Rebel XT HELP!!!

[BVC4us]

I need help!! I have the Canon digital rebel xt. I've been asked to take portrait shots for a pictorial at my church. I don't know what setting is the best for portraits. When i was practicing at home my canon digital elph seemed to do a better job than my xt. Please...can someone give me advice and just tell me what to put the settings at to get a nice portrait shot. The pictures will be taken inside the church . Thanks in advance for any responses. I really appreciate it.

 

[LordAthens]

It is going to be a single head portrait or a large group?

 

[BVC4us]

It will be couples and families.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

set it to ISO 400, flash on, do horizontal shots only.

If you want to do vertical shots youj'll need an external flash with either a bracket or gary-fong diffuser (http://www.garyfong.com) so there is no shadow on the sides of the subjects.

 

[BVC4us]

Thank you, Kelly. Does putting it on ISO 400 with the flash provide a better quality picture than just putting it on portrait mode? I'm sorry for the stupidity but I do mostly outdoor photography. Thanks

 

[Kelly Grannell]

portrait mode is for single-subject, real-close up shot such as this (although I didn't use portrait mode for this at all)

 

[Cashcow]

Kelly,

Just wanted your opinion of that diffuser....

I'm just getting into photography and have a Nikon D50. I was looking at the Nikon SB-600 speedlight and want a diffuser for (vertical) portrait shots.

Thanks!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I use that diffuser quite extensively. Because of that diffuser, I never use my flash bracket anymore. So I can travel light, move faster and less backpain at the end of a photoshoot.

 

[Cashcow]

Thanks Kelly,

I did some quick research online and it appears he is set to introduce the 3rd generation in March.

This one is going to be the same soft vinyl design, but with the cloud finish instead of the clear.

I think I will try one when it becomes available.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

***? Aaaargh! I've bought the first generation (cloud finish, but made of hard plastic) about 6 months ago, I've just received my 2nd generation (clear finishy, soft vinyl) in November 2005. Now this?

 

[Cashcow]

LOL -- For what its worth the difference between the soft clear and the soft cloud seems minor. The cloud seems to have a little warmer tone to it. I guess you could always use your first generation cloud when you want the warmer look.

There are a few test images here:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1021&message=17037689