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shoves
26th of March 2007 (Mon), 05:20
I have a Canon 350D.

I usually battle with taking shots at night! What will be the best mode to use for night photography? eg: taking pics of ppl sitting outside etc. I also have a 430EX flash, but the pics sometimes seems to 'blow' quite a bit.

For daytime shots, i usually use the AV mode with a setting of 5.6 and ISO 200. That usually works for me, but nighttime is quite different.

Please help!!
zeddy
26th of March 2007 (Mon), 05:26
You will need to crank up the ISO and keep the aperture wide (smaller f numbers) if you are trying to get shots with little light and your not using your flash.

When using the flash, it will just act as a fill flash in Tv or Av mode - so this wont really help if you want to use the flash in darkness.
Hermeto
26th of March 2007 (Mon), 05:34
Use the same settings but in M mode instead of Av.
480EX in ETTL mode, bounced at 45 degrees (if you can) if you want to avoid ‘raccoon eyes’.

Play with EC for background light and FEC for your subject.
liza
26th of March 2007 (Mon), 05:36
I use high ISO and manual settings with a fast lens when I shoot night time football. A monopod would help you, also, but might be ungainly depending on the setting.
Hermeto
26th of March 2007 (Mon), 05:40
No need for high ISO if background is not important, IMHO.
Since OP is talking about people sitting (of moving slowly), there is no need for high shutter speed (cannot go over 1/200s anyway), flash will freeze the motion anyway.
PhotosGuy
26th of March 2007 (Mon), 07:47
Do you have a zoom lens? Take some test shots at a standard distance like 8' or 11' with the strobe & cam on manual & see what f-stop is best. Then you can adjust the framing with the zoom shooting at that 8' or 11' distance, or adjust the f-stop for distances that exceed your zoom. Some help with calculating adjustments:
Fill light at sunset (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=66353)
shoves
26th of March 2007 (Mon), 10:02
Thanks for the speedy responses guys!
I will give it a go tonight and see if it improves!
jackies35
26th of March 2007 (Mon), 14:38
When I take portrait shots in the club (very very low light), i have my fast lens, my 430EX flash, and my Rebel 350D set on P (program).

The pictures are so sharp I can't believe it!!!!