Question

[Chasingblue]

I'm a amatuer photography and I have a nikon D50. My graduation is coming up and I was hoping to take some photos while I'm there, the event is outside.

So I was hoping that someone could give me some advice on settings and possible equipment that I could use to shoot semi-professional looking photos.

I know about using a flash to down play shadows but how do I use the flash properly so the picture don't look washed out or the face brighter than everything else.

Thanks for the Help!!!

[Marko]

First off - Welcome!

You need to experiment with the flash BEFORE the event. Your question suggests that you are very new to photography and your new equipment

What EXACT equipment will you be using?

Here's some general stuff:

Try using the flash on automatic in a similar setting...then see the results.

Then try using the flash at minus 1 or minus 2 stops and see the results.

You need to become familar with your flash and camera and the ONLY way to do this is through practice and reading the manuals that came with your particular gear.

You need to play a little bit first...DO NOT wait till the day before.

If you want more/better advice post a few test pics here...or post more precise questions.

Good luck
Marko

[AcadieLibre]

Marko makes a very good point, if you do some test photos before the day we could help you with what issues arise. Get a friend or two and go there do some test photos and if they are not what you are looking for post them and then someone can give you pointers on how to correct the mistakes before the day.

[tegan]

Having taken photos at graduation, one of the main problems will be your location. If it is outside there will be less of a problem but inside will likely require flash and flash only covers a limited distance. A fast telephoto zoom will also be necessary. Backgrounds can be a challenge to deal with as well.
If you are talking about some posed shots, then you will need to scout out possible locations and figure out how to use them before someone else does.
When you are shooting, pay attention to the eyes and watch out for hair that sometimes gets in the way too, particularly when shooting women grads.

Tegan

[cdanddvdpublisher]

try to get a couple of days of practice in - days with different weather conditions; that will give you a better sense of what to expect

[Bahandi]

consider a flash diffuser if your test pics with your flash come out too flat. Flash diffusers can even be made from things around the house.