How should I focus

[Cutter]

Hi everone I have just heard that we are through to the regional finals of the lorea colour trophy in the mens image awards.
I want to take pictures of the models on the runway as they walk down the catwalk, what is the best focus method ?

[amk1977]

In that situation? Think of Anne Widdecombe. That should help you focus on the models and not get distracted by their beauty.

As for the camera settings, I'd most likely go for spot focus in continuous servo mode, with spot metering too.

[ianpinion]

Mark, you lucky devil! You get all the best jobs!

As amk suggests, spot metering and spot focusing in continuous servo mode. The potential trouble you could face will be shooting upwards towards the bright spotlights along the whole length of the runway, so you'll definitely need some fill-in flash. The tip would be to take a few test shots to get your correct settings like the pros do before you start shooting. I wonder whether it might help to dial in a +2 on your flashgun and -2 exposure compensation in camera, which should darken your background and keep your subject perfectly exposed but then I guess you'll have your own ideas regarding that.

[jinky]

Don`t forget to check their policy on use of flash before starting. Sometimes they only allo press flash use for limited time depending on the event.

[Cutter]

Thanks for the info guys, i was wondering at what speed to set the shutter for a person walking along the runway, I think thats what went wrong last time. I used a wide app on ap priority but most were blury becase the shutter speed was a bit slow, what would you recomend? I will shoot on manual set the ss at what I need to freeze walking pace, set the app f2.8 and then have to play with the iso. anyone think that a good idea or not ?

[ianpinion]

You'd need to use a shutterspeed between 1/125th or 1/250th depending on how quickly they're striding out to absolutely freeze the motion. Or you could use a slower shutter speed of 1/20 - 1/30 and pan the camera to create a bit of movement but keeping the model blur free. Why don't you get your missus to parade up and down for you and take a series of shots at ascending shutterspeeds to see at what speed you can sufficiently freeze the action?

[Drew Smith]

Mark - in an ideal world, this is what I'd do:

1) get to the rehersal and scope out the best locations/seats to shoot from; have a back-up location if the prime spot is unavailable.

2) take some test shots to fine tune my slected manual settings and diecide the best spot/angle/position from which to shoot.

3) use my 2.8, 70-200mm for flexibility and not let my shutter speed drop below 1/200th but watch the ISO if flash not available.

4) double check I have everything backed up - extra lens, batteries etc.

5) stay awake for the whole shoot to get that 'wow' shot or the model falling off the stage!

Good luck buddy!

[Stormsong]

Well done, Cutter, that's wonderful news! Good luck.

Regards,
Denise

[Cutter]

Originally Posted by ianpinion

You'd need to use a shutterspeed between 1/125th or 1/250th depending on how quickly they're striding out to absolutely freeze the motion. Or you could use a slower shutter speed of 1/20 - 1/30 and pan the camera to create a bit of movement but keeping the model blur free. Why don't you get your missus to parade up and down for you and take a series of shots at ascending shutterspeeds to see at what speed you can sufficiently freeze the action?

Thanks Ian , never thought about practicing on the missus although she runs off when I get the camera out may have to use a faster ss

[Cutter]

Originally Posted by Drew Smith

Mark - in an ideal world, this is what I'd do:

1) get to the rehersal and scope out the best locations/seats to shoot from; have a back-up location if the prime spot is unavailable.

2) take some test shots to fine tune my slected manual settings and diecide the best spot/angle/position from which to shoot.

3) use my 2.8, 70-200mm for flexibility and not let my shutter speed drop below 1/200th but watch the ISO if flash not available.

4) double check I have everything backed up - extra lens, batteries etc.

5) stay awake for the whole shoot to get that 'wow' shot or the model falling off the stage!

Good luck buddy!

hey thanks for the advice drew, my son took the pics last year and they came out a bit blurry will need to check what camera settings he use. This time he is the model and i am letting one of my girls do the hair, which leaves me to take the pics (cant blame anyone then !)