Night fair shots

[madplower4]

I have a 300D, kit lens, 75-300 basic, and the 50 f1.8

Our middle school is having a festival tonight, and I want to take some pics with the lights/action of the rides. What basic advice do you offer. I have an attached flash, but don't know how to use it other than basic mode. Do I iso up, open the apperature and put it on a tripod for some 1/125 speed shots.

Basic advice would be very welcome! Thanks in advance. I have not taken night shots yet.

[MTalley]

They're setting up one of those traveling carnival shows here in town and I've been wanting to get some of the same shots. Since I haven't done this particular type of shooting, either, I look forward to some responses.

I've got the same exact setup as you, except that my 50mm f/1.8 is still in transit from B&H. My new Tamron 75-300 is sitting on my desk here at work begging me to take off early today. :)

After re-reading your post, I'd recommend putting the camera into "P" mode and leaving the flash off. There should be plenty of lights around from the carnival rides. Up the ISO, as you said, run some open aperatures, probably want to use the 50mm for that, and get some good, fast shutter speeds going from maybe 1/30 to 1/60 or so.

If you run the built-in flash, you'll have a very dark scene, most likely, with everything a few feet in front of you properly lit.

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here are some shots i took recently at a carnival with my 300D and kit lens.

i can't read my exif data for some reason, but i'm pretty sure i shot these on manual with a fairly long shutter speed, anywhere up to 30 secs. use a tripod and a remote or cable release if you have it...i shot these without the remote. but the tripod or something to set your camera on is essential. i also think these were no more than ISO 400.

i'm assuming this is the kind of thing you are looking for? if you want less blur, use a faster shutter speed. :)

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