Shooting Graduation in a Auditorium

[rjbdaddy]

I am wondering if anyone can offer advise to a rookie....

I have a Canon XTi and do not have a flash head (only pop up), I will be shooting my son's graduation with a EF 55-250 lens but do not know if I should leave setting on Auto or try some program mode to allow for lower light availability due to being seated a fair distance away from stage.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[John Photography]

with the equipment you have, the best suggestion i have is to get up closer when your son receives his diploma. at a distance, the pop up flash is pretty much useless.

[zelseman]

If the gear you listed is all you have, bump the ISO to 1600 and shoot in Av mode at 4.0/5.6. Make sure that IS is on, and pray.

[tim]

Agreed - it'll be challenging with no flash and slow lenses. Even with a 70-200 F2.8 IS and a 580EX that wouldn't be particularly easy. Go with the advice you've received, it's your best shot.

[Trainboy]

Rent a 300mm F/2.8L IS =)

[rjbdaddy]

Thank you, all worked out quite well and a number of great shots without having to do any adjustment on brightness.