LLC019: Using Flash and High ISO in a Dark Restaurant

Welcome to the second episode of the photo-centric direction of Live Life Creative, hope you’re liking it so far.

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This episode I’m talking what I learned by photographing an event at the Green Well, a tasty restaurant here in Grand Rapids, MI.

Mostly it was a lesson in combining flash with the limited ambient light, plus a bit about snagging photos of event attendees who are nervous around a photographer.

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My Personal Notes

  • The Green Well is a gastropub-type restaurant in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a great spot for a Friday night date
  • Very dark, had to manual focus for some people sitting in dark spots
  • Very tight quarters, dodging wait staff, told them to push me out of the way
  • Can’t be afraid to be close to subjects, chat them up to get them comfortable with your presence
  • Wide angle, limited shooting angles
  • Used too high of ISO, should have had stronger flash for more light and lower ISO
  • Otherwise flash was balanced with ambient light
    • Kept turning flash head to point it at the walls for side light or at the ceiling for flatter light
  • Bounced off the ceiling worked really well
  • Rep from Green Well spoke about the new menu, got a good shot of her speaking except one person had a weird look on her face. Was able to Photoshop a better expression from another similar photo
  • Be aware that not everyone likes having their picture taken, you can still get their picture, just wait until they’re engrossed in conversation, use a longer focal length, be sneaky