Candid portrait photography...help please..

"> Hi!
> I usually take 2 lenses: the 17-85 IS USM and my 70-300 IS USM.
> The first one gives me the possibility of 17mm (~28mm film) thus allowing
> to take buildings close-up and yet gives me a good equivalent of 130mm
> film. The other allows me to get scenes from afar (without people knowing
> I'm photographing them) and the IS allows me not to use a tripod, although
> I also bring a monopod.
> If I were you, I would bring the kit lens which gives a good wide angle
> (18mm or 28.8mm film) and your 70-200 F4L (mind you, the "L" lens is a bit
> "flashy" and people may be more aware you're using a long lens. Many
> people say the kit lens is the pits, but I think it still takes good
> photographs.
> Maybe I'm overlooking a few facts, but anyway, this is what I would do.
> Why do you want to bring the Canon G9? As a backup?
> Have a good trip!
> Marcel
>

Hi Marcel..yes, the G9 is a back up, and I am very mindful that for candid
photography the canon 70-200 mm F4 might stand out and draw a bit too much
attention!


--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
 >> Stay informed about: Candid portrait photography...help please.. 

On Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:17:50 -0000, "the_niner_nation"
<the_niner_nation DeleteThis @1.com> wrote:
:
: "> Hi!
: > I usually take 2 lenses: the 17-85 IS USM and my 70-300 IS USM.
: > The first one gives me the possibility of 17mm (~28mm film) thus allowing
: > to take buildings close-up and yet gives me a good equivalent of 130mm
: > film. The other allows me to get scenes from afar (without people knowing
: > I'm photographing them) and the IS allows me not to use a tripod, although
: > I also bring a monopod.
: > If I were you, I would bring the kit lens which gives a good wide angle
: > (18mm or 28.8mm film) and your 70-200 F4L (mind you, the "L" lens is a bit
: > "flashy" and people may be more aware you're using a long lens. Many
: > people say the kit lens is the pits, but I think it still takes good
: > photographs.
: > Maybe I'm overlooking a few facts, but anyway, this is what I would do.
: > Why do you want to bring the Canon G9? As a backup?
: > Have a good trip!
: > Marcel
: >
:
: Hi Marcel..yes, the G9 is a back up, and I am very mindful that for candid
: photography the canon 70-200 mm F4 might stand out and draw a bit too much
: attention!

Many Indians are avid photographers, are they not? Maybe the big lens would
attract the attention of some of them, who might then be able to advise you on
how and what to photograph in their country. ;^)

Bob
 >> Stay informed about: Candid portrait photography...help please.. 

On Feb 18, 1:54 pm, DHB <yod... RemoveThis @verizon.net> wrote:
> On Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:27:52 -0500, "Celcius" <celciu... RemoveThis @hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> >"the_niner_nation" <the_niner_nat... RemoveThis @1.com> wrote in message
> >news:47b8be13$0$26068$88260bb3@free.teranews.com...
> >> Hi...I am going to India soon and want to try my hand at taking candid
> >> type photographs of people going about their day to day business..
>
> >> I havn't photographed in India before, and know that in some cultures it
> >> is often considered rude to just go snapping away without asking
> >> permission, or giving a small amout of money or a gift, which I am happy
> >> to do.
>
> >> In terms of my equipment, I am taking with me a Canon 400d/xti and a Canon
> >> G9 plus the following lenses..
>
> >> 1. 70-200 f4 L (non-IS)
> >> 2. 28-135 IS lens
> >> 3.50 mm 1.8 plastic fantastic lens
> >> 4.Canon 85 mm f1.8 lens
> >> 5.18-55 mm kit lens
>
> >> I have enough digital storage and portable storage devices, what lenses
> >> should I take and what should I leave behind?
>
> >> I don't fancy taking a tri pod, and not too keen on using flash
> >> photography. India can be dusty, so I am also taking blower and cleaning
> >> kits.
>
> >> Also, any other nuggets of advice would be much appreciated..i am looking
> >> to travel to Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Ahmdabad whilst in India.
>
> >> Thanks
>
> >Hi!
> >I usually take 2 lenses: the 17-85 IS USM and my 70-300 IS USM.
> >The first one gives me the possibility of 17mm (~28mm film) thus allowing to
> >take buildings close-up and yet gives me a good equivalent of 130mm film.
> >The other allows me to get scenes from afar (without people knowing I'm
> >photographing them) and the IS allows me not to use a tripod, although I
> >also bring a monopod.
> >If I were you, I would bring the kit lens which gives a good wide angle
> >(18mm or 28.8mm film) and your 70-200 F4L (mind you, the "L" lens is a bit
> >"flashy" and people may be more aware you're using a long lens. Many people
> >say the kit lens is the pits, but I think it still takes good photographs..
> >Maybe I'm overlooking a few facts, but anyway, this is what I would do.
> >Why do you want to bring the Canon G9? As a backup?
> >Have a good trip!
> >Marcel
>
> Celcius,
>                  Same 2 lenses that I often use (the 17-85 IS USM and
> my 70-300 IS USM) because together on a 1.6x crop factored camera they
> cover the approximate FOV of ~28-480mm & all with IS too!  In addition
> I always take a 50 mm 1.8 because it's an optically excellent lens,
> inexpensive, very small & lightweight.
>
> To the original Poster, (the_niner_nation), don't forget 2 more things
> that can add considerably to your photographic results:
>
> 1> A lens hood for each lens you take or 1 usable on all with
> adapters.
>
> 2> A very good quality polarizer for each lens or 1 useable on all
> with adapters.
>
> 3> Zip-Lock type heavy duty plastic freezer bags that can be used as
> additional dust/rain protection on each unused lens.  Additionally I
> sometimes take along a large enough 1 for the camera with the 50mm
> lens on it as added protection for it too.
>
>         Of the lenses you have listed I would take along #2, #3 & #5.
> #1 might attract the wrong type of attention.  Also since you don't
> want to travel with a tripod & it does not have IS, you may not want
> to take it.  #4 is a very nice lens but only you can decide if it's
> worth taking in addition to the 50mm as it will give you added reach
> but with much more added weight compared to the 50mm only.
>
> 4> A few White Mr. Coffee type filters kept clean in a Zip-Lock type
> bag makes for a great substitute for a white card to do a custom White
> Balance (WB) & all you need to do it slip the filter over the lens, a
> rubber band may help too if you need to aim it down or it's windy.
>
>         Make sure you know how to set a custom WB or download the
> manual in pdf format & print out that page & take it with you as a
> reminder.  When using the filter for WB you should turn off Auto Focus
> (AF), just remember to turn it back on when done.
>
>         These are suggestions from an avid amateur photographer with
> over 40 years of practice & I will always have much more to learn.
>
>         Hope something in what I offered helps you & or others.
> Wishing you a safe & enjoyable photographic experience!
>
>         Sincerely,  DHB
>
Hi DHB!
I like your recommendations. I wasn't at ease with the L lens and I
don't know the 28-135 IS.
The Ziplocks is a great idea. I use them particularly in the South and
here in winter to help with the transition from cold-heat-cold.
It's also helpful if it rains (I also keep 2 shower caps they offer in
hotels to protect my camera.).
Personally, I have a grey card, but that coffee filter is a great
idea.
Finally, although I use circular polarizers for my lenses, but didn't
think of suggesting it. It's a very good point and is particularly
useful in an area where the sun is very strong.
Tip of the hat to you.
Marcel
 >> Stay informed about: Candid portrait photography...help please.. 

On Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:27:52 -0500, "Celcius" <celcius38.TakeThisOut@hotmail.com>
wrote:

>
>"the_niner_nation" <the_niner_nation.TakeThisOut@1.com> wrote in message
>news:47b8be13$0$26068$88260bb3@free.teranews.com...
>> Hi...I am going to India soon and want to try my hand at taking candid
>> type photographs of people going about their day to day business..
>>
>> I havn't photographed in India before, and know that in some cultures it
>> is often considered rude to just go snapping away without asking
>> permission, or giving a small amout of money or a gift, which I am happy
>> to do.
>>
>> In terms of my equipment, I am taking with me a Canon 400d/xti and a Canon
>> G9 plus the following lenses..
>>
>> 1. 70-200 f4 L (non-IS)
>> 2. 28-135 IS lens
>> 3.50 mm 1.8 plastic fantastic lens
>> 4.Canon 85 mm f1.8 lens
>> 5.18-55 mm kit lens
>>
>> I have enough digital storage and portable storage devices, what lenses
>> should I take and what should I leave behind?
>>
>> I don't fancy taking a tri pod, and not too keen on using flash
>> photography. India can be dusty, so I am also taking blower and cleaning
>> kits.
>>
>> Also, any other nuggets of advice would be much appreciated..i am looking
>> to travel to Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Ahmdabad whilst in India.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>Hi!
>I usually take 2 lenses: the 17-85 IS USM and my 70-300 IS USM.
>The first one gives me the possibility of 17mm (~28mm film) thus allowing to
>take buildings close-up and yet gives me a good equivalent of 130mm film.
>The other allows me to get scenes from afar (without people knowing I'm
>photographing them) and the IS allows me not to use a tripod, although I
>also bring a monopod.
>If I were you, I would bring the kit lens which gives a good wide angle
>(18mm or 28.8mm film) and your 70-200 F4L (mind you, the "L" lens is a bit
>"flashy" and people may be more aware you're using a long lens. Many people
>say the kit lens is the pits, but I think it still takes good photographs.
>Maybe I'm overlooking a few facts, but anyway, this is what I would do.
>Why do you want to bring the Canon G9? As a backup?
>Have a good trip!
>Marcel
>
Celcius,
Same 2 lenses that I often use (the 17-85 IS USM and
my 70-300 IS USM) because together on a 1.6x crop factored camera they
cover the approximate FOV of ~28-480mm & all with IS too! In addition
I always take a 50 mm 1.8 because it's an optically excellent lens,
inexpensive, very small & lightweight.

To the original Poster, (the_niner_nation), don't forget 2 more things
that can add considerably to your photographic results:

1> A lens hood for each lens you take or 1 usable on all with
adapters.

2> A very good quality polarizer for each lens or 1 useable on all
with adapters.

3> Zip-Lock type heavy duty plastic freezer bags that can be used as
additional dust/rain protection on each unused lens. Additionally I
sometimes take along a large enough 1 for the camera with the 50mm
lens on it as added protection for it too.

Of the lenses you have listed I would take along #2, #3 & #5.
#1 might attract the wrong type of attention. Also since you don't
want to travel with a tripod & it does not have IS, you may not want
to take it. #4 is a very nice lens but only you can decide if it's
worth taking in addition to the 50mm as it will give you added reach
but with much more added weight compared to the 50mm only.

4> A few White Mr. Coffee type filters kept clean in a Zip-Lock type
bag makes for a great substitute for a white card to do a custom White
Balance (WB) & all you need to do it slip the filter over the lens, a
rubber band may help too if you need to aim it down or it's windy.

Make sure you know how to set a custom WB or download the
manual in pdf format & print out that page & take it with you as a
reminder. When using the filter for WB you should turn off Auto Focus
(AF), just remember to turn it back on when done.

These are suggestions from an avid amateur photographer with
over 40 years of practice & I will always have much more to learn.

Hope something in what I offered helps you & or others.
Wishing you a safe & enjoyable photographic experience!

Sincerely, DHB

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President,
or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong,
is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable
to the American public."--Theodore Roosevelt, May 7, 1918
 >> Stay informed about: Candid portrait photography...help please..