Wedding/Street photography technique help

[dan_yorkshire]

Hi guys,

Quick question, probably aimed more at wedding/street togs but any people photographer in general may help.

When I've been at family/friends weddings in the past and tried getting those natural/documentary style shots I've often failed as the subjects become aware of me and the time has passed.

The reason for this is usually time. I use single point focus with back button focus, by the time I have composed the shot and moved the focus point to the correct person, it can often be too late.

Are there any techniques you guys have? Disable single point focus? Face away from subject and select correct focus point before going for the shot?

I'm not too much in their faces, usually at the far end of my 17-50 or my 85mm prime on my D90.

Cheers

Dan

 

[BlackCloud]

Do a lot of street photography on a D300, D700 and a Canon G11...wouldn't be fair to talk about weddings as I don't do them as the pro. I often shoot with wide apertures, f2-f4.5 generally so focus tends to be critical. I often use single point of focus and my point of focus isn't always central. I sometimes have continuous focus...my focus is set to lock before firing the shutter.

I find my focus pretty fast particularly with the primes (24, 35, 50 and 85) or my 28-70mm f2.8 (Nikon). Sometimes I tweak the focus manually and often fire off 2-3 shots adjusting composition (not sure you can adjust manual focus on the Tamron when AF is engaged?). I often ensure my lenses are focussed at about the likely working range so the AF doesn't have so far to travel, and adjust exposure was I walk around if I think compensation will be needed should I take a shot.

Not sure if that helps any. The D90 is very capable but I don't think speedy AF is one of its strengths.

 

[lensflair]

Focus recompose.

So single point centre focus, lock focus on subject, recompose shot and fire. Simple and it will work shooting wide open if you are not too close to your subject.