Trade show photography

[petrolhead]

I am off to the Autosport show at the NEC tomorrow and would like some advice - http://www.autosport-international.com/autosport/show_home1.asp

I am taking my 24-105 for general shots and the 70-200 for catching those lovely girls if stuck behide a crowd ;)

I assume the NEC is quite well lit but will still be best to use flash?
If I use flash, 550EX, should I set it to auto or manual and if manual what sort of power level.

I have heard that Canon flash underexposes. Is there anyway to up the exposure?

What sort of ISO setting?

Cheers and sorry for the numpty question. I am probably too late to ask
PS Using 30D

BTW If I had given this more time would you have suggested a faster lens and if so what? (I think I know the answer and would probable not involve using flash either;) )

[Pete]

It's probably going to be fairly well lit, so a flash probably won't be needed as much as you think (not that the 24-105 is the ideal indoor lens). If it's anything like the Mercedes showroom I went to recently, the lighting will be fine (especially when the manufacturers want to show off all that metal to the best advantage).

Take the flash along, for when you need fill-in, but I can imagine that if you use it all the time, you may end up with blown foregrounds.

But then I've never been to an event like this, I'm just thinking aloud.

[Zilly]

no you will need a flash trust me the lighting can be shocking fill flash is handy. if you can go wider than 24 somthing like a 20mm will be better as the crowds will hide everything.

as for the ladies try the following "excuse me guys press come threw (as you pus your way to the front) and then come on lides give us a smile (or something similar)" works a charm :)

not going down this year have fun fun fun

ohh and dont hope on getting anything good in the live arena as its dark as anything and tooo far for a flash

[pooh bear]

yes i agree , bring along your flash ! went to max power in the summer also recent M.P.H show some parts of the arena can have very dodgy lighting , also amazing how the models can spot a "big lens " by the way i will be there sunday
most of all enjoy !!
:lol: :lol:

[petrolhead]

Cheers guys.

Not going into the arena this year

[Zilly]

if you can avoide it dont take a big bag as youll have to squeeze between very tight spaces at times have fun