Events provide so many opportunities for pictures that you will likely take dozens or even hundreds of images. You will probably want prints that you can look through and sort, and unless you have a convenient and cost-effective black-and-white lab, color print film will be your first choice.

Although this advice applies mainly to film photographers, digital shooters should note the information regarding ISO — the tips regarding the different ISO settings apply to digital as well as film photography.

Use slow film (ISO 100) if you'll be working in sunny conditions or will be using a flash at close range, such as across the table or in a crowd. A faster film (ISO 400) doubles the effective distance of your flash (compared to ISO 100) and makes it easier to use available indoor light with just a minimum of flash to fill in the shadows. This shooting speed will give more detail when lighting conditions are correct, although it sometimes isn't flattering to some subjects, so consider the circumstances carefully before shooting at this speed.

ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 films are very grainy. They should not be used for the whole day, but they work for times and locations where there is no other way to get a picture — where flash would ruin the moment and there isn't much available light.

FIGURE 18-2 At events such as this book signing held indoors under fluorescent lighting, the exposure can get very tricky. A tripod would have yielded a sharper image but was not allowed at the event.

Your subjects will primarily be people, so skin tones are important. Film shooters should select professional portrait film in these circumstances. Available at only select photography stores, it has lower contrast and produces better skin tones than consumer film. Don't worry about refrigerating it, as you'll probably use up what you buy. For best results, have it processed within a few days of shooting, and use a lab that's familiar with your film choice.