First attempt at "night" pictures

[bjtindle]

I forgot... Gahspidy...she really is beautiful, the pictures do not do her justice at all. Not just the "crowing" aunt either. When we lived in Las Vegas I would take her places. People would stop me and comment on how pretty she is, a few times I noticed that after people would comment they would kinda follow. It would freak me out. (Did NOT happen with my other nieces, no offense to them, they are beautiful too). Courtney is exotic looking, especially to me, in my family we are all blondies, bald till three etc...she is/was none of those. "Stunning" "Gorgeous" "Beautiful" stunning was the most disconcerting word to me in relation to her because she was about 3-5 years old when this word was used, I am use to associating "stunning" to older women. If I can get her on photo and have it do her justice, then I will be doing good as a photographer! Just a side note.

Betty

[gahspidy]

Well, you may have a good team then. Being you are ready and willing, and have a good eye and lots of potential behind the camera. And she having extraordinary features and character making her an ideal subject, you have a good combo there.
As for the flash thing, I'm no expert either. the type of flash I'm refering to is a Speedlite type system that is also mounted on the camera Hotshoe but has the abilty to swivel its head allowing you to direct the flash up down or sideways to bounce off wall or ceiling which takes away that "flash" look and appears more natural lighting. I'm not sure if your camera has a hotshoe or not. I'm fairly sure that your slr does though.. But being you were ouitside in pitch blask darkness, would be difficult anyway. You could try standing in front of the window of the house where the light from the house inside might highlight her face, and have her be still and snap some shots in that more soft lighting. Experiment and have fun.

[bjtindle]

As for the flash thing, I'm no expert either. the type of flash I'm refering to is a Speedlite type system that is also mounted on the camera Hotshoe but has the abilty to swivel its head allowing you to direct the flash up down or sideways to bounce off wall or ceiling which takes away that "flash" look and appears more natural lighting. I'm not sure if your camera has a hotshoe or not. I'm fairly sure that your slr does though.. But being you were ouitside in pitch blask darkness, would be difficult anyway. You could try standing in front of the window of the house where the light from the house inside might highlight her face, and have her be still and snap some shots in that more soft lighting. Experiment and have fun.

I am ashamed to say I have not purchased a flash for my SLR. On my way to San Diego I am stopping in Salt Lake City and a friend of mine is going to give me one of hers that she doesn't use anymore because of some new-fangled thingamabob she bought to replace it. If I take pics in front of the window would I still need to have the flash go off? (I think so.....right??) Anwyay, thank you very much for your help. I do appreciate it.

Betty

[gahspidy]

I would try it with and without. Also, make sure the flash your friend gives you is compatible with your camera. Lighting and use of flash is such a complicated area, you could find and ask for help with this in the Help forum. Look forward to seeing more shots of yours . . .

[bjtindle]

I would try it with and without. Also, make sure the flash your friend gives you is compatible with your camera. Lighting and use of flash is such a complicated area, you could find and ask for help with this in the Help forum. Look forward to seeing more shots of yours . . .

I will make sure the flash is the right one for my camera. I hadn't bought one yet because I wasn't taking many night pictures, I have since found it would be nice, for example the pictures I took of nieces and nephew at spring concert. Icky yellow lighting and a bit dark to boot. Live and learn. Thanks for the pointers!

Betty

[gahspidy]

I will make sure the flash is the right one for my camera. I hadn't bought one yet because I wasn't taking many night pictures, I have since found it would be nice, for example the pictures I took of nieces and nephew at spring concert. Icky yellow lighting and a bit dark to boot. Live and learn. Thanks for the pointers!

Betty

Betty,
Flash is a great thing to have at most times of the day. Especially in the middle of the day with bright sunlight , the flash is used to fill in the shadows and avoid avoiding a shot with too much contrast and shadows caused by such strong harsh sunlight.

[bjtindle]

Betty,
Flash is a great thing to have at most times of the day. Especially in the middle of the day with bright sunlight , the flash is used to fill in the shadows and avoid avoiding a shot with too much contrast and shadows caused by such strong harsh sunlight.

Oh. I don't know what to say. I had no idea. During the middle of the day? I need to find a good, good book. Thanks for the BIG tip!

Betty