There has got to be a way to do this

but I don't know how...

I take photos for a local pageant. The lighting is horrible and I cannot set up lights to light the stage. I also cannot get within 10 feet of the stage. Add children who do not stop moving while on stage. How can I get in focus pictures with this low light level accompanied by moving subjects and inadequate lighting? I am using a Rebel xti with a telephoto lens.

Fast lens (f/2.8 or faster), high ISO (1600) probably gives best results.
Then again: There's a limit to everything.

The lens is a Canon 75-300mm zoom EF. I think it is 1.5 m/4.9 ft

Are you able to use a flash? If so you could put a couple of flashes on light stands as close as possible to the stage, or have someone hold them..

The lens you have is probably not going to get it done without a flash. If you're 10 feet away an on camera flash should work fine, if not..try renting an 85mm f1.2 L and jack up the ISO.

a521 wrote in post #5778978
Are you able to use a flash? If so you could put a couple of flashes on light stands as close as possible to the stage, or have someone hold them..

OP says no

Definately need a faster lens.
Not sure if you want to go to 1600 ISO on the Xti though.....

If flash is not allowed then you must use high ISO.
If you use high ISO the Noiseware Pro plugin for Photoshop is a miracle worker.
If you are at 1600 ISO, with wide open aperture
and you can't get enough shutter speed to stop the action of people walking
then the pageant promoters need to light the show better.
You're a photographer not a miracle worker.

You cannot set up lights, you cannot be 10'...the opportunities are great!

For example, if you put a 100mm lens on the camera and the flash is a 580EX, it has a guide number of 197 at ISO100 (same as GN394 at ISO400)...so you could stand 50' and shoot at f/8 (8 * 50 = 400)... The flash is not 'set up', it is on your camera! You are not 10' away!

One relatively inexpensive solution ($80-$100) is a Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens. From experience, that lens will do a very good job in low-light situations - assuming the 50mm focal length will provide the coverage you need.

I've been turned down for setting up lights for similar shows. Typically, its been because they didn't want 'studio' lighting, packs, heads, umbrellas, etc. Thats what many think of if you ask them about lighting.

So if I get a no, I ask specifically about camera mounted flashes and if the audience will be allowed to use P&S's with flash. If those are allowed, I am usually allowed to use an on-camera flash. I then place one or two in strategic locations and fire them remotely with a pocket wizard. Its usually just enough to make the difference by dropping the ISO about 2 stops and giving me better hand holding speed.

But if they aren't going to allow P&S's with flash, they probably won't allow a speedlight either. In that case, yea, higher ISO and faster lenses are about your only option. Its always worth a try.

Honestly it sounds like you need to learn a little more about photography.

Low light you have 3 options...

-Add light (strobe)
- use a higher ISO
- get a wider aperture lens (135 f/2, 85 1.8 would be great)

Post a picture with exif to get more detailed advice

eigga wrote in post #5783161
Honestly it sounds like you need to learn a little more about photography.

Low light you have 3 options...

-Add light (strobe)
- use a higher ISO
- get a wider aperture lens (135 f/2, 85 1.8 would be great)

Post a picture with exif to get more detailed advice

OP said strobes are not aloud.....

If this pageant is hiring you, you need to get better equipment to suit their needs in progressing your business with them. You can use an on-camera flash and bounce the light off of the ceiling. As others have been saying, the lens you need is one with a wider aperture. With this, you should also use a higher ISO. Post up some pics of pictures you have taken with the exif information included and we could help you a little better.

CorzyPhoto wrote in post #5783427
OP said strobes are not aloud..... .

OP said he was not allowed to SET UP lights...like on light stands on or near the stage. Said nothing about whether on-camera flash could be used, or not.

Well sometimes you have to explain/show your clients why strobes are necessary and how little they effect the show when done right. Very often they have no clue that strobes are used in many places without the guests/performers even realizing it.

If you strobes are out of the question you are left with 2 options....I was just stating the only 3 option availalbe.

Well actually there is another option.... if you arent allowed to do what is necessary to take high quality image you can always pass on the job.

Wilt wrote in post #5783481
OP said he was not allowed to SET UP lights...like on light stands on or near the stage. Said nothing about whether on-camera flash could be used, or not.

I know... I thought you ment strobes as in studio lights.