Tips on indoor photography

[autofocus]

well, you seemed to have plenty of window light...I thought you said it was dark and the windows were small?? On the backit shot of the woman, how did you meter? A reflector would have been a huge help

[NicolaB]

I have done two 'shoots' indoors and on the first I was squished into a corner as there simply was not enough light - despite double doors. I have an image in my mind that American houses are large with huge window - like on the Extreme House Makeover programmes - lol.

My images are ALWAYS underexposed. I am doing something wrong. I have been pushing up the exposure compensation but am embarrassed to say I am not even sure this is the right thing to do.

I was exposing off the lightest cheek, but when there was little difference, I went back to exposing and focus at the same time on the inner point of the nearest eye. (Eureka moment - I need to try metering off my hand don't I?!)

For the window shot, I went upto Karen, exposed, held the exposure, got into position the focussed and took the shot.

I had the reflector, but as I said, didn't slow down my thought enough to think to get it out. Ican see looking now that it would have helped.

[NicolaB]

This has given me so much to think about, I can't sleep.

Rachel you are right. Babies in baskets are cute, but I am more interested in relationships - so that is what I will aim to do!

Should I be using my lens hood indoors?

I need to get the darn reflector out.
I need to remember 45º
I need to not worry about moving things around.
I need to calm down.

Why am I underexposing, what am I doing wrong? I have been shooting in AV but on this shoot I went to Manual as I wanted to expose to the right. (I need to do so without blowouts).

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by NicolaB

This has given me so much to think about, I can't sleep.

Rachel you are right. Babies in baskets are cute, but I am more interested in relationships - so that is what I will aim to do!

Should I be using my lens hood indoors?

I need to get the darn reflector out.
I need to remember 45º
I need to not worry about moving things around.
I need to calm down.

Why am I underexposing, what am I doing wrong? I have been shooting in AV but on this shoot I went to Manual as I wanted to expose to the right. (I need to do so without blowouts).

Calm down Nicola, you can't try to remember EVERYTHING. Take small steps, and you'll get there. Remember, this will be an ongoing learning experience that will take time. Don't try or think you can absorb everything in short time..somethings may take months or years to master. So, try not to stress over it...small steps, and you'll get there

[candidrachel]

Nicola, you sound like me! I don't have all the pro gear that you have but around 18 months ago I put myself under so much stress! I had a website made, dropped leaflets round town, put up posters at my son and daughters school and I had sleepless nights with worry! Then I backed off....took down the site and decided to purely concentrate "in my own time" all that there is to know about photography. Now I feel so much calmer and much more philosophical with what will be will be. All I need is a Camilla Parker Bowls moment. You know the kind of amateur shot that everyone loves!

It sounds like you have loads of friends willing to pose for you. I stuggle even with that! Chill out, get loads of practice, practice and practice!

I'm rooting for you. I'm kind of in the same boat in a way

[NicolaB]

Thanks all

I know I am a lucky SOB also very impatient. Thanks for your input it has given me a lot to think about.