Graduation Ceremony Photos: I need advice from the Ugly Hedgehog Photography Forum. My son has graduation next month. I will be attending and will take some photos with (Camera...

Balbir

I need advice from the Ugly Hedgehog Photography Forum.
My son has graduation next month. I will be attending and will take some photos with (Camera mounted) and without flash. The graduation ceremony is in the hall. Any suggestions from the forum will be appreciated.
I have Canon 450D EF S 18-55 IS kit and Tamron AF 28-300 mm F/3.5-6.3 lens.
Thanks.
Balbir.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

I would take the 28-300. I have the Nikon one. Mine is tack sharp and I think it would be fast enough. And you should be able to get up close and personal during the event. I wish I would have had it for my son's. I took his with a 80-200 2.8. They turned out good, but I know the 28-300 would have been better.
Erv

safetyhat

With regard to your non-flash photos:
Make sure you have fast enough shutter to eliminate shake, preferably monopod mounted with a decent ISO, high ISO will help you out regardless of monopod. I think your max is only 1600. If you need more then underexpose a stop or 2 and improve it with software.
These will definitely help if you don't want to shoot everything at max aperture.
I am assuming your lens is non-IS and you know how to change the settings.
Get some test shots in between now and the event using similar ambient lighting so that you can see how things will pan out.

Balbir

Erv wrote:

I would take the 28-300. I have the Nikon one. Mine is tack sharp and I think it would be fast enough. And you should be able to get up close and personal during the event. I wish I would have had it for my son's. I took his with a 80-200 2.8. They turned out good, but I know the 28-300 would have been better.
Erv

Thanks for the advice. Balbir.

Balbir

safetyhat wrote:

With regard to your non-flash photos: br Make sure... (show quote)

Thanks, Safetyhat. Yes max speed is 1600. The lens is: AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3XRDi LD ASPHERICAL(IF)MACRO. Iwiil do some test shots in between. Once again thanks.

Ugly Jake Loc: Sub-Rural Vermont

Be sure and check white balance - most indoor light is cr*p!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Monopod.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

What flash?

rebride

Can you get in the hall with lights on before grad day?

That's My Boy. Graduation 6/15/2012

safetyhat

Also, don't forget that you are a participant and you will only need a few good shots for your memories.
It is easy to forget that and spend all of your time trying to get photographs at the expense of enjoying the event.

glojo Loc: South Devon, England

Just a thought

I think in the USA you can hire camera lens?

Have you considered hiring the most suitable lens possible for this once in a lifetime occasion? It will never be repeated and the memories will last forever. I have no idea of how close you will be to the presentation or what you want from this graduation but there are some really fast lens out there that will suit your needs as opposed to making the best of what you have, but........

If you decide to rent a lens then make sure you allow sufficient time to practice, practice and practice with any new glass.

Good luck

John

dasloaf

go to lens giant and rent a 70-200mmF2.8 for the day. This lens is awesome in low light and will do the job for you. Also get in and practice in the condition that you will be shooting in on that day. It is a special day, get the best equipment you can

jpy56 Loc: Las Vegas, NV

I just went to my daughter's graduation and found that the lighting was a little less than expected and the distance that I had to shoot was a little further.
I still managed to get a few shots to capture the moment, but with the fact that I had to crank up the ISO, there was some noise and the quality wasn't there.
Also, remember that there will be many others trying to get the same shot as you, so you'll be getting bumped around.
If I had to do it over again, I'd rent a longer and faster lens for this important event.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

dasloaf wrote:

go to lens giant and rent a 70-200mmF2.8 for the day. This lens is awesome in low light and will do the job for you. Also get in and practice in the condition that you will be shooting in on that day. It is a special day, get the best equipment you can

:thumbup:

The better lenses are not only faster, they will be sharper and focus easier in low light.