Evaluating new gear is always an exciting part of any photographer's day. Here's a great approach to testing the gear, while not potentially upsetting paying customers, yet maintaining a realistic shooting scenario.
Fellow photographer Mike Baker and I were chatting about this last week. I really liked his outside-the-box approach to testing new gear. Baker commented, “Much of my photography involves portraiture in one way or another, so I gravitate towards finding folks who will allow me to test new gear by photographing them in a low-key, no pressure setting.” Now you're wondering, where could this possibly be? Baker's tried and tested method is historical reenactments. He said that you can find reenactments near you with a simple Google search or on ReenactorINFO.org.
Baker explained, “Within short driving distances from my studio, are multiple locations which host historical reenactments. One location is the historic Brattonsville Plantation in McConnells, South Carolina. Brattonsville recreates life in the South Carolina Piedmont during the mid-1700s through the late 19th century. Re-enactors at Brattonsville teach local history, farming and cooking techniques, customs and traditions, and about enslaved peoples during that historical period.
After chatting about his latest re-enactment at testing out his newest addition, the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art lens, Baker offered a few things to remember when shooting these types of events.
- Travel light.
- Don’t get upset about the crowds. They paid admission too so be considerate.
- Make small talk with re-enactors and those in attendance.
- Share your photos with the subject if they ask.
Now for those of you who have an internal debate every time you want to photograph a stranger but can’t seem to engage in conversation Baker brings great points up. “The re-enactors are out there to teach and to have fun; they are a community and they love what they do. They are used to having their photo taken and most are more than happy to let you do so. I do not worry about model releases from re-enactors when my shots are intended just for fun, or even if I anticipate that they may be used for editorial or teaching purposes. Reenacting is often a family affair with children participating; if the subject I want to photograph is a child, I seek permission from an adult before shooting anything other than a candid shot.”
Regardless of how you test new gear, take time to see what types of opportunities are around you. As for me, winter is usually when I take a bit of a break from the constant shooting of high pressure gigs, but heading to a reenactment is a great way to keep the photographic eye sharp with less pressure.
To see more of Mike Baker's work check out his website.
Images used with permission of Mike Baker
I've always wanted to raid one of those with a "surprise" Indian war party. Lol
I test new gear at a local museum here in Minneapolis. The long winters drive most people indoors for about 5 months and it's like shooting indoor street photography in the museum.