NEX-5 with kit lenses in a nightclub - tips

MiL0

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Any ideas how to get decent photographs inside a nightclub with the NEX-5 and kit lenses? I've also got an SLR Magic and a couple of other manual lenses but would prefer to use autofocus (usually too drunk to bother!).

What I'm looking for is advice on which settings to use (shutter speed, mode, etc) to get the kind of shots I've posted below. I'm after two things really - one is the classic nightclub shot where all the lights/lasers/etc all 'streak' across the image. And the 2nd shot is just a really well exposed and sharp shot of a people dancing in low light... very difficult combination!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/afzaludin/5632283274/sizes/l/in/pool-26281555@N00/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/angerfistphotographer/5634508120/in/pool-26281555@N00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/angerfistphotographer/5633926741/in/pool-26281555@N00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/angerfistphotographer/5634507846/in/pool-26281555@N00

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.147038832029080.34354.102308813168749

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.140663209333309.31265.102308813168749

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.133715526694744.27791.102308813168749























 
Use a flash off camera, drag the shutter speed. Pocess extremely heavily (google Dave hill look).
Is there way to do off camera flash with the Nex?

I agree lots of post processing in those shots.

You could play around with Panorama by waving it around for some crazy effects.

You could also play with HDR and Anti Motion Blur.

And a ping pong ball on the flash.
 
Hi, I think it's "slow sync flash" [see e.g. http://www.digital-photography-school.com/slow-sync-flash ].
I always wanted to know how shot 4 & 5 get this look.
If you come across this, pleaaaase let me know.
ah nice one - I just tried this and set the shutter speed to 2 seconds... works really well! I found that subtle movements work better than large movements (LED's and strong light sources really give 'that' club photography look I was after)

thanks again :)

so what about getting decent sharpness and contrast inside nightclubs without the washed out, over exposed flash look?
 
Not sure... also, use a wide angle lens.

Overall, I'm not sure the NEX is the best candidate for shooting this type of stuff... due to lack of lenses and possible flash constraints.. but I'm sure a seasoned pro could work it out.
 
It's rear curtain sync on Nikon.....but basically you want your flash to fire at the end of your exposure. To black out the backgrounds you want a faster shutter speed. Then to get the rest of the look is post processing....search Dragan effect for the grunge look.
 
Use a flash off camera, drag the shutter speed. Pocess extremely heavily (google Dave hill look).
Is there way to do off camera flash with the Nex?
http://www.adorama.com/MZ28CS2.html
I agree lots of post processing in those shots.

You could play around with Panorama by waving it around for some crazy effects.
Really hard, panorama Speed is 1/500...
You could also play with HDR and Anti Motion Blur.
flash wont reload fast enough for HDR.
And a ping pong ball on the flash.
:-/

--
Pako Dominguez
-----------------------
http://www.phototeka.net
 
Any ideas how to get decent photographs inside a nightclub with the NEX-5 and kit lenses? I've also got an SLR Magic and a couple of other manual lenses but would prefer to use autofocus (usually too drunk to bother!).

What I'm looking for is advice on which settings to use (shutter speed, mode, etc) to get the kind of shots I've posted below. I'm after two things really - one is the classic nightclub shot where all the lights/lasers/etc all 'streak' across the image. And the 2nd shot is just a really well exposed and sharp shot of a people dancing in low light... very difficult combination!
Most of your sample shots were taken using "available light' and mixing lights with the flash.

if you have a spot light on, use it as main light. otherwise @800 ASA use about 1/15 at f:5.6 and pray for the camera to focus fast.

You can go lower on the speed and have the motion effect.

--
Pako Dominguez
-----------------------
http://www.phototeka.net
 
Use a flash off camera, drag the shutter speed. Pocess extremely heavily (google Dave hill look).
Is there way to do off camera flash with the Nex?
http://www.adorama.com/MZ28CS2.html
I agree lots of post processing in those shots.

You could play around with Panorama by waving it around for some crazy effects.
Really hard, panorama Speed is 1/500...
You could also play with HDR and Anti Motion Blur.
flash wont reload fast enough for HDR.
And a ping pong ball on the flash.
:-/

--
Pako Dominguez
-----------------------
http://www.phototeka.net
Thanks for the correction and link to the flash.

I use HDR with low light (and no flash) all the time. The Stitcher is amazing. I often use it, instead of flash because it gives you another stop or two to work with. But things can't be moving around a lot.

But this may not work in this situation.

Anti Shake Mode works good too and boosts the shutter speed by quite a bit. You might get some accidental cool effects.
 
still struggling with this :(

I think I need try some different lenses... any recommendations?
 

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