Best Advice

KTBoom2006-E510

Could I get some good advice on how to handle a dark reception with candle as lighting? I have one this Saturday I am taking pictures. Thanks

cj99si

how tall are the ceilings and what color are they?

Paulcao

And are you allowed to use flash?

jeffreaux2

Here is a link to some photos from a party that was candlelit and the cdeiling was painted black.
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=102981

...and in this thread I explained how I do it plus a couple shots from wedding receptions where I used the same technique.
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=104733

There is a search feature also for the forum that would probably net you some good info.

Swartzy

Hopefully you can use flash...gel it.

KTBoom2006-E510

The ceilings are 10-12 ft high and not sure of the color. Yes I am allowed to use flash thank god

Scott_Quier

To expand on what Swartzy said...

• Get some CTO or CTS gel and use that to cover the flash head. This will cause the color of light from the flash to more closely match that of the candles. Lights of two different colors is almost always not a goodness.
• Remember, shutter speed controls how much ambient light will be contributing to your exposure. The longer the shutter is open, the more the candles will contribute. It's entirely possible for you to push the shutter speed so high that you don't get any candles and, in fact, can't even see that the candles are lit. You don't want that. How slow must you go? You'll have to determine that through experimentation. You might be able to "dummy up" a set at home with a simple candle and some closed windows.
• Most every other flash technique will work as in the past.

urbanaries

Scott_Quier wrote:

To expand on what Swartzy said...

• Get some CTO or CTS gel and use that to cover the flash head. This will cause the color of light from the flash to more closely match that of the candles. Lights of two different colors is almost always not a goodness.
• Remember, shutter speed controls how much ambient light will be contributing to your exposure. The longer the shutter is open, the more the candles will contribute. It's entirely possible for you to push the shutter speed so high that you don't get any candles and, in fact, can't even see that the candles are lit. You don't want that. How slow must you go? You'll have to determine that through experimentation. You might be able to "dummy up" a set at home with a simple candle and some closed windows.
• Most every other flash technique will work as in the past.

+1

And the only other word I can add to this thread is: Tripod.

KTBoom2006-E510

Ok, thanks!