room. Pointed the flash slighty above my head. F/8. 1/10 shutter and ISO 800. Came out nice. Just can't wait to see how they come out tomorrow night haha.

The Auto Focus assist light seems to work great. Focused me quickly in the dark, even if it struggles in the club I will prob focus on something they have on. Hoping its bright haha.

EDIT: LOLage what lens do you use usually. Should I borrow my friends 18-55mm IS lens do you think?
Click to expand...

haha, went to merry hill with a mate from uni today and he couldn't buy a flash as they sold out - it appears you're to blame. :geek:

Yeah that AF beam will work a treat, I use a Tokina 11-16, but thats only cause the club is usually packed and I don't have much room.

That said though I would still use a 18-55mm, especially instead of the prime lens. Will be much easier for you! Most people just use the kit 18-55 lenses for nightclub work. :thumbs:
 
Haha, sorry about that. The only problem I found tonight (just been to do some practice shots). The batteries seem to overheat. Not recharging the flash. I have about 40 AA batteries to hand though so should be okay. Will have two lots, let the one lot cool as I use another.

Will try and get hold of my mates 18-55mm tomorrow. If not it will have to be the 28mm. I once bought a 18-55mm but turned out it wasn't IS. So sent it back. May order one soon if they end up saying I will be there on a regular basis.

Any reasons you say the kit lens over my 28mm prime? Purely down to it being wider?
 
ant1 said:
Haha, sorry about that. The only problem I found tonight (just been to do some practice shots). The batteries seem to overheat. Not recharging the flash. I have about 40 AA batteries to hand though so should be okay. Will have two lots, let the one lot cool as I use another.

Will try and get hold of my mates 18-55mm tomorrow. If not it will have to be the 28mm. I once bought a 18-55mm but turned out it wasn't IS. So sent it back. May order one soon if they end up saying I will be there on a regular basis.

Any reasons you say the kit lens over my 28mm prime? Purely down to it being wider?
Click to expand...

I would recomend rechargebale batteries in a flashgun! Normal batteries are gonna get raped!

And yeah, purely down to it being wider - especially for groups you may struggle to fit everyone in on a 28mm.
 
I have actually got some rechargeable somewhere. Will have to find them out and charge them. Will keep the others on side though too haha.

Yeah true mate. Not going to be too busy tomorrow I got told. But you never know when people are dancing.

How do you go about getting the photos mate. Just walk up and point at them and your camera. As its loud. Or do most people drag you and say PHOTO haha. Its only a private opening night tomorrow night, so friends and family of who owns it etc. But still want to get some quality photos hoping they will phone again.

EDIT: Another question mate, I was shooting at F/8 in the one room as it's quite light. DO you think I should bring this down to f/6 or so and just slow the shutter down? Or if it looks okay just run with it? Just thinking as its a small room, there may be 2 couples on the bench for example. F/8 would get the both couples in, but if they werent together, f/5 would be a bit better. Maybe even f/4. I was shooting at shutter 1/15 or 1/25. Bring this to 1/10 or maybe even 1/5? Want to try keep it similar to the main dark room saves the messing around. Thats f/5 and 1/10 or slower.
 
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Normally people will see you and I just make eye contact and point at my camera. You have to get away with a lot of sign language. :D I only ever talk to people if they are interested in buying a keyring. :)
 
ant1 said:
Here is one of my test shots mate. What do you think?
Shot at f/8, but will be darker in there so prob stop to about f/5 or f/6.
Shutter at 1/25. Prob keep that the same or even 1/15. Slowest i'll go is 1/5 i think.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/antparkes/8081376805/in/photostream
Click to expand...

Looks good to me mate, how did you find your flash?

I tried a faster shutter today and upping my ISO to 1600. I must admit I've never tried 1600 ISO as I didn't really want any noise but I've found that having a bigger ISO and faster shutter gives much cleaner pics with nice ambient light too!

I see you shot at 800, give 1600 a go you may be suprised. Remember you're only gonna need the small images anyway so noise won't really show.

Here are some pics I shot tonight in Birmingham with the new settings:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.365174650234109.87962.344031932348381&type=1

1600 ISO, 1/15, f5

:)
 
Can tell the difference to be honest mate. Look nice.
Yeah, shot at 800. f/8. But that was in the bar area, and the lights were all still on, only dark was from outside. So I know on the night I'm going to have to prob go f/5.

Will give 1600 a go mate. Just gotta make sure these come out good haha, wouldn't mind it a regular thing to be honest. More for experience this time though.

WIll give the settings a go, f/5 1/15 1600. May even go to 1/5 when by the band etc get those strobe lights in motion.

EDIT: Just worried about the kit lens photo quality, but should be okay, hsouldn't it?

Yeah found the flash was fine mate. Just batteries over heating but have plenty of spares and also got rechargables.
 
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