Investigative Photography? NEED HELP !!

[imRunninNaked]

ok.. im somewhat of a newbie with a semi-decent of functions, speeds and light sensitivties...
for reference sake i got a Nikon D50 with a SIGMA 18-50mm lens.
problem: im understanding yet, not quite savy with it comes to speed/light sens. combo's.

situation:
i'm trying to get into private investigating as a part time for entertainment..lol.. and for something else to do besides running my company all week in the 9-5 40hr norm that is life.

question:
with my nikon as is (for reference im looking to get a 70-300mm or a 200-400mm) i need to get your most often "covert shots" in other words taking night-time pics sometimes through tinted windows at medium to long ranges and for the sake of not being caught on the job, not useing ANY flash...

any speed/light combo's, lens, or techniques recommended??

i could really use any help out there..

email if u can to ImRunninNaked@aol.com ...

[brucep]

Runnin', you might find my tutorial, Getting the Most out of Your Digital Camera helpful.

Sounds like you wouldn't mind "noise" (digital "grain") so you can use your camera's hightest ISO (light sensitivity). You'll probably need various forms of camera support. You can practice catching those moments between a subject's motions. You'll notice there's a brief pause at the peak of many actions, too, where the subject will be less blurred in the necessarily long shutterspeeds.

Most states require a license for Private Investigators and consider others simply "Peeping Toms." Don't get arrested or shot!

[imRunninNaked]

Runnin', you might find my tutorial, Getting the Most out of Your Digital Camera helpful.

Sounds like you wouldn't mind "noise" (digital "grain") so you can use your camera's hightest ISO (light sensitivity). You'll probably need various forms of camera support. You can practice catching those moments between a subject's motions. You'll notice there's a brief pause at the peak of many actions, too, where the subject will be less blurred in the necessarily long shutterspeeds.

Most states require a license for Private Investigators and consider others simply "Peeping Toms." Don't get arrested or shot!
brucep, (email copy)

i apreciate the advice i've been told that about the ISO.. i've tried a fast ISO.. my camera goes to about 1600 or 2000 iso... but when i bring it there in really low light i get nothing but "black" shots i.e. nothing comes out just all pitch-black thats why i was asking about any combinations in any sense...

[imRunninNaked]

any one else with any crafty ideas for a situation like mine ?

[Apoc112]

ISO, as Bruce was describing, refers to your camera's sensitivity to light. your camera (D50, like mine)ranges from 200-1600, higher numbers meaning the camera is more sensitive to the available light. if you're getting underexposed (black) pictures at 1600 ISO, you'll need to experiment with slower shutter speeds (D50 can go as long as 30") or wider aperatures (lower f-stops) for the slower shutter speeds, you'll most certainly want to have a tripod setup - maybe a small tripod will fit well on your dash. hope that helps a bit...