Question about portrait settings.
May 31, 2012 13:54:09 #
I'm doing a potrait shoot for friends soon and am using my CanonT2i with provided kit lenses (18-55mm & EF 75-300mm).
As an amature, I am looking for which of the two lenses will be best for this shoot and at what settings. Do I dare to try Av, Tv or M settings, or as a newbe, should I play it safe and stick to the provided Portrait setting for now?
I have tried portraits with my own children and have done okay with any and all of these settings, but would love to hear from the pros here as to what my best bet would be for this upcoming shoot.
Thank in advance!
Greg
As an amature, I am looking for which of the two lenses will be best for this shoot and at what settings. Do I dare to try Av, Tv or M settings, or as a newbe, should I play it safe and stick to the provided Portrait setting for now?
I have tried portraits with my own children and have done okay with any and all of these settings, but would love to hear from the pros here as to what my best bet would be for this upcoming shoot.
Thank in advance!
Greg
May 31, 2012 14:00:55 #
May 31, 2012 14:18:40 #
May 31, 2012 14:36:26 #
I still have the question for any of you as to which settings I should use. Go with the Av, Tv or M settings, or play it safe and use the portrait setting for now untill I get a little more experiance?
May 31, 2012 14:50:19 #
We need more info about your planned portrait. Such as where, how many people in the portrait, full body shot or just upper body, age. there's lots of thing to consider in a portrait. these are only a few.
May 31, 2012 15:04:00 #
What is your experience with using manaul? Personally I think the program modes are nothing but bunk but I'm a control freak.
Since you are not charging and your knowledge is limited on portrait photography I would switch between shutter priority and aperture priority and see what works best for you.
Since you are not charging and your knowledge is limited on portrait photography I would switch between shutter priority and aperture priority and see what works best for you.
May 31, 2012 15:26:25 #
"MWAC" I seldom work with the Manual setting, mostly Aperture Priority and have been a little disappointed with the finished product once it has been enlarged. (Just not sharp enough in the facial areas.) I'm sure I am just not getting everything set correctly, this is why I ask about the Portrait setting and just allowing the camera to make the proper adjustments for me.
May 31, 2012 15:35:53 #
"Watcher" This will be a young couple, both dark skinned, he darker than she. Maternity shots, so mostly full body shots of both. Shooting outside at both the beach and a beach front amusement park during the day, maybe late morning or mid-day.
I am charging for this shoot and they intend on having larger prints made and this is why I am SO concerned about getting everything as close to perfect as I can.
I am charging for this shoot and they intend on having larger prints made and this is why I am SO concerned about getting everything as close to perfect as I can.
May 31, 2012 16:21:47 #
Well, In my opinion if you have to ask these questions you should not be charging. Yeah, I know...I will be admonished for not being supportive, but you have indicated that you are not happy with Aperture Priority (for sharpness). You should know why they are not sharp. You should KNOW what lens to use in a given situation.
How about your outdoor shots - are you prepared with off-camera flash (and I do mean OFF) or at the very least an assistant with reflectors? Do you know how to meter for dark skinned subjects?
How about your outdoor shots - are you prepared with off-camera flash (and I do mean OFF) or at the very least an assistant with reflectors? Do you know how to meter for dark skinned subjects?
May 31, 2012 16:46:56 #
You're charging? I thought you were doing this for free?
My advice is the same as Captain's if you are charging you should not have to ask these types of questions. Sorry to sound harsh but I've been practicing portraits for almost 2 years and understand which lens to use, how to use a reflector, have an understanding of how to use my flash for fill and I still do NOT charge.
I think you are in over your head and if they are paying customers you should do the right thing and refer them to someone who has an understanding of what is needed.
My advice is the same as Captain's if you are charging you should not have to ask these types of questions. Sorry to sound harsh but I've been practicing portraits for almost 2 years and understand which lens to use, how to use a reflector, have an understanding of how to use my flash for fill and I still do NOT charge.
I think you are in over your head and if they are paying customers you should do the right thing and refer them to someone who has an understanding of what is needed.
May 31, 2012 17:03:38 #
Is this like a business setting, or are they people you know, so you are taking portraits, and they are compensating you? If you are presenting professional services to strangers - well, that's why I'd never try to be a pro.
May 31, 2012 17:45:52 #
Thank you all for your opinions. These are friends of mine and they have seen my work and have desided they want me to do this for them and want to compensate me. I am not doing this as a pro, nor do I concider myself even close to being ready to put myself out there as a professional. I have been shooting with a lesser camera for a couple of years and now shooting with a more professional camera and lenses (of which I am sure I can handle) but was looking to the pros for a little more advise as to how you would handle things yourselves. I already know what my plan is, just would like to be 100% sure of myself. I will have a helper working with me helping with a reflector and am certainly aware that I have to make adjustments for skin tones, lighting and even flash.
Thank you all for your kind words.
Greg
Thank you all for your kind words.
Greg
May 31, 2012 17:50:56 #
gregspix wrote:
Thank you all for your opinions. These are friends... (show quote)
Under those circumstances, I'd say go for it. It sounds like a win-win. You'll get experience, and they'll get nice portraits at a reasonable price.
One thing I've learned is that having a specific project to complete is the best way to learn something.
May 31, 2012 18:07:04 #
I guess next time I should make clear my intentions of "Charging" as to being "Voluntarily Compensated". Shooting for friends and family as opposed to shooting for strangers or "Paying Customers".
I am very limited at this time as to my selection of lenses and know that neither of the ones I currently have are best for shooting portraits. I do realize that an 85mm f/1.8 would be a much better lens for this type of photography, however, until that oportunity comes through, I will be doing the best I can with what I have.
I am very limited at this time as to my selection of lenses and know that neither of the ones I currently have are best for shooting portraits. I do realize that an 85mm f/1.8 would be a much better lens for this type of photography, however, until that oportunity comes through, I will be doing the best I can with what I have.
May 31, 2012 18:08:05 #
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