Burning of the Clavie - how do I photograph?

[billhercus]

This event involves carrying a large, lethal burning torch of wood and tar around a village. Houses are visited and burning embers are given to the occupants as good luck tokens for the year! Finally, all assemble at an old Roman fort where blazing embers are thrown about with some abandon (it seems to me).The event takes place in the dark (forecast rain and wind) at 6pm tonight (7 hours to go).

Equipment is: 300D + ubiquitous 50mm f1.8, 18-55 (kit) 100-300 f4 and 420EX.

Your question, should you be prepared to accept it, is: How best to photograph this night time moving event?

This question will self destruct in 7:30hrs

Thanks

Bill

[RichardtheSane]

Well first problem I can see is you want the people to be still & sharp, but still see the flames. Not easy. You may have to try a variety of things using the LCD/Histogram as a guide.

1. High ISO (800/1600) with the 50mm @ F1.8, manual, shutter speed 1/60th - 1/125th and see what you get. My preference would be 1/90th.
2. Once you get an idea of exposure maybe set it to TV and go from there.
3. Shoot RAW - with such diverse conditions form exposure the extra capability you have for fine-tuning the exposure from a raw file will be invaluable.
4. Experiment with flash. Maybe try 1/125th @ F4-5.6 in M mode and see if you get good results.
5. Enjoy yourself, I know I would!

[billhercus]

Thanks Richard.

More or less my thinking (which shows how much I've learned here) + Neat Image. Great guidance on settings - where I'll start.

Thought I might go out when its dark (about 4pm here) and try some exexperimental shots in similar street lighting with the 50mm.

Do you see any use at all for the other lenses or would you stick with the 50mm??

[RichardtheSane]

If you go with the flash idea then I would put the 18-55 on as the wide angle would give you some interesting shots :D

[billhercus]

Will do.

If, I say again, IF, I get a decent shot I'll post. Otherwise, I'll slink away into the night ...

[RichardtheSane]

If you do, and I ma sure you will, great!! If you don't - post it anyway with the settings used and a lot of us can maybe learn what not to do :D :D :D :D

[billhercus]

I will obey - oh Master!! :D :D

[DaveF]

Juli Valley posted an ambient temperature/flash technique at dpreview.com that works pretty well.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1019&message=6991909

Worth a try during your test shots.

[billhercus]

Yeh, thanks davef.

These are indoor with bounce etc. I'm looking at an outdoor scenario and I think Richard has covered it pretty well bearing in mind the limits of my equipment.