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Photography Question 

Aingeal M. Puirs
 

To Flash or not to Flash?


My family is having a Christmas party on Christmas Eve at my grandmother's house.

Recently two of my cousins have had babies, so there will be 4 generations of the family in one house. I want to take pictures of my grandmother, aunt, each of her boys and their new babies. My grandmother's house doesn't have alot of windows so not much light available beyong horrible toungsten lighting from lamps. The party will be at night as well.

My question. My digital camera has several options regarding flash. No flash, fill flash, red eye and auto flash. Which would be best to use? My Kodak DX7630 has a scene mode called "Party" designed to take pictures of people indoors. Please help.

My grandmother is sickly and may not be with us next Christmas so this may be my only oppurtunity to photograph the entire family. Thanks and happy holidays and shooting to all.

Angie


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December 21, 2005

 

Aingeal M. Puirs
  Does anyone have any opinion on what I should use?


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December 22, 2005

 

Kerry L. Walker
  With a body like mine, I never flash anybody!

I am not really familiar with your camera but I will give it a go. I would go ahead and use auto flash and fix any red-eye problems with your editing program.


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December 22, 2005

 

Aingeal M. Puirs
  LOL I knew I'd get some flashing comments!

Thank for your input. Happy holidays.


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December 22, 2005

 

Maverick Creatives
  Hello Aingeal.
Here is a Kodak site with some information on using flash with your camera.
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=421&pq-locale=en_US

I'm not familiar with it however as Kerry said I would not use the red-eye function as people normally believe they photo is taken when the pre flash goes off and you end up with some silly looking expressions. Knowing your maximum flash range is also important. You will find that info in your manual or online.

Have a good holiday get-together

Gary


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December 22, 2005

 

Aingeal M. Puirs
  Thank you for your input. I think I am going to use the auto-flash mode and maybe experiment with the Party scene mode to see how that handles as well.


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December 22, 2005

 

Bret Tate
  Aingeal:

I do not know the functions of your camera, but my guess is that "Party" mode will use a slow shutter speed to expose the scene via ambient light and the flash will fill to expose the subjects. The term for this is "dragging the shutter". If that is the case you will need to use a tripod for the shot. Also, in some of the auto modes some cameras will fire a pre-flash (even with red-eye reduction off) to measure the exposure. You want to choose a mode with no pre-flash for the reason that Gary expressed. I hope this helps.


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December 22, 2005

 

Aingeal M. Puirs
  Thank you Bret. I do have a tripod and I will be sure to bring it. I have a slight background in photography but I found going from a SLR to a Digital/SLR different. Guess its a matter of experimentation.


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December 22, 2005

 

A C
  I try to avoid using my flash that came with my camera whenever possible; however, you may not have the necessary lighting. At the same time, it may be stressful to carry around the tripod and get everyone to be patient with you as you set up the shot. I suggest trying to get one or two great shots with the tripod trying out the different method but then getting a "safe" shot with the flash.

If you use the flash you may not end up with a masterpiece worthy of submitting to a contest but you'll be able to capture the moment better than an experiment that fails. And, you won't stress everyone else out by trying to capture "perfect" shots. Enjoy your time together and get just a few great shots and a lot of good shots.

I had to do a photo diary of Thanksgiving dinner for a photography class. During dinner I was accused of being the paparazi. I got some great shots that earned a great grade but I didn't get to enjoy the meal and time as much as I could have.


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December 22, 2005

 

Aingeal M. Puirs
  Yes picture taking with others can be rather stressful. I always prefer to be behind the camera instead of infront of it so that's ok with me.


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December 22, 2005

 

Linda Buchanan
  Don't spend too much time waiting for the perfect shot, especially considering your Grandmother's health. I lost my first husband five years ago and really regret the pics I missed taking because the background wasn't right, etc. etc. Now I am caring for my terminally ill mother who will probably pass today or tomorrow. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take some photos of her with her grandchildren while my son was on leave (he is now overseas again) and even though the lighting isn't perfect and all the medical stuff is in the background those are priceless pictures. Enjoy the time you have with her and don't sweat too much, PS is amazing.


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December 24, 2005

 

Aingeal M. Puirs
  I'm sorry to hear about your husband. I got some good shots at the party. Time is more precious than the perfecr picture for sure.


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December 24, 2005

 
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