Digital cameras 101

[Shutterbug_47]

???I am going to go to Kennedy Space Center tommorrow. Wed. 8 Aug. 2007, I want to take  a photo of the space shuttle lift off. I have a Nikon D40X. I have figured out how to take multiple frames per second and how to set the camera at shutter priority however I see that the aperature is set a steady 4.5. The shuttle blast is very bright and I'm afraid that f setting is much to wide open for that amount of light. I am new at Digital SLR photography, have been a film photog for many years. I know it is short notice but can anybody help me, on here or at my email at jerrynjulie1@comcast.net?

[admin]

I just happened to check the board before having to go out. Because of this, I really won't have time to reply more fully than to say I believe some of the tips about photographing another bright object, the sun, will be helpful regarding exposure.

http://www.digicamhelp.com/learn/nature/sun.php

Hopefully one of the other mods will stop by tonight and reply prior to your departure.

Incidentally, I've been to a Shuttle blast off and while it is very bright, you sit very far away even if you're in the VIP section. I've shot sunrises that are brighter than the take off.

Have fun, it's a marvelous experience. If time permits, don't forget to check out the Astronaut memorial and eat some astronaut ice cream (I prefer the freeze dried type).