help shooting in an auditorium

[ahmadof]

I just tried to get some pictures of a graduation. We were in an auditorium and I was sitting way too far for any flash to work. I had to use 300mm zoom lens. The max f is 5.6 at full zoom. I wanted to catch the action on the satge (hooding of a new doctor). I tried several techniques and the one that worked the best (although not at all as perfect as I would like) was to use Tv setting to capture the action (1/250) and then keep bumping up the ISO (1600) until the meter told me that I would be a little underexposed. I then took the picture and in post-proccesing (RAW) brought the exposure up to look OK. The results are the best I could get. I was just wondering if there was anything else I could do. I am pretty much a novice, so there may be something completely obvious that I'm not doing. thanks

[robertwgross]

You did not state what camera you used.

If it were permitted, you might have used a monopod on the lens. Then, you might have been able to shoot at a slightly slower shutter, but the result would have depended on the action.

---Bob Gross---

[ahmadof]

and I think that 1/125 was about as slow as I could go and get the action. I was using a 10D and the canon EF 75-300 USM 4-5.6 (best i could afford after the camera :) )

[IndyJeff]

In any auditorium you need some fast glass. A 200 2.8 would probably have done the trick. F4-5.6 is just not going to get the job done in an available light situation like that.

[asylum24]

I have the same problem, except its for the UofA gymnastics team so they are moving a **** load faster.... all the pictures I took today were way too bright and the shutter speed had to be high and I had the ISO at about 400 most of the time... my lowest lense was a 3.5 and I know I need something smaller.... I have to take a **** load of lights with me tomorrow for the real photoshoot. :(

[CoolToolGuy]

With two kids in school, I have done a lot of auditorium photography lately - plays, concerts, recitals, etc. I bought the 24-70 f2.8L specifically to do the play, and added the 85 f1.8 as an afterthought. The zoom wasn't really cutting it, so I switched to the primes. Bottom line is that I use an ISO of 200, and with a prime of f2.0 or faster I can get some decent shutter speeds without objectionable noise from the higher ISO.

My best and cheapest recommendation? Get a 50mm f1.8 for under $100. You might have to get a little closer, but I don't think there is another way. You would need some serious multiple flashes, and they would have to be mounted around the stage. And the monopod is a huge help as well. Use Av mode, and set it to the maximum aperture. Don't forget to set the White Balance.

Hope this helps.

[ahmadof]

I have the 50mm , 1.8. and am really happy wih it. In this case, I could not get close enough. It sounds like I did everything I could given my equipment. You guys are really good at spending my money :)