Shooting on location

[Junomech]

I've finally been able to get to a point where I am able to shoot people other than my family. I was fortunate enough to shoot a model at The Galleria. All I brought was my D70, SB800, Kit Lens (18-70) and a 50mm 1.4 lens. As I was shooting, my rechargable batteries started to die after about the 30th fire. I dropped in another fresh set of recharble batteries and those lasted between 30 - 45 times. Since I didn't have flash, I switched lens (to the 50mm). All in all, the shoot was a great learning experience. I just wish, my darn batteries lasted a little longer.

I want to say I was able to get about 2% perfect shots, 10% salvagable, the rest were underexposed or had bad camera shake. I am little dissappointed becuase she was a great model and some her best looks were underexposed.

Should I have brought a tripod for the 50mm? I say yes, but I wanted to get ya'lls take on my situation. Should I have done something different? If so, what?

Check out a couple from the shoot.

[Steelsun]

Tripod wouldn't have hurt. Not so much because it's a 50mm, but because of the low light situations indoors.

A word of warning about the Galleria though - their managment and security have been known to be aggressive against photographers taking pictures there (it is considered private property), and have kicked them out on many occassions.

[Dsheree]

#2...you really need catchlights in the those dark eyes.

[Alyson]

She is stunning!
I notice the white balance is off, I think it needs a decrease of yellow and perhaps a boost in cyan.
As far as tripod- that is up to you. I personally never shoot with one because my work is with kids on the move. I find I can shoot on the move 1/60 of higher and I adjust my ISO to get what I need. If I can I go for 1/125 or higher, but you don't always get the light you need. It took a lot of practice at low shutterspeeds to start actualloy hitting it though.

[Alyson]

Another option to a tripod when you are trying not to be obvious, in low light sometimes I use my own contraption. I have a hemp twine with a circle tied into one end. I can keep it in my pocket and only pull it out if I need it. I put the circle loosely around my lens and the length of it under my foot and hold it tought (sp?) to steady my hands. I don't use it so much anymore, but it has proven real helpful at times.

[petert]

Originally Posted by Junomech

Should I have brought a tripod for the 50mm? I say yes, but I wanted to get ya'lls take on my situation. Should I have done something different? If so, what?

...it was this situation that caused me to invest in the 18-200mm VR in the first place... If you've got the money, I think it's an investment you won't be sorry with...