From Le Mans; France

[Adrien C]

Hi guys. I bought a 6500 FD last week. I wanted it to take snaps of people and faces principally. Until now I have been getting some nice shots. I wished there was a stabiliser since sometimes the pictures tend to get blurred. I guess I need more practice.

Today there was a great sun in Le Mans (France), so I decided to take a small hike to get some snaps. The trip started well with some great reflections from the river:

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/9084/200703100057li1.th.jpg (http://img187.imageshack.us/my.php?image=200703100057li1.jpg)




On my way back I found some children playing in a playground. I had some pretty good shots. The kids were curious; they thought I was a paparazzo taking photos for a journal. They were eager to get snapped.
However a mother came and took them away, she must have gotten scared of a stranger taking pictures of children (and I'm only 18).

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4863/200703100137gl6.th.jpg (http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=200703100137gl6.jpg)

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5075/200703100114rp2.th.jpg (http://img144.imageshack.us/my.php?image=200703100114rp2.jpg)

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/784/200703100121er1.th.jpg (http://img444.imageshack.us/my.php?image=200703100121er1.jpg)



In ended my day at a fountain in town. It was great as people thought I was snapping the fountain but I was actually taking pictures of people.
I love taking pictures of people when they don’t know they are being taken.
Like you may notice, the sun was giving a good lightning.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/4889/200703100188at0.th.jpg (http://img441.imageshack.us/my.php?image=200703100188at0.jpg)


http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/8509/200703100151uw0.th.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=200703100151uw0.jpg)

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/9207/200703100193ud3.th.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/my.php?image=200703100193ud3.jpg)

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/6844/200703100183gh8.th.jpg (http://img102.imageshack.us/my.php?image=200703100183gh8.jpg)

For the rest I bring my camera at my high school, its fun to take pictures of my classmates. When I take out my camera, they will first avoid being snapped, so for the first 10 minutes I just point my camera randomly pretending to take pictures; after a while they'll just forget about it and that’s when I can take pictures I like.

You can check out more pics of my 6500 right here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7163180@N03/?saved=1)


The only problem I have encountered is when taking pictures at night.
The other night I must have taken 150 pictures and none of them were good. If I didn't use the flash there would be too much freaking noise, and if I used it, I would loose the precious natural light.
Could you guys tell me what’s the best option for taking pictures at night with natural light?

Kudos from over the pond.

[toriaj]

Welcome to the forum, AdrienC! You have some beautiful shots. I love the one of the little girl with her curly hair in her face. You have made a great start.

During the daytime, a short shutter speed, such as 1/100 sec. or less, will help keep the images sharp. A lens with the largest possible aperture (which means smallest number, like f/2) will enable you to use a shorter shutter speed in lower light conditions, like indoors or in the shade. Not night shots.

A tripod is necessary for night shots. It will keep the camera steady, while you use as long a shutter speed as you need.

I am excited to see more of your work. Post soon!