[Amy2010]

Hi everyone,

I have been asked to take some photo's today at a Christening and I am really nervous! I have done a basic photography course and have a Nikon D3100. My girlfriend knows that I am just learning and isn't expecting anything spectacular although I want to try and obviously take great shots.

I just struggle taking photos indoors (except when in auto and th flash is on!) I have recently brought a 50mm lens, do you think I should use this lens instead of the 18mm-55mm lens?

Can anybody give me some tips?! I would love some.

TIA

[TopsyTurvy]

Stick with Auto and the flash for the ceremony. I am assuming that you are using the inbuilt flash?

You will need to get as close as possible so the flash will light up as much as possible. Unfortunately the inbuilt flash won't give brilliant results but should at least get reasonable ones.

After the ceremony ditch the flash, and either get outside, or move the people to a window where natural light is coming in. You might then like to shoot in Aperture priority, which should produce a lot softer nicer images than the flash lit ones.

Take photos of the details too. The little bits and pieces that stitch the day together. Say while the water is being poured on the babies head, take a photo of the scene as a whole, but then quickly zoom in on the babies head and whatever is being used to pour the water. If there are any fantastic details on the outfit zoom in to capture those. Get photos that really get up and close with this, so a nice close shot from waist up of godparent and child will give a nice additional view to the standard full length stuff.
Look for emotion and try to capture that as well, rather than just the more posed formal shots.

[Amy2010]

[quote name='TopsyTurvy' date='25/11/2012, 07:23 AM' post='15106119']
I am assuming that you are using the inbuilt flash?

Yep just iin the inbuilt flash.

I just realised then that I will probably have to stand quite close to the action and I might get in the way of everyone watching?!

So which lens do you think I should use then?

Thanks so much for replying...I am starting to freak out.

[raven74]

Not the 50mm, particularly if using auto. You'll need to get far too close to them during the ceremony to get the shots. The zoom will give you more versatlilty in this case.
Gah, stupid morning brain - I see your other lens is an 18-55, so you'll still be pretty close! I'd still use the zoom though.

This post has been edited by raven74: 25/11/2012, 09:11 AM

[ILBB]

Some Churches ban flash photography - so you may need to check first. If so - bump up the ISO and use your 50mm.

[Amy2010]

thanks ladies....well I did ok...got some great shots and also got some shockers.

Just confirmed though that I think I would like to persue this hobby further!