Candid running child?
Dec 3, 2012 12:31:23 #
I want to be able to shoot sharp photos of my grandchildren. This is what I did to prepare. I used an off camera flash 6 ft. to the right of Emma at about 3 ft height, prefocused where I thought Emma would be running and waited. I think this shot was a split second too soon (cut off her foot) but otherwise how can I get the photo like this to be sharp especially her face? I used a 7D, 59mm, spot focus (pre focused), 250 ISO, 250 shutter high speed continuous. This image is straight out of camera. My grandchildren are always running, so should I have not used spot focus? Is 250 shutter not fast enough? Just need some help. I try just about anything I read. I will lighten up and crop a bit for a final product. I welcome any suggestions. My flash only fired one time and this was the shot.
Emmas running
Dec 3, 2012 12:46:35 #
Nice shot.
Your 7D has an amazing auto focus system that you should be using versus pre-focusing. It is usually fast enough to just point and shoot in spot mode. However the AI mode can track motion and get the camera in focus as your subject moves. It is eerily accurate.
For the photo you shot, using an off camera flash, I would set the f/stop to f/8 or even f/11 and use spot focus.
But if you can control the ambient light (add some as necessary, or use natural light from a window) and do a custom white balance (takes just 3 seconds right in the camera) you could shoot without the flash. Then you could use the AI focus mode AND burst mode so that you have a far better chance to not only get a sharp image, but one that has an even better chance of capturing that magic fleeting moment when expression, eyes, and action make for a perfect photo.
Kids are hard, but they can also be the most candid when not overly aware that you are photographing them.
Your 7D has an amazing auto focus system that you should be using versus pre-focusing. It is usually fast enough to just point and shoot in spot mode. However the AI mode can track motion and get the camera in focus as your subject moves. It is eerily accurate.
For the photo you shot, using an off camera flash, I would set the f/stop to f/8 or even f/11 and use spot focus.
But if you can control the ambient light (add some as necessary, or use natural light from a window) and do a custom white balance (takes just 3 seconds right in the camera) you could shoot without the flash. Then you could use the AI focus mode AND burst mode so that you have a far better chance to not only get a sharp image, but one that has an even better chance of capturing that magic fleeting moment when expression, eyes, and action make for a perfect photo.
Kids are hard, but they can also be the most candid when not overly aware that you are photographing them.
Dec 3, 2012 12:47:29 #
bedgmon wrote:
I want to be able to shoot sharp photos of my gran... (show quote)
I think if Emma as sitting still, then a shutter speed of 250 might be good enough, but if she is running, I would use 500 or higher. Of course, this is the simple answer---not sure if it's the best one. Spot focusing might be tricky too. Try AI servo focusing. Good luck
Dec 3, 2012 12:53:56 #
Thank you for the quick reply. Your suggestion is taken to heart. I will continue to work on your suggestions. It is not difficult to get a cute photo with a cute subject. I just wish it were sharper.
Dec 3, 2012 12:53:56 #
Thank you for the quick reply. Your suggestion is taken to heart. I will continue to work on your suggestions. It is not difficult to get a cute photo with a cute subject. I just wish it were sharper.
Dec 3, 2012 16:07:26 #
mdorn wrote:
1/250 is the fastest synch'd shutter speed when using a flash. But with a small f/stop (f/11) and 100 ISO the flash duration will freeze the child no matter how fast she is. quote=bedgmon I want to be able to shoot sharp ph... (show quote)
Dec 3, 2012 16:09:08 #
bedgmon wrote:
I missed this the first time I read it, high speed shutter mode will not work well with your flash as it cannot keep up. That is why you only got one flash and one shot. .... 250 shutter high speed continuous.... My flash only fired one time and this was the shot.
Dec 3, 2012 17:40:33 #
Festina Lente wrote:
bedgmon wrote:
I missed this the first time I read it, high speed shutter mode will not work well with your flash as it cannot keep up. That is why you only got one flash and one shot. .... 250 shutter high speed continuous.... My flash only fired one time and this was the shot.
Can one get the flash to fire more than once?
Dec 3, 2012 18:30:56 #
bedgmon wrote:
Can one get the flash to fire more than once?
Can one get the flash to fire more than once?
Not without allowing it time to recharge.
Also the blur you are seeing is a result of motion blur from camera movement. If you look closely at the lights on the tree they are all little light "bars" from lower left to upper right. It seems odd that that should happen with a focal length of 60mm and SS of 250. You might want to use a monopod to help steady the camera.
In my opinion, this is a great shot and great lighting.
Dec 3, 2012 18:58:50 #
Dec 3, 2012 19:46:37 #
Festina Lente wrote:
1/250 is the fastest synch'd shutter speed when using a flash. But with a small f/stop (f/11) and 100 ISO the flash duration will freeze the child no matter how fast she is.
Yes. Thanks for clarifying that. I like your idea of getting some natural light in there and shooting without a flash.
Dec 3, 2012 20:22:58 #
Also, you could shoot at about ISO 800 or more and still get a very nice image. One thing I love about the 7D is the ability to choose ISO in 1/3 stop increments and set max auto ISO. You could try 1000 or 1250 if setting it manually. I don't find the noise objectionable after a little noise reduction in ACR or DPP.
Dec 3, 2012 21:31:59 #
bedgmon wrote:
Yes, but you may want to work on learning the other techniques posted here first.Festina Lente wrote:
Can one get the flash to fire more than once?bedgmon wrote:
I missed this the first time I read it, high speed shutter mode will not work well with your flash as it cannot keep up. That is why you only got one flash and one shot. .... 250 shutter high speed continuous.... My flash only fired one time and this was the shot.
But I know you are interested, so... You can get the flash to fire more than once by putting it in manual and setting it to the lowest power output. Install a freshly charged set of batteries. Then set your camera to optimize that 1/64th power or whatever is the lowest output on your flash.
At that low power draw, most modern mid to high end strobes (flash) will keep up with short shutter bursts. I've done it many times with good effect.
But start with the easier more basic stuff so you don't get frustrated.
Dec 3, 2012 21:35:23 #
gdwsr wrote:
Good observation! I completely missed that. ...
Also the blur you are seeing is a result of motion blur from camera movement. If you look closely at the lights on the tree they are all little light "bars" from lower left to upper right. It seems odd that that should happen with a focal length of 60mm and SS of 250. You might want to use a monopod to help steady the camera....
Also the blur you are seeing is a result of motion blur from camera movement. If you look closely at the lights on the tree they are all little light "bars" from lower left to upper right. It seems odd that that should happen with a focal length of 60mm and SS of 250. You might want to use a monopod to help steady the camera....
Maybe even go further and use a tripod and a remote shutter....
Dec 4, 2012 02:43:39 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.