PASM Help Needed, ASAP.?

Question

I'm the play photographer for my high school, and tonight is the night for the cast photograph. I've been playing around with my PASM settings, but there doesn't seem to be a time where my camera takes pictures well in the dark auditorium setting. Any pointers? Any suggested settings?

Answer 1

P = programmed automatic
A= aperture priority
S = shutter priority
M = full manual
Use Aperture priority and set the camera to the lowest number you can (usually something between f/2.8 and f/4). This does two things for you: it creates a nice background blur which isolates you subject, and - more importantly - it provides the fastest possible shutter time to reduce UNWANTED motion blur.
In addition to this, crank up the ISO setting. If your camera goes up to ISO 800, try that. Go even higher if you can & have to. The higher the ISO setting, the grainier the picture becomes, but grain is always better than too much motion blur.
Also, the lighting conditions can be really tricky if the production uses spot lights, etc. If your camera has a spot meter, use it. When you use the spot meter, aim the center of the viewfinder at the face of your subject.
And finally, put the camera in continuous shooting mode. When you expect something special is about to happen, at the right moment keep the shutter button pressed in for a series of 3 or 4 shots. Theis 'spray and pray' technique can capture an expression/ action that you'd otherwise miss.
Best wishes!