Facing my Photography Fears: Cranking the ISO


I'm working on getting better photos when I'm inside.  Usually I'm struggling with 3 major problems:  1- low light.  We get some patches of nice light, but it's still pretty low compared to being outside.  2- too much yellow on the main level (especially the walls).  It's being repainted.  Soon... I've signed a contract.  I cannot wait.  The yellowness of the wall color makes me crazy.  Everything seems jaundice.    3- The kids never sit still.  Ummmmm... nothing I can do about that.

So I am mostly trying to find a solution to the low light issue.  Usually I try not to turn my ISO up too high because I'm afraid of the noise.  Which is ridiculous.  And I read another blog (Click It Up A Notch) recently where she encouraged higher ISOs to ensure a proper exposure.  So today, I went for it.  I didn't go as high as possible, but I did go way higher than usual.  So here's what I got.  There is noise, but there is also much better exposure, AND I was able to use a WAY faster shutter speed than I am used to, which helps a lot with problem 3.  I'm thinking I can probably even tone down the ISO a little bit, but at least I don't have to be afraid anymore.  

These are completely RAW and this is also an example of a photo op FAIL.  Dylan was such a good sport, but Aaron had no interest in sitting still.

f/3.5, SS 1/400, ISO 5000 (yes that's a 5 with three zeros)




Next fear to conquer... setting my own White Balance.  Eek!

Comments

Tom said…
Are you using an external flash? I have to say that I got a somewhat inexpensive one, and it was the single best purchase I made that improves my photos, even above getting lenses.
10:21 AM
Jess said…
Tom- I am trying everything in my power to not use a flash. For two reasons, 1- Well I never use the on camera flash because it's useless and terrible anyway, and as far as an external flash (which I know are much much much better) I just really need to stop spending money on camera gear (haha, this is going to be a fail), and 2- I am trying to keep things simple because it's hard enough to just grab a camera and snap fast enough. I think a flash will make things too complicated for me. And I also like using natural light, so I've been trying to learn to work with what is available. But my brother keeps trying to talk me into a flash... one day I'm going to have him walk me through it and who knows, I may totally change my mind at that point. But don't be surprised if I ask for a flash recommendation in the near future ;)
4:02 PM
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