AboutDavid Barry Expertise I have a lot of experience in most traditional forms of photography, so I`m quite knowledgeable about things like camera types and formats, techniques, exposure, film types, colour, filters, lighting, standard colour and black and white developing and printing.
I do not make recommendations about brands or models, and I am not a camera technician so I may not be able to tell you what is wrong with your equipment if it`s not working .
I also know a little about digital photography and imaging with scanners and digital cameras, so ask me and I will answer if I can.
Experience Experience in the area
I have been seriously involved in photography for over 25 years, including about 4 years as a professional, as well as 2 years providing administrative service to government photographers, requiring interpreting photographers' requirements and trade technicalities for those unfamiliar with such.
I have successfully trained several beginners in photography, helping them to become competent in basic techniques.
Organizations belong to:
None at present, but have been in about 4 camera clubs, having won or had placings in 2 club competitions.
Publications:
A lot of my photos have been in educational / training manuals, books and some photography magazines, as well as 2-3 dozen images been on the Web so far.
Education/Credentials:
Completed 4-year diploma in professional photography technique at Sydney's Technical College
Awards and Honors:
3 placings and / or merits in camera club competitions.
Expert: David Barry Date: 4/5/2007 Subject: Group Portrait
Question David,
I'm taking a group and individual shots of 22 elementary school cheerleaders. I have the canon digital rebel xti. My lenses (18-55 and 70-300) are the bottom of the line lenses. I'd like to rent a lens that will enable me to get a really good group shot worthy of a Poster Size print. Could you suggest one? (as you can tell from this question, I'm relatively new to all of this) I hope i've given you enough information.
Answer I know the 18-55 was allegedly not the best quality lens (according to some press reviews), but I'm surprised you think the 70-300 isn't up to scratch. I would have considered it more than capable for at least the individual portrait shots, but possibly a bit too powerful for the group shot.
Anyhow to answer your dilemma, for the group shot you'll probably need something around the 28 to 35 size, and for individual portraits the 50 to 70 mm range setting. I have heard the Canon 24-105 L USM is not too bad, and it would serve both types of shots. I know Canon also make several similar size range lenses (I have their 28-105 with which I'm reasonably happy) and a few others e.g., 24 - 70 L USM, should be OK.
Canon's 'L' series lenses are supposed to be the 'top-of-the-line' quality so SHOULD serve the purpose of producing an image worthy of enlargement to poster size - if you mount your camera on a tripod.
