Xmas Function Shoot Advice

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geminip

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Pauline
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I have been asked to take photos at a Christmas Party at a Top Venue in London for approximatley 150 people. Last Year the Photographer set up a mini studio with backdrop,lights etc and displayed the photos on a laptop and printed if they purchased. The general idea is couples,groups but I have also suggested maybe taking some shots at tables etc.

I have only recently started my business and have mainly done portraits of children. I have my Canon 450d with standard lens, Tamron lens, but apart from that I have no equipment. Can anyone please advice on the best way to approach this job and what equipment I might need. Also I am thinking as there are at least 150 people to capture that I would need extra help.

Any advice or suggestions would be gratefully received :)
 
My first bit of advice is do not go with only one camera, equipment does break down and if this happens to you with no backup, you are up S**** creek with no paddle. This goes for your flash too as your built in camera flash wouldn't really be up for the job.

You should also have PL insurance (may be requested by the venue)

I am not knocking your intentions here, but do you feel you have sufficient equipment to professionally do this gig? Without a descent printer, back up gear and lighting, you may struggle a little.

But the best of luck.
 
Mt camera has never let me down but thanks for the advice. I have someone who can set up the techincal side (printers/laptop etc). I am going to buy more equipment when finances allow. I was intending to Hire the equipment on this occasion.
 
I have been doing this kind of thing for a few years now, Military summer & winter functions.

I set up with a seasonal backdrop, 2x monoblocs and wireless triggers.
use a couple of function staff as set up models to check for shadows etc then crack on.
a quiet night may see only 30-40 couples & 1 or 2 groups, but a good night may see up to 100 couples.

It pays to catch them early on ( I am usually in the entrance hall) as people do not look good drunk!
speak with the DJ or master of ceremonies, they will then announce you at the start, then about 45 mins before you are due to finish get him to announce the 'last chance for a photo' saying you are leaving in 30 mins, I always get stragglers!

On the subject of spare kit, it may be advisable to take a spare body.

when you say standard lens I take it you mean a 18-50? and the tamron focal length?
I used to use a canon 20D with a 17-85 and that was fine.

you really need lights though, I'm sure there are places in london you could hire a set of monoblocs for a few days (practise practise)

hth
 
There are generally two ways of doing this.

1) Everyone on arrival is photographed, you then get them printed and bagged ready for them to purchase later.

2) As the guy did last year, be available for anyone that wants to come to you, if they like the pic you print it there and then.
You can hire a dye sub printer that will print 8x6 or 9x6 from www.systeminsight.com and I think www.photomart.com hire them too.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of sales, 150 guests probably means 75 couples max, there is a risk you won`t sell enough to cover costs, especially if hiring a printer, which with delivery won`t be cheap.
 
this sounds mega pro stuff...hire the best imho and have a backup body..identical
that would scare the excrements out of me..
 
Its a lot easier than it sounds, people are there for a good night, maybe they dont get dressed up normally.
The guy I sub contract for has a clause in his contract ref ' if sales do not exceed €xxx then the mess will be charged a fee of €xxx
that covers the wasted night & fuel costs etc

slightly different for us as we dont have to print on the night, we deliver to the unit about a week later
 
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