I need a bit of advice..

Davie

Davie

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Well quite alot actually :thinking:

So as usually happens to me as the idiot in the family that owns a nice camera I have been volunteered (by the misses) to take some shots of the kiddies at a Christmas eve party, just family. I think the main focus will be the three youngest, being 5, 3 and 1sh. After my initial 'wtf have you got me into again' moment I thought if I'm going to do it I might aswell try my best but realistically I know it won't be studio quality.
I have a 40d and plan on using it with my Sigma 24-70 f2.8 or nifty fifty and a 580 exii flash but I don't do portraits really.

I was thinking I may get away with some candids of the kids playing and stuff but would like to do some close shots of the baby in a well lit room, maybe a big fluffy rug that sort of thing. Would I benefit getting a softbox and/or reflector and a set of remote triggers to get a better shot? I don't mind buying the gear as I'm sure I'll use it again.

Sorry if that's a bit vague but lighting to me usually means the sun :gag:
 
Yip. 24-70 would be a good bet although the 50 is a very nice lens - the narrow dof at wide apertures may help with your shutter speed but not when the kids are moving quickly!

Put camera in manual. Start with the "correct exposure" and up the ISO if required to keep a high SS (although the flash will help stop motion)

Bounce the flash off the ceiling, a wall behind you or even off a reflector. To get images with a more natural feel, you may need to keep the shutter speed and aperture close to the "correct exposure" for the scene. As I say, the flash should help stop your subject motion. Don't be afraid of a high ISO to get the SS high enough.

As you up the shutter speed, (keeping ISO and Aperture the same), the subject will be lit the same but the scene (background) will get darker as less ambient is being captured.

Regards the softbox, it is a help as you can place the light where you want it. Remote triggers are also a help (a light meter may also help - especially if shooting the flash in manual mode).

Just a few thoughts that may need further explanation which I can try to explain if needed! (I'm still learning)!
 
Thanks Justin, yes there's a playroom (large bedroom size) which has high ceilings and fairly light.



EOS_JD said:
Yip. 24-70 would be a good bet although the 50 is a very nice lens - the narrow fof at wide apertures may help with your shutter speed but not when the kids are moving quickly!

Put camera in manual. Start with the "correct exposure" and up the ISO if required to keep a high SS (although the flash will help stop motion)

Bounce the flash off the ceiling, a wall behind you or even off a reflector. To get images with a more natural feel, you may need to keep the shutter speed and aperture close to the "correct exposure" for the scene. As I say, the flash should help stop your subject motion. Don't be afraid of a high ISO to get the SS high enough.

As you up the shutter speed, (keeping ISO and Aperture the same), the subject will be lit the same but the scene (background) will get darker as less ambient is being captured.

Regards the softbox, it is a help as you can place the light where you want it. Remote triggers are also a help (a light meter may also help - especially if shooting the flash in manual mode).

Just a few thoughts that may need further explanation which I can try to explain if needed! (I'm still learning)!
Click to expand...

JD thanks. I've been reading up on this subject all evening but as I say it's all new to me. I'm sure I can get some good shots when they're moving about and wouldn't have anything on a tripod when the little darlings are zooming around but I'd really like to get them sat down and get some good close shots too.
I appreciate you taking the time to reply and will be trying out these settings tomorrow on the dogs. :D
 
IMHO the important thing is to be confident and relaxed, and in control of the camera (at least!). Timing and expressions are more important than mega equipment and amazing technique.

You are very well equipped with 40D, 24-70 (probably around the long end for single portraits) and 580 flash. For guaranteed good results, set the camera on P, the flash to E-TTL, point up straight up and pull out the highlight panel.

Try that on your dogs. I bet you'll be amazed at how good the results are just by pointing and shooting. The flash off the ceiling gives a good spead of soft light all over, and the highlight panel gives just the right amount off fill-in light to brighten faces with a nice catchlight in the eyes. The camera will balance the ambient and flash exposures, but won't allow silly-long shutter speeds (it won't go any lower than 1/60sec).

Give it a try. Actually dogs with dark faces are not the best subject, but you'll get the idea :thumbs:
 
Cheers Hoppy, had a play today and had a great time with the dogs, though I think they might be considering contacting the sspca ;) . Quite surprised at the results as you said. I feel I was going ott worrying about it and read too much. Stirred my interest though so I'll look more into after the party. :thumbs:
 
Davie said:
Cheers Hoppy, had a play today and had a great time with the dogs, though I think they might be considering contacting the sspca ;) . Quite surprised at the results as you said. I feel I was going ott worrying about it and read too much. Stirred my interest though so I'll look more into after the party. :thumbs:
Click to expand...

Excellent :thumbs:

Try to keep a bit of distance between the camera and subject - chance for the bounced light to get into their faces, as well as the fill-in from the little hi-light panel.

Make sure you nail the focus absolutely - on the eyes.
 
So not like this then :eek:



got the eyes though, see me in there :D
 
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