If you are rushed to get the shot go to "P" mode. It is the same a auto but you can change settings on the fly. Shutter priority is not needed since the subjects are not moving. You can use Aperture priority if you want but I would not shoot wide open because of the multiple people involved and the shallow depth of field you are creating. Depth of field means what appears sharp/in focus from foreground to background. You may need to focus 1/3 way in. Here is the breakdown:
Wider angle lenses = greater depth of field
Telephoto lenses = shallow depth of field
This is native to the lens. A telephoto lens that has a smaller f-stop number give a shallow DOF and that same lens stopped down to F-16 for example is a greater DOF.
Same for a normal or wide lens. The other part is perspective, but since you don't have a zoom lens I will not go there.
I advise if the people are lined next to each other to focus between the eyes of the person on one end and with out taking the photo move the camera to re-compose as you have locked focus to include all three in the frame. It has nothing to do with the mode you are in. If you use the SB-400 I also suggest using the sto-fen omni-bouce to soften the flash. If you do not have one I would first dial a -1 flash compensation the omni-bounce already does it for you, but it may take tweeking. Be sure to keep the flash head straight as well. The lighting will be a factor because of the overhead lights. If you are close enough say 3 feet from the subject the SB-400 "should" be enough to overpower the competing lights. The speedlight is daylight balanced.
I would advise at least as a start to use P mode and let the camera do it. Worse comes to worse switch to M exposure and dial both shutter & aperture until the scale centers in the viewfinder.
Since you will be flashing alot a extra battery is good for both camera and flash. Take more AA's than you think you need for the flash. If it is really alot a separate battery from quantum (QTM.com) will recycle the flash really fast.
Back to the flash. I would also look at a TTL cord and flash bracket if you plan to do any vertical shots. The reason is when you take the camera to the side the flash goes with it and you will have uneven shadows. Basically the flash should always be above the lens. If you are using a tripod it is nice if the bracket has a place for the quick release plate to the bracket can be mounted and removed quickly to the tripod.
If you have the chance and it is convenient it can hurt to scope the restaurant to see the room and decide if you need to move your subjects to a certain area to optimize. If not I always look at the backround/what is behind and will ask the subject to move over or turn for a better shot. Nothing like a centerpiece growing out of the back of someones head or half eaten food, dirty napkins in the shot.
Hello everybody
My first post here. Just recieved the 35 mm lens from B&H, want to
try it for indoor party(restaurant lighting). Which mode should I
use, metering, focus, iso, shutter speed, aperture? Should I still
take the flash with me(I got SB-400)? Just want to take pictures of
people(maximum 3) seating at the table. No RAW shooting.
I am pretty new to DSLR photography, so please bear with me. Thank you
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