AboutTim Hrabia Expertise Picture quality problems and ideas for shooting great pictures.
Experience I have had my own darkroom since i was 14 and have developed color, black and white and Cibachrome prints from slides. I currently manage a department store photo lab and was a professional photographer for 8 years. I have shot weddings, boudoir, drag racing, rodeos and photojounalism. I have worked for 15 years with Fuji and Noritsu processors.
Organizations Northern Images photographers
Education/Credentials Several wedding photography seminars and photofinishing training seminars with Fuji and Noritsu.
Expert: Tim Hrabia Date: 9/10/2007 Subject: Shooting in action in low light without a flash
Question Hello, I was hoping you could help me with shooting indoor fast action without a flash. I have an Olympus E-510. My daughter is a gymnast and we are not allowed to use a flash at meets. Most meets are in gyms with florescent lighting. Thanks, Karen
Answer Good morning Karen. Great question! Isn't it wonderful how various groups nowadays want huge amounts for your kids to enter sports and then they won't allow you to take good quality memories of them doing what they love?
This type of situation is always a huge challenge. First you can shoot with a high speed film, I suggest 800 speed or even 1600, but this will be grainy if you want any prints larger then 4x6. Secondly if the 510 is capable, make sure you leave the aperture wide open(lowest number). this will allow maximum light to hit the film and the high speed film will make the best use of what little light there is.
Florescent lighting will leave a green cast on your prints although some photo labs will be able to clean most of that up. Another option that you may consider is have the prints done in black and white by the lab, that way you get your shot and the green cast is not an issue. Most labs now can print black and white from color negatives with great results and if you ever need the color you can still get it because you shot with color film. I recommend you have your original set done in color, then if you don't like the color quality you can get reprints of your favorites in black and white.
Hope this helps a bit, good luck with your shoot:)
