A settings question

[sixnsolid]

Hi,

I am a new D70 owner. I'm strictly point and shoot, so the learning curve is steep, but I have six wonderful children, and wanting to photograph them inspires me.

Since buying the camera I've been collectiing all types of resources - lots of books, including Thom Hogan's, 'net info, you name it, I've got it. This has not really translated well to using the camera yet. It's really time to take pictures.

I have the kit lens, the 70-300 mm G AF, and an SB-800 flash. This weekend I want to take pictures at my five year old daughter's "Winter Fun Day". It will be held in the school gym. I have been playing around with settings, and the lenses. I think the kit lens would be best for this event.
I'm not real sure about using the external flash and what settings would be best.

I'd appreciate any advice that could be shared.

Thank you,

Deborah

[gleff]

Just a personal preference, but I would probably use the 70-300 and zoom in close to capture your little girl's actions. I don't think you'd want to get the gym and different things within the gym detracting from your daughter. I think the depth of field would be better too.

Just my thoughts though. I'm no expert

Geoff

[mudder]

G'day,
I'm only lernin' with the SB800 and the best I can suggest is to have a good play with the differences you get using the TTL fill-flash settings if you're shooting indoors... Maybe using "A" (aperture priority) mode might help, it just keeps your aperture constant, maybe a large aperture (small number) might help freeze action shots etc. by keeping your shutter speeds high where possible and would also help to isolate your subject from distracting backdrops in a gym by blurring backgrounds, just need to be careful with your focus when using large apertures as the depth of field is reduced...

More experienced members will come along and offer more helpful advice, but I'd certainly go out and try different settings on the flash indoors before the "day", and enjoy the fun day

Cheers,
Mudder