How do I take pictures in the dark?

[Fishsarahg17]

I take my kids to a lot of shows, Disney on Ice, Sesame Street Live, etc.

I want pictures of my kids watching the show, for example, their expressions when Elmo comes on stage.

My pictures always turn out awful! Blown out skin, blurring, etc. Just awful! I've tried flash, no flash, high ISO. I usually can't bounce my flash because the ceilings are way too high and if I point it at them then they look like they are glowing.

Help me!

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by Fishsarahg17

I take my kids to a lot of shows, Disney on Ice, Sesame Street Live, etc.

I want pictures of my kids watching the show, for example, their expressions when Elmo comes on stage.

My pictures always turn out awful! Blown out skin, blurring, etc. Just awful! I've tried flash, no flash, high ISO. I usually can't bounce my flash because the ceilings are way too high and if I point it at them then they look like they are glowing.

Help me!

Examples would be good! I can only imagine that perhaps you're too close to them when you take the pic and need some more distance so you can focus and to the flash doesn't overpower the shot.

[lil red bird]

What equipment are you using? I had similar issues when shooting in a club and found out a good flash solved many of those problems.

[Elmo]

Originally Posted by Fishsarahg17

I want pictures of my kids watching the show, for example, their expressions when Elmo comes on stage.


Help me!

ELMO speaking here so listen up, ok? Wide and fast will fill the bill. Also drape a white hankie over the flash.

[inkista]

What lens are you using? I'd say go for high iso and a wide fast prime, because having a flash going off in the middle of a performance is distracting to everybody sitting nearby, if not the performers. Get a 50/1.8 or something equally cheap and useful.

[DogHeadGod]

If you are getting blown faces your flash is set too high. Switch it to manual and set it to 1/2 power, take a shot and see how it comes out, then adjust the power up or down as necessary.