Exposure Compensation Question (Page 3): Since I don't think the OP can set up the flash a single on camera flash with or with out a diffuser wouldn't make the images look good.

BebuLamar

anotherview wrote:

If permitted, flash lighting could solve the exposure problem. Control the exposure of the background by the setting of the shutter speed.

Practice this technique before trying it live.

Since I don't think the OP can set up the flash a single on camera flash with or with out a diffuser wouldn't make the images look good.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

MikeMck wrote:

I am shooting a variety of monologues on stage. The background is all black and the actor is bright because of the stage lighting. I am going to set my exposure compensation value to the minus side to underexpose the subject. Is my rationale correct? I also am using 'spot" focus to concentrate on the face of the actor. Thanks for your help.

Can you also use spot metering?

User ID

Ched49 wrote:

Sorry if you misunderstood, bringing up the
shutter speed is one option a photographer
can use.

That will darken things in M-mode @ M-ISO.
But, the OP is about exposure compensation
which is an AE-only function. So bringing up
the shutter speed would have zero effect on
the actual exposure. The AE just nullifies it.

.

tomcat

zacksoccer wrote:

Jak, I have had similar challenges shooting orchestral settings...when I am using auto-iso (typically with a Nikon D750 or D500) I get too much noise as the iso is getting in the 3200-4000 range...is this normal to have this level of noise? (Am using a Nikon 70-200 2.8) Thanks

Yes, noise is going to happen at this ISO level. f/2.8 will not let enough light in. I am going to suggest that you rent a lens that will let a lot more light in. Getting more light to the sensor is the only way to reduce the noise in low light for your cameras. I have both of these bodies and I know from experience that you have to get a faster lens. In low light like this, I use a Nikon D3s with an f/1.8 lens (either the 85mm from Nikon or the 135mm from Sigma). There is no point in using my 70-200mm lens at f/2.8, so I don't bother to bring it. An f/1.8 lens will lower that ISO down from 3200 to about 1200, so it will significantly reduce the noise in your D750 or D500.

zacksoccer

Tomcat, thanks very much for your quick response...I have an 85/1.8 so will try that next time...

Toment Loc: FL, IL

BBF may help too as long as the subject doesn’t move around too much

twowindsbear

MikeMck wrote:

I am shooting a variety of monologues on stage. The background is all black and the actor is bright because of the stage lighting. I am going to set my exposure compensation value to the minus side to underexpose the subject. Is my rationale correct? I also am using 'spot" focus to concentrate on the face of the actor. Thanks for your help.

IMHO your BEST bet for proper exposure would be from an incident light reading from the subject's position, pointed to your camera position, measuring the light falling onto the subject rather than trying to meter the light reflected from the stage.

Good luck.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I love my D7200 and looking forward to the D500 that’s arriving Tuesday, but I’m really getting spoiled using EC with live mode on my M4/3. No guess work at all. I can see the effects.

User ID

twowindsbear wrote:

IMHO your BEST bet for proper exposure would be from an incident light reading from the subject's position, pointed to your camera position, measuring the light falling onto the subject rather than trying to meter the light reflected from the stage.

Good luck.