BebuLamar

I am not sure as the OP didn't answer my question about this. I am under the impression that the OP doesn't want to use flash as he doesn't have one. It also seems that he was successful in taking firework pictures which is under almost total darkness with some suggestion from the UHH members he should be able to do well in the gallery which does have at least some light.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Most galleries have the impression that paintings exposed to the light emitted by strobes will fade. That is, fade faster than unexposed paintings. Additionally, that "no flash ruling" is for the comfort of the people vising the gallery.

However, as I suggested, approach the gallery and inquire about the use of flash for this particular reception only.

I do think you have a valid point with regard to a photographer accepting assignments in which they have little or no experience. The possibility of disappointing the people expecting good photographs of themselves and the event, along with the embarrassment on the part of the photographer, should be avoided.
--Bob

tcthome Loc: NJ

on camera pop up flash? If so , your not allowed to use it? If you can get there a little early & take a few test shots & check them out on your rear camera screen.

sandiegosteve Loc: San Diego, CA

I've shot low light events with the D750 many times. I run it manual with Auto ISO in matrix metering. I have auto ISO set to a max of 12,800. If you have any motion (people walking), I can bump up to 1/250+ and if it is a more still I can drop down to 1/60th and take a 3-burst (three quick shots usually gets one in focus and steady). F1.8 has a pretty low depth of field, so I might stay at 2.8.

I often shoot jpeg and use the in camera noise reduction as it is fantastic. RAW+JPEG gives you options. One thing to remember is that when you export a 24MP images to something for web or even an 8x10, most noise will be gone since you are reducing the number of pixels by nearly 50%+. Be confident and focus on the composition and story and don't worry about grain.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

The OP has already done the assignment. When he posted his question, the job was that very evening. Apparently, the regular photographer who does the work was not available at the last minute and the OP was called upon to help. I suspect that it was not a critical assignment for a major publication and I doubt if any money changed hands. Sometimes people have to do their best under difficult circumstances.

I never encourage folks to undertake jobs that require professional or a least advanced experience, especially events like weddings, but people will continue to hire inexperienced amateurs based on the fact that" that guy or gal has a good camera, etc." Some folks will step up to the "challenge". Oftentimes the results are disappointing or can be surprisingly decent.

In this case, the OP was not gonna go out and buy a Speedlight and learn how to use it in a few hours. Hopefully, he captured a few good shots that will address the requirement. I suppose some pictures are better than no pictures!

Abo

+1

Neal Smith

As an alternative, if you know how to use noise reduction, you can increase the ISO to 3200, 6400 or even higher. That will allow a reasonable shutter speed and smaller aperture for more DOF. It works better than long exposure if you've got people moving in the shot and you can hand hold. You do need to know how to handle noise reduction, though.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

For future reference, another point that occurred to me when re-reading is that with noisy images you don't want to do a lot of cropping if you can at all help it, so it's important to get the composition as right as possible. Most people in a similar situation to the OP would be using a bright prime if they had it, and with a prime lens that means zooming with your legs as much as possible. Movement may be limited where indoor shots are concerned, but the shooter should do whatever they can to get the framing right in-camera.