Nikon D80 - Shooting in a Church (not wedding)

[Yellowsnapper]

Big Church, lots of civilians and military personnel.

Just need to know what settings to use....

I'm armed with a Nikon D80 with 75-200mm lens.
Optional SB600 Flash Gun (not sure if people use flash in churches.. are there rules?)

Please give me as much advice as you can on what settings to use on every aspect of the camera... you guys have helped me out a few times now for different environments, always much apprecited.

Cheers in advance

 

[8utters]

It's likely to be dark so you might have to use the flash if you are allowed (some churches won't allow camera flashes as it can damage artwork/artifacts as they can be hundreds of years old and very sensitive to bright lights).

As far a settings go, if you arn't using the flash, then you will need to get the ISO up to ensure you can use a fast enough shutter speed.

Put the ISO at about 800, apature as wide as possible (lowest f number) and judge how to set the shutter speed based on the amount of light inside. You will probably have to keep it low to avoid underexposure. Can't really reccomment you a shutterspeed as it depends on the lighting conditions. You won't get high speeds though, will probably be around 1/100.

 

[SimonTALM]

The church may have specific rules on flash, some allow where as some don't. Personally I wouldn't use flash as I find it distracts from whats going on.

Use the widest aperture you can get your lens too (I suspect it will be f5.6 rather than f2.8) and use the ISO rating to get to at least 1/150, it's likely to mean really bad noise but this can be made better by using something like Noise Ninja. A monopod may help get a few more sharp shots.

I may also be tempted to use Spot metering in this instance to get the exposure right at the focus point and pass off any dark backgrounds as mood enhancing.

Hope that helps

 

[CT]

As far as flash goes, you have to speak to the holy man presiding. Just having the manners to ask gains you some slack. It's his ball game though and if he says no you're snookered. If you're really struggling for light than politely argue your corner - don't be too bashful, but stay respectful.

Other than that I agree with 8utters, the fastest lens you have and up the ISO till you're fairly sure you have a safe handholding speed.

 

[CT]

Nip round there beforehand too if you can and take some light readings in the church so you know what you're up against. You might get chance to introduce yourself to his nibs too.

I'd far rather take natural light shots if possible, but some churches can be really gloomy.