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Horrible day shooting

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tcole1983

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Sorry I was out and about most of the day. I will have to read everything more careful tomorrow. Couple problems. We were in auditorium type seating so where we were sitting there was no option for using any sort of tripod or monopod. The seating also threw out any chance of getting up and getting closer...it was a college graduation for graduate degrees (masters or doctorates) and yeah, it wasn't going to happen. I had originally taken some practice shots when we got there, but they dimmed the lights when the ceremony started and so that made it even worse :( I did have my flash, but at the distance we were at it wasn't showing up at all so I took it off because it was just adding weight.

I luckily saw her when they were getting ready and used my flash and got a couple of good pictures, but none turned out of when she walked across the stage or was standing in line before she walked across. Also then we took a couple of family shots and it was just a combo of things. People looking the wrong way or moving and the light was fine on that. I had my 35 f1.8 on at that time, but when I handed it to my sister in law I should have thought to put it on auto, but instead it was probably on like f8 and not shooting fast enough for someone that has a 10 year old P&S.

Anyway I was just disappointed overall. It was really the first important type shooting I have done indoors with some poor lighting and it really whooped me. I know of things that could have been done, but other then cranking the ISO all the way up I couldn't do much of the other options. Under the controlled settings I put my flash on and got some good pictures, but it was when the lighting was bad and stuff that it sucked. Lol more of a complaint at myself overall and not any equipment. A couple pictures could have turned out better if I had been thinking or paying attention more (like checking them on my LCD after I took them).

Oh yeah and no doctorate for the wife. Time for me to work on my masters though maybe. It made me proud and a little jealous at the same time.

Posted 2 years ago #
bjrichus

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Joined: Nov '10
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tcole1983 said:
I did have my flash, but at the distance we were at it wasn't showing up at all so I took it off because it was just adding weight.

It always makes me smile when the point and shoot crew use flash on a scene from 100 yards or *more* away and wonder why they get great pics of the three rows in front of where they are sitting and nothing else. At least the two girls in front of me with a P&S type camera didn't use flash and got something that according to what we overheard, they can post to Facebook! I'm sure it'll be a case of "Mister blurry-cam strikes again", but they were happy with it.

My kid is looking to be a doctor (orthopedics as it happens), so we have at least 4 more years of supporting him. Our hope is he will help keep my wife and I in our old age - LOL - or at least help me out by buying some fast glass for Christmas with his potentially massive future income!!!!

Posted 2 years ago #
Rx4Photo

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This type of scenario is what's nagging at me right now. I've got 8 year old twins (I married late, kids came even later) and I just know that my future is going to be filled with sporting activities, stage, recitals, etc. The only "fast" glass I've bought so far is the 35mm f/1.8 but I agonize over the price of fast zooms. So far I've already taken darker than desired images of them playing keyboard at an outside Christmas concert under a covered pavilion. But, I've still got a lot to learn about adjusting exposure and flash.

Posted 2 years ago #
bjrichus

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Rx4Photo... The problem with photography is that there is a relationship between cost and quality and features. It's a good generalization to say that its a bit like the size of computer disk drives; the more you pay, the more you get.

Not that equipment by itself improves (for example) your composition skills, good gear just lets you overcome technical problems much more easily.

At some point in shooting lots of pictures, you will bump into the limits of the gear and your own abilities. In my view, that you recognize your need to shoot with faster glass is a good sign. You have bumped into an equipment limitation and have recognized it. Equipment (fast glass over slower glass) is a problem that is easy to fix. You only need money (!)

All it takes is money and practice (shoot more pictures) which really costs nothing on a DSLR once you have purchased it. Oh yes, and also read lots of photography books and read comments on forums like this one. Did I also say shoot more pictures?

As for agonizing over the cost, I'd rather have an f5.6 long lens than no long lens. Sure, I'd rather have an f2.8 or an f1.8, but if I cannot afford one, too bad, at least I have one.

If my budget does not go to a $2,000 lens and only lets me spend $200, and I cannot control that, then as I am not a pro and as the mortgage will still get paid if I have that $200 lens, I won't lose too much sleep over it. When I win the lotto......

:-)

Good luck.

Posted 2 years ago #

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Horrible day shooting

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