Tips, Ideas, Suggestions Welome!

[casil403]

A friend is taking me to his old family's farm this weekend where he grew up as a child to do a photo shoot at my request. It's about 2+ hours north of the city and I want to totally do the farm justice in the images as he would like to be able to give them as gifts to his mother and sister this Christmas if possible/if they turn out (especially meaningful since his father passed away this past year). He is especailly interested in getting shots of his father's old '48 Ford.

Anybody have any tips/ideas on how to do this as best as possible for him?
I guess I feel especially nervous because it's for a friend who matters and it's meaningful! I just want to do a really good job!
HELP!

[hodaka]

I would say to just be prepared. Be prepared for bad weather, poor lighting, etc. Make sure everything is charged, cleaned, and ready to go. Shoot as many angles as you can of things, fill up your cards! Remember, some people like a honest, clean photo more than a photoshop beauty. Take your time on composition, focus, etc.

[casil403]

Thanks H.....I just so want to do this right!

[Iguanasan]

I would search Flickr for old farms, old cars, etc. and get some composition ideas too.

[casil403]

Thanks Iggy...actually now that you mention it, there's a cool Darwin Wigget shot I like of an old truck in a field on the prairie landscape. I might look for something similar if I can find it.
Just went out and bought more batteries, a bubble level and other things.
Anybody else with thoughts/suggestions, feel free to chime in!

[AcadieLibre]

TO be honest make sure you bring what lenses you have, lots of memory on hand and try and get there early or if your staying get up early and try and pre plan some of your shots. Look around view things at various angles, try out a lens or two to see what gets in the shot and what would be missing say if I chose the wrong lens. You need to scout and even do some test shots, but I would strongly recommend taking an hour or more to get a good look around and feel for the place. See where the truck is and what options you have to get the types of shot you want. Spend time alone absorbing the surroundings, get a feel for the history of the place, and if you drive up with your friend get him to tell you sentimental stories of his experiences there, it might inspire you. Just some ideas. Would be how I would deal with it, but thats me.

[Mad Aussie]

Great advice from everyone so far Lisa!

No point in me repeating what's been said.

I'll just add ... relax ... you'll do fine.

With every shot ... think to yourself

1. "What do I want in the shot?" ... and frame accordingly ... but before taking the photo ... think to yourself "What Don't I want in the shot?"
You may need to take the photo and look at it with the "What Don't I want?" thinking and re-take.

2. "What is the purpose of this photo? What must it say?

[casil403]

Wow....thanks AL that was just great! I might send him off for a bit to go and visit his mother in a nearby next town over for a few hours so I can be alone for a bit and ake it in!
And MA....thanks for the encouragement! I know too...just breathe right? LOL!

All great stuff...this is why this forum is just so damn special...

[Mad Aussie]

You aren't taking photos for photographers so I'm totally confident what you produce will wow them.
You are putting pressure on yourself because of yourself here. And that's fine because you will push yourself to wider limits with luck.

Yep ... breathe ... shoot ... chimp ... re-shoot better

[Bambi]

You aren't taking photos for photographers so I'm totally confident what you produce will wow them.
You are putting pressure on yourself because of yourself here. And that's fine because you will push yourself to wider limits with luck.

Yep ... breathe ... shoot ... chimp ... re-shoot better

Totally agree here! let us know how it goes and don't forget to show us your efforts