Need guidance on taking pics of people

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HELLLP!!

I have set myself the task of doing something with pictures from a christening for a present for a friend, BUT every time I try and photograph people I just fall to pieces.

Firstly I fall foul of the shyness thing and feel like I am intruding and am afraid to point the lens at people.

Secondly I can't seem to get the camera setting right and the pics are almost always blurred.

The place will be a christening (obviously indoors) and a reception.

I have a 350D with a Sigma 18-200 lens and a Speedlite 430 flash.

Any guidance on what sort of setting I should be using??????:bang:
 
If your pictures are blurred, either your subject moved or you did so raise the shutter speed.

The basic guideline to avoid camera shake blur is to use a shutter speed equal to, or greater than the focal length of your lens. So for 100mm, use no less than 1/100th. For 200mm use no less than 1/200th and so on.

As far as overcoming shyness, well my advice is just to relax and start talking to people. I'm guessing the christening you are attending is family or friends so you should know them! If it's a random stranger you'll just have to get stuck in!
 
If its a christening people will expect cameras so don't worry. Everyone will be looking their best and won't mind having their photo taken. Don't be afraid to bump the ISO up on your camera either, probably to 800 maximum.
 
petemc said:
Don't be afraid to bump the ISO up on your camera either, probably to 800 maximum.
Click to expand...

:agree:

If you're worried about noisy pictures there's a free noise removal program here.(scroll down to the bottom one) It will soften the pictures slightly but I find it quite good.

On the shyness thing, check this thread out.
 
Thanks. I went to an indian wedding yesterday expecting to get some good pics but most are blurred. I did only have the ISO at 400 so will try ramping up.

Daft Q but which camera setting would you use? I ordinarily use AV but don't feel that I would trust myself to know what Aperture would give me the correct shutter speed. Perhaps try TV?

Need to persuade hubby to let me buy a fast lens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbs:
 
I would shoot Av too. I can shoot up to ISO1600 on my 30D with confidence. I'd watch the shutter speed doesn't drop below the focal length so I don't get lens blur. Av, f/2.8.
 
There really is no "correct" shutter speed. Unless you want it for a particular effect (panning in motorsport, blurry water on a river etc.) I would just get it as high as possible. Lots of people recommend shooting with a shutter speed the same as or preferably higher than the focal length - for example if you have a 300mm lens try and shoot at 300/sec or higher. Unless you're using a tripod of course :)
 
dont be afraid to draw peoples attention, and even set some shots up in the church with family members. Theres lots of inspiration in a church such as architecture and stained glass windows so dont be afraid to get creative either!
 
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