Company Christmas Party!

Company Christmas Party!

So, this wasn't anything out of the ordinary.
However, I used it as an opportunity to experiment with some different settings for dark, outdoor setting.

Here's what I did. I slowed the shutter speed significantly and used what is called a "rear flash" on my Nikon SB-600. I experimented with everything from 1/2 second shutter speed to 1/60.

I tried not moving the camera during the slow exposure and I tried motion as well, such as spinning the camera or horizontal movements.

Sometimes, it created an interesting effect, and other times it created crap images. That's why I always try it over and over again, until I get lucky. Out of 20-30 shots, I might get one that's worthy of keeping. IF I get more, it means I'm getting a little better.








This past semester, I've had the opportunity to take my camera to a few parties. I've always struggled with getting GOOD party shots. I don't know what other photographers do to get good ones, but I've begun setting myself some rules for good shots.

1. First. Posed shots of people doing a toast are better than group shots. Generally, everyone wants to be included (especially in Brazil) in large group pictures whenever there is a party. But its just not practical. This one below works, because while they were asking me to do a group picture, I asked them to do a toast. It provides interest to an otherwise normal or even boring picture.



While there is nothing wrong with the people in this picture being in a large group. I've begun to feel that its just so impersonal. Big parties aren't experienced in groups of ten. Even though you may sit with 10 others, or arrive with 10 others, you don't talk to ALL ten at the same time. Or at least, not usually.



2. Shoot in small groups. Groups of 2-5 are the ideal 'group shots' at parties. There is less coordination of "blinks" or smiles. And it feels more intimate. You can fill the frame better with 2-5 people than you can with 10-20. Because with 10-20, it begins to feel impersonal.



3. Play around. Don't be a boring photography. Be a part of the party. just because I have an expensive professional camera doesn't mean I can't treat it like a point & shoot. The two below were trying to take pictures of themselves, and I used my camera as a third party perspective to capture it. It was interesting, I felt.



4. Show the most important people. Hahaha.
I included this picture below because they are two of the many who have been so helpful to be staying here. Colleagues, and supervisors alike, they have helped me survive here in Brazil and they take good care of me.



And finally, I wanted to include some pictures of my daughter in this blog. She recently turned 3 and will be starting primary school in February. I'm very excited because its one of the better private schools in the city and she will go for 4 hours a day in the afternoon.





COMING UP: I'm currently working on a project for a friend of mine. She recently opened a snack restaurant here, and I'm taking pictures of the place and food products so they can create a beautiful website. I did some pictures the other night, but I still have some more work to do. I'll post those when I get them.