[Leica] Soccer portraits in the shade.

["BIRKEY, DUANE" <dbirkey@hcjb.org.ec>]

I would try to keep your set up for taking those shots as simple as 
possible. I would forget the flash unless you are used to using one in 
that situation (it's one big potential mistake waiting to happen if the 
power is too high) and forget the warming filter.  A large reflector 
would be nice but isn't necessary as often there is house or buildings or 
clouds that reflect light in anyhow.  I normally won't use a flash for 
set-up outdoor portraits.

I prefer a Photoflex lite disk with one side silver and the other white 
over a flash any day of the week.   But invest in a stand and a holder as 
whoever you would get to hold it will probably move it out of position 
1/2 way through the first picture.  (I used to spend as much time telling 
them to move it back into position as directing the person I was 
photographing.)  I like to work at the edge of shade, keep the background 
as simple as possible.

Just about any decent print film will do, I'd recommend Fuji 100 or 
whatever print film you've been getting good results from your lab.
 But DO NOT underexpose the film.

But in the end IMHO, two factors will determine how successful your 
results are.  

1) How good of a printing job your lab does, do they get the color and 
density of the skin tones right???

2) How good are the expressions on the individual faces? What position is 
their body in and what does the body language convey?

If you take the film to a second rate lab, or the girls all look fat and 
bored,  The rest of your technique or equipment or background isn't going 
to matter one bit.  I would prefer a SLR in this set up, just to confirm 
the appearance of the background and a motor is nice so you have one less 
thing to do.  But you can use Leica M if you are more comfortable with it 
and keep the background simple enough.  Great expressions on the girls 
faces will make them happy even if you take the pictures in a parking 
lot.  SO......... concentrate more on that.

Duane Birkey

HCJB World Radio
Quito Ecuador