Newbie here! Why are my indoor shots coming out black on a shutter speed of 1/125?

[JenniferB]

I just finished my second day of my photography class.

My instructor gave us an assignment:
Take 6-10 shots indoor and out using these different shutter speeds- 1/125, 1/500, 1/1500

I'm trying to take some shots indoors tonight and I can't get even a remote sense of a picture unless I put my shutter speed down to at least 1/45. Even then, although it is clear, it is very orange/yellow.

What am I doing wrong? Thanks!
Jennifer

By the way, I'm shooting with a Pentax K1001D.

[blinked]

Originally Posted by JenniferB

I just finished my second day of my photography class.

My instructor gave us an assignment:
Take 6-10 shots indoor and out using these different shutter speeds- 1/125, 1/500, 1/1500

I'm trying to take some shots indoors tonight and I can't get even a remote sense of a picture unless I put my shutter speed down to at least 1/45. Even then, although it is clear, it is very orange/yellow.

What am I doing wrong? Thanks!
Jennifer

By the way, I'm shooting with a Pentax K1001D.

Indoors there is usually less light. Having the faster your shutter speed, the less time there is for light to get to the sensor. Use a flash or use a higher ISO. Also the using a larger Aperture (The smaller your aperture number the larger the aperture) will also help with low light indoors. Again the fact that you are getting darker images at higher shutter speeds makes sense.

Welcome to the world of photography.

I am sure someone else will give you another explanation. If not you can PM me anytime. I have plenty of links that can help clarify things for you.

[JenniferB]

The photography world is quite confusing to say the least.

My ISO was at 1600 and then I tried 3200, which is the highest my camera will go. No such luck.

I just emailed my teacher and he said to go ahead and use flash, although heaven knows I hate flash indoors. I guess this is what the class is all about.

Thanks for reconfirming that I'm not a bumbling idiot and it really was just the camera this time! ha ha

[lputman]

What's the aperture set at? If you were shooting at 1600 already, then you should have gotten a little something besides completely black if the lens is fast enough.

[JenniferB]

Lputman, the aperture was at 4.5 or something like that

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Relax! Have fun!

I had to learn almost everything I know on my own.

Here's a link that you might like as you learn this craft.

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm

The language is a bit technical, but as I learn MY mistakes and read some of the information over again things became more clear to me.

Also if you have a tripod and you are shooting at a still subject, you can set the camera at a very slow shutter speed and get plenty of light to the camera and take great indoor photos.