kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

I am trying to teach myself portraiture, both studio and environmental, by practicing on myself, husband and grandkids. I've read and am trying to follow all the great advice here - i.e. focus on the eyes, sculpting with light, depth of field, etc.

What focus mode do you recommend for focusing on the eyes, especially when photographing children, since the best shots are often captured when they are in motion? I'm not quick enough to capture the moment with manual focus, so that leaves spot (but I have to be lucky enough to have the "spot" in the right spot), multiple area focus (might hit an eye), auto focus tracking (it is probably not tracking the eyes), face detection (doesn't seem to nail it), and auto focus continuous. Any wisdom gratefully received!!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Are you confusing "potraiture" (static) with "action" or "candid" (moving) photography?

Frank T Loc: New York, NY

With moving children you have two challenges. One is stopping the action and the other is maintaining correct focus. My advice; Step down the lens to at least F/8 to give yourself some depth of field and jack up the shutter speed to 1/500. In order to do this you'll may need to increase your ISO, but modern cameras can handle it so you shouldn't have a problem.
Trying to zero in on an eyeball of a running child won't work, (at least for me).

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

Probably :) thanks for the vocabulary tip. But am trying for planned outdoor photo sessions involving movement, not just snapshots.

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

Thank you this is helpful, will try with f8 @ 500sec. What focus setting do you usually choose?

sudzmonn Loc: here , there , everywhere

I just purchased the Magazine , " NPHOTO " while at Barnes N Noble , it has a section in it on this subject , amongst other great topics . . . .

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Grandkids? If you're a grandma, whose picture is that in your avatar?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

About a month ago, there was a discussion about how to photograph live insects and keep them from moving. The common practice was to put them into a freezer for a while. :D

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

Ha! Ha! That's me - I can account for every year! Photography keeps me young... sort of ...

;-)

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

Wonderful idea, Jerry! Don't tempt me - you know a determined photographer will do anything for the shot!

ronz Loc: Florida

Not knowing what camera you are using which may make a difference; however, in shooting a lot of special events involving speed such as horses, cycle races etc., I put my camera on Al Servo and multiple shots. It is always on M and I set the speed about between 250 and 640(you may need faster depending on the subject) and always set my aperture around 10 or 11. The adjust your ISO to let you shoot at those settings. Experiment a little depending on the event. Center weighted focus is also important and if people are involved, always focus on the eyes of the subject. Have fun

DennisK Loc: Pickle City,Illinois

You could try using AF-C.

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

Just ordinary centre point focus is the best, or even better is manual focus. Have the child sitting on a stool, coffee table, or whatever will keep them from moving their whole body to a different location and minimize the movement as much as possible. Focus when the child is in a normal upright position, which will be where they are MOST of the time. Then use a small aperture for maximum DOF. F/11 or F/16 is best. If you are using strobes then the shutter speed is not as important, but I would probably keep it at the sync speed.

There are poses that can be used that minimize the child's movement, depending on the age of the child, like hands under the chin, etc. Have them laying on the floor face down with their hadns up under their face and you on floor level with them works well also. (see sample)

Camera on tripod and a remote shutter release are two of the most important pieces of equipment for children's portraits, as it gives you far more control of the childs expressions and position. I don't believe it is very effective from behind the camera.

Just my 3 cents worth . .

Dr Rae Loc: Sarasota Florida

Great picture WeddingGuy!

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Wondering if using Al servo would help tracking focus under some conditions?