Wedding Engagement Party

[kitggkat]

I’m doing an engagement party shoot. I have a few questions on how to make it work easier and get better pictures.
I have a Canon Rebel XS with the kit lens and the f1.8 50 mm lenses.
The restaurant has low lighting and I’m going to be taking pictures of people. I have no flash other than the built-in flash. I’m not very good with the built-in flash and I’m afraid if I use it it’ll annoy the subjects and also ruin the pictures. Any tips?
Also I’m not sure if I should shoot in RAW or JPG.

[SusanH1970]

Use your 50mm, shoot wide open, and bump up the ISO as high as it will go. Definitely shoot RAW. You'll have noise issues but you can take care of that in post. Any way you can borrow or rent a flash?

ETA: Familiarize yourself with how to nail focus shooting wide open: http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

[autofocus]

Susan's advice above is sound, but you still might have a hard time with the lighting while not using flash. White balance may also be an issue for you with the interior lighting. You may want to reconsider using your on-camera flash which can be modified by using a simple white card affixed to the flash and angled up. There's also off the shelf options like the following:
Amazon.com: LumiQuest Soft Screen: Electronics

something like this will help soften the flash, and will be much less harsh

[SusanH1970]

All good points, Vinnie - thanks for elaborating!

[Biomech]

Definately shoot RAW. If I were you I'd definately rent a flash and keep the ISO low, PP is great, but it's no match for what you'll get with a flash.

Top tip if you do use a flash, don't go for long shots or you'll have people at the front blown out, people at the back in darkness. Try and get the people you're photographing at the same distance and filling the frame. Wide angle lens is awesome too (like 15mm )

...that things autofocus linked to looks pretty sweet. But don't forget you in-camera flash will be weaker than an external and a diffuser will cut that light down more. (does look cool though)

[JFSanders]

Get closer than you think you need to be. And I second the use of a strong diffuser/bounce card. Not an easy assignment for pros and with the lack of off camera flash you are really starting off in the hole. Good luck

[autofocus]

Not an easy assignment for pros and with the lack of off camera flash you are really starting off in the hole.

agreed! +1
A photographer's nightmare scenario - very dim mixed lighting including fluorescent, puke pea green walls and ceilings, mirrored walls all over the place, and 200 hundred people stuffed into a room that can only accommodate 50...time to say, OMG, what did I get myself into?"

[candleman]

I wouldn't want to do it with a 450D and a 50mm f/1.8

a decent flash (580ExII) and a zoom is a must have for any event type work IMHO

[funcrunch]

Even though I hate using flash and never use it for concerts (my specialty), I have been forced to admit that an external flash can be very useful in a situation like you describe, a restaurant or bar with dim lighting and many people milling about. See if you can rent the 580 EX II and spend some time practicing with it.

[gturner]

Originally Posted by candleman

I wouldn't want to do it with a 450D and a 50mm f/1.8

a decent flash (580ExII) and a zoom is a must have for any event type work IMHO

that would be my feeling. The ISO on the 450D is a major problem over 800 and that 50mm 1.8 will focus hunt like crazy.

if it is a paid gig, rent a 580 and get some basic tips on how to use it and how to bounce it.