What you can learn if you shoot at PC fair?

Ever wonder why so many people bring their DSLR to PC fairs? What are they shooting actually? Read more after the jump.

Nowadays you will see many people bringing their DSLR to shoot at PC fair. Do not think that these people just go to PC fairs with the main purpose of shooting all the pretty girls. If a photographer is really serious in improving his or her skills, PC fair is actually is a very good place for you to practice. So why do I say this? Below are a few reasons of mine.

1. There are actually free models for you to shoot. You don't need to spend money to hire a model. If you ask nicely, I bet they won't mind pose a bit and let you shoot. after all they are paid to do that. ;)
2. Now the serious part. As you know that the lighting are different from hall to hall. So this is the best way to learn how to use the correct white balance setting. After a few tries around the halls, I bet you will get the correct white balance in the end.
3. The next trick that you can learn is how to compose your picture, focus and shoot quickly.There won't be enough time when you see your good opportunity to shoot the model. The gap between you and the model will not be always empty, so you've got to think and shoot fast before someone else block your perfect view.
4. As I said just now, you should have known the lighting is very different in each hall. Thus after the trial and error, you should have learn to get the correct flash settings to try and balance the background lighting and the subject.

So here are just a few tips if you really want to shoot at PC fairs.

• Use manual mode, shutter around 1/50 to freeze the subject, direct flash and pump up ISO until the histogram in your camera is ok. Its also a thumb of rule to shoot in RAW as you can adjust the white balance at home using photo editing software.
• Make sure you adjust your bounce flash properly so that you won't have the problem of the face is well lit but the body is very dark. Although its a bit hard as some of the models are tall some are short, but after a few tries I'm sure you will get the hang of it.
• If you are shooting in the same environment, its better to shoot in manual mode to avoid auto calculation done wrong. The settings should be around the same.
• Do not be afraid to pump up your ISO and worry about noise. You can get rid with the noise using the photo editing software nowadays. As for aperture it will be up to you as you want bokeh or not.
• If you have shot in RAW, later you will be able to control your shadow, white balance and highlight when you get back home.

So don't be afraid to shoot at PC fairs. Just shoot away :)