Nightclub Photography

[lolage]

Hi

I may be starting a new job taking photos for a nightclub once a week. I'm fairly competant with my camera but don't actually own my own flashgun.

Does anyone have any tips? I'll use a D3100 and a 35mm 1.8G. I need a flashgun, any tips on which one? Perhaps a cheapo second hand one?

I presume my 35mm prime will be better than my kit lens for this?

Cheers

 

[ljphil78]

Welcome to the crazy life lol
I use my 17-85 kit lens and find it ideal especially on a crowded dancefloor where i have to get as wide as possible i think you might struggle being restricted to 35mm.
Few tips:
1: If your photos are only going on the clubs website/facebook dont be affraid to bump the iso up (I use around iso 800-1000 on my 40D)

2: If you havent got one already get yourself a lens hood and a filter (drunk people have a habit of trying to touch your camera).

3: Wear earplugs, i've worked in nightclubs for about 12 years now and never used to wear them and am now regretting it and always wear them.

4: Have fun, but not to much remember your there to work so dont go getting hammered (until the end of the night).

5: Find out If the club have anything on that night (PA, Podium dancers, Make up Artist (yep one of the venues I work in got someone in to do the girls makeup)) and make sure you get photos of it.

 

[iced_jacob]

Your kit lens and a flashgun are a better bet than the 35mm. there is limited space available in nightclubs and no luxury to walk back and forth for framing. you also won't be worrying too much about people spilling something over it.

Use slow sync flash (front curtain) if you want to capture the overall atmosphere a well

My settings are usually ISO800, f8, 1/2s slow sync

 

[Russ77]

Have a search as there's an excellent How To for nightclub photography.

Flashgun wise, Jessops do a pretty reasonable one for around £60 and have one of these as backup for my Nissin 866i.