LB

I have a Canon T3i 600D. I have a newborn photo shoot coming up. The last new born shoot I did I couldn't get the eyes clear. I used a 18-135 mm. I want to make this shoot better!! What lens should I buy so that the eyes and details (like fingers and toes) are not blurry?

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I don't think it's a lens problem, it sounds like a too slow shutter speed or maybe too shallow a Depth of Field. What settings did you use.

robert-photos Loc: Chicago

Don't mean to knock you but that camera/kit lens can take clear, in-focus photos if you learn how to use your camera/kit lens.

Buying additional equipment doesn't make you a better photographer if you don't know how to use the equipment you already own. Similar to golf, that new $500 driver will not make you a pro nor will you be able to drive 300 yards. :roll:

What I'm saying is "Save your money and invest in an online photography course or take one at your community college." Your pictures will improve 1000%. :thumbup:

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Consider getting the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. It's excellent.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi LB
I see you are new to the site. Welcome! :) Taking a new born isn't as easy as it seems. They can move around a lot and if you do not have good lighting it is going to be a hard shoot. I don't think it is your gear either. The lens you have should be perfect for this type of thing. How long have you been using your gear? It took me about 2-3 years to get a handle on my Nikon D300s and all the lenses I have. I am new to digital, I have been using Nikons for a long long time.
With your lens you can be back away from the baby and still get close. Also Mom and Dad can be close trying to get him/her to smile and you can keep them out of the shot. A tripod is very necessary for this. Like I said they move and if you move, not a good thing. :)
I did portraits and wedding professionally for 15 years. We just had our first Grandson 2 months ago. It was my first try at it with digital and the first time I have dragged out my lights in a lot of years. :mrgreen: But I wanted a few good shots of him as a baby. Here are a few links to my try. :)
The best investment you can make I think is lighting, not glass. And talk the wife or girl friend into setting for you. You can't believe how many I have of the wife from back then. :) It takes a lot of practice to get good!!!
Erv
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-55959-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-55961-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-55963-1.html

Georgia Peddler Loc: Brunswick, GA

Say what??????????????
So you have lenses but they won't shoot fingers clearly so you need another lens that will shoot fingers clearly
I simply cannot understand that

dasloaf

read your owners manual and get the book! Just because you have a fancy camera, you just can't take awesome pictures. We have all learned this and it can be done by trial and error or by learning from some of the pros on this site. Read through some of the old postings and you can learn from some of the best!

If you want to try a new lens any way 24-70mmF2.8, don't buy it, rent it first. LensGiant is the way to go. Read the book, then experiment!

LB

Thanks everyone

Bill gomberg

Eyes out of focus ? ; Focus manually .

ohallboyz Loc: Boston, MA

I have shot newborns before with 35mm 1.8, which is a great lens. You could also consider a macro to get more detail with lips, eyelashes, etc. But, if you are not getting in focus shots with your kit lens, these lenses won't help you either. Definitely practice with the lens you have now and work on getting in focus shots.

I typically need to open up my aperture quite a bit to get proper exposure when shooting a newborn. Very rarely do I use a speelight, so it's ISO and aperture for me. I am wondering if maybe your photos were underexposed which may look out of focus slightly.

Do you have any examples to post?

Kamraman Loc: Canada

fixed focal length lens. Not telephoto.

http://www.vistek.ca/results/CameraLenses/camlenses-camlenfull-lensfixed/Canon/Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses.aspx

Subject to discussion by other people in this forum.

Good Luck

Georgia Peddler Loc: Brunswick, GA

This goes back to some of the in-depth conversations of yesterday on UHH re:"How do I---?" and, "How can I---?"
For instance, it is the end with the round glass thing that points towards the subject you are looking at.
Come on, folks, be realistic.
A lens that needs to be replaced because it will not shoot eyes or fingers sharply but shoots other stuff OK???
We are talking the very BASICS here - f/stop, SS, DOF

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

I was not saying that using a zoom is the only way to go. But that is the lens he has. Did you look at mine links? I think they turned out pretty good for not doing this in 25 years. :) They all were with the 28-300. And it makes setup a lot easier.
Erv

LB

I did look at your links, They are good. Thanks

LB

Thank you all for your feed back. Im just starting a photography business and I know I need to practice more. Im sure Ill figure it out. Going to look into online classes. Thanks again! Will post pictures of the newborn shoot in Oct.