PointandShoot Loc: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

I was asked to take photos of a beauty pageant at a school . It will take place in the school hall at night. All sorts of lighting will be used. I am going to use a Canon Eos 1100D. I have the 18mm-55mm kit lens and a 50mm F1.8. I do not have a external flash. I have never done this before. My question is 1) which mode do I use 2) do I need a external flash 3) will the lenses I have be enough.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

PointandShoot, without knowing the lighting conditions, that's hard to answer. I would suggest you take your 50mm, 1.8 lens sometime before the event and see if there is enough light for available light shooting. You may be forced to 'up' the ISO to accomplish this. If not, then you will obviously need flash. Good Luck.

PointandShoot Loc: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Thanks for the advice. Appreciate.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Buy a flash

lexstgo Loc: Houston, TX

PointandShoot, to answer your question about your lenses, it all depends on how far you will be from your subject/s, your composition and the layout of the hall. I would recommend that you go to the hall and "scope" the area. External flash will help if you use it in ETTL mode (being that the distance of the subject to flash will be dynamic [not a fixed distance], and if I am wrong, I know someone else will point it out and recommend a better way). I do recommend to have your autofocus set to AI Servo. I usually set my camera to AV mode so I can control the depth-of-field. Then, I try to get the shutter speed necessary for me to shoot handheld being that you may not be permitted to use a tripod. I adjust the ISO accordingly.

I am still learning but this is what has worked for me. Good luck.

lexstgo Loc: Houston, TX

I also recommend if you do purchase a flash, take a look at this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5byuHJ9uBns

PointandShoot Loc: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Thanks for the link and spending time to help

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

Practice before the shoot! Gary

NegativeBLUR Loc: Dallas, Tx

Several things to consider here. First, find out if there will be a rehearsal. Most events I cover have one a few days before if not at least hours before. Dealing with ambient light it would help to get test shots so you know how to set your white balance (ask the person in charge of lighting if what you see at the rehearsal is what it will be the night of the event), or you may be looking at lots of color correcting (they may be very yellow depending on lighting). Also, ask someone in charge of the venue if you are even allowed to use a flash during the event. Some will not allow this, but if they do by all means get a flash and learn to use it....rent if you don't have the cash. Even for close ups (if you are doing them) a small amount helps liven the eyes. Just make sure not to do what most do when they first start using flash and over do it. It results in flat and "flashy" images (ie subject blown out with no detail and dark background). Event photography is very challenging as you have no control over lighting, the subjects are often moving (make sure to focus on the face and don't use too shallow a depth of field or too slow a shutter speed), and lighting changes often with spotlights etc. I disagree with the earlier comment about Al Servo....I use it ONLY when the subjects are constantly moving. See this link and good luck! http://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/10591/what-is-the-difference-between-al-focus-and-al-servo-autofocus-modes

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

Get yourself a Vivitar 285 HV flash. This is a really good flash for about $90.00. A lot of pros use this flash because it is not expensive and it is very reliable.

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

That can't be emphasized enough!

And go to the run through/practice/technical rehearsal and try different settings, and even lenses.
I shoot high school commencements, and that's an absolute must.