Problem with a shoot

[tiler65]

I have just done a school nativity rehersal and the school want the to have the main event done too but I am not happy with what I have got so far.

Any pointers will be greatful.

My tools

Canon 30D, 50mm 1.8, sigma 24-70 2.8, canon 70-200 f/4 and a tammy 90mm 2.8, 580exII.

The hall is very dimly lit. The kids never seem to sit still so I found focusing really difficult. I don't think I could have stobes set up as room is very small too and the production has kids coming from all four corners of the room.

here is an example, converted from ACR, nothing altered

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d34/ardion-90/e1c8b90b.jpg

Be as honest as you need to be.

Here is another example of a shot, don't worry about the red eye, I had switched it off in camera, it's back on now.

Can I adjust it just with curves/levels or will this add to much noise? I do not have a plugin for noise.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d34/ardion-90/71234520.jpg

Thanks

[evolved]

problem is they're underexposed (the 2nd one quite a bit) Why not bump your ISO up to 800 and shoot with natural light. if you're dead set on using your flash, looks like your best option is to bounce it off the ceiling... or put it on a stand in the back of the room and bounce it off the wall directly behind it.

[mdruziak]

Shoot wide open with your 50mm or 24-70mm, boost the ISO to 1600, get the shutter speed as high as you can and use a noise reduction program.

Also get in a little closer and try to pick out one subject at a time.

[jjmucker]

Shoot wide open with your 50mm or 24-70mm, boost the ISO to 1600, get the shutter speed as high as you can and use a noise reduction program.

Also get in a little closer and try to pick out one subject at a time.


Thats pretty much what i was gonna write. dont be afraid to bump your ISO to 1600, or even ISO 3200 on the 30D, if exposed correctly you can get decent results. that should give you enough shutter speed to stop motion blur.

That should also give you enough so you dont have to use flash. im surprised your even allowed to use flash here. I find that using flash in this type of circumstance not only distracts the audience and participants but also kills the mood of a shot . If you really have to use flash though, i would definetly bounce it.

good luck