 Nicole Gentile |
Why are my photos of people coming out blurry?
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Amanda M. Freese |
Hello, I have the same camera, and I am a newbie, but if you are shooting a group of people you'll want your AV setting to be a higher than 2.8. That is really small and probably the biggest part of the problem. Maybe F10 or higher for large groups. . if you're close, maybe doing a head shot, then you want to drop down your AV setting. . (AV- range of acceptable focus- higher the F# the wider the range and vice versa) If you have your AF mode (page 56 of your handbook) set to "Al Focus" the camera will tell you if your subjects are in focus before you take the shot with little red lights and beeps in the viewfinder - on the parts of your subjects that are in focus... In Al Servo mode it doesn't because that's meant for moving subjects.. Check to see which you're in. There is also the factor of camera shake, you may be moving slightly- just as you're hitting the button. That may be a fast lense, but it depends on the TV setting you're in- the slower shutter speed the more likely you'll have camera shake, vice versa. It is hard to strike up that relationship with your camera so that is does exactly what you want, I know becuase Im going through it now. . . Hope this was at all helpful...
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Pete H |
Hello Nicole, Your sample pics are most certainly a case of too slow a shutter speed, NOT a focus problem. If you want to test this theory, just try one with flash. A "fast" lens does not mean you are shooting fast. i.e (shutter speed) Again, looking at your photos, there doesn't seem to be much available light; so no doubt even at 2.8, your shutter speed is too slow, and as Amanda said, camera shake can easily set in, not to mention possible movement by your subjects. You mention that you are using ISO 800. Solution: Get more light on the subjects or use your pop up camera flash. Lastly, there is really no reason to shoot (shutter priority) in your examples. Few people shoot this mode anyway with the possible exception of some sports photographers..and even they use Aperture Priority most of the time to insure sharp images. I've always found shutter priority by itself to be the least useful shooting mode besides full auto. LOL
Pete
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Nicole Gentile |
Both of you thanks so much! I didn't even think to use flash... so now I'll remeber to do that. Again the only time I ever get these photos are when I'm indoors and the lighting isn't great, so my popup flash should do the trick. Also, should I stick with a lower to average f stop number indoors to ensure that more light is being let in? Amanda I know you said to use around f/10 for larger groups of people, which I also never thought of because I thought I'd be letting less light in. But if I use flash that shouldn't be a problem right? Thanks for your all your help! Nicole ps. Pete I've also found that shutter priority isn't very useful either, I'll stick with aperture priortiy from now on also!
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Nicole, Another alternative to strobe, although I like strobes, is to use a tripod or a chain pod. You can make a chain pod by putting a hole in a small 1/4X20 thumbscrew, available at home depot. Then attach about 6 feet of chain, also from home depot, to the hole in the thumb screw. Then you can put the thumb screw into the tripod socket on the bottom of the camera. Step on the chain and pull up. This will steady the camera. You can see a picture at the end of my gallery here at BetterPhoto. Thanks, John Siskin
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Amanda M. Freese |
Hello Nicole, I don't know the light controlling aspects of the AV settings, much less if it matters. I use it strictly for the range of acceptable focus. If I'm shooting one person, then I use a smaller setting and vice versa. It's personal preference there really aren't set numbers. If you're using flash and available light correctly you don't so much need to worry about how much light is getting in per AV settings (that I know of at this point- someone correct me if I'm wrong on this) Goodluck!
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Nicole Gentile |
Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll just have to practice in low light conditions I guess. It's just that I bought this lens specifically for taking pictures of family and friends because reviews and other people I talked to in camera stores said it was great in low light conditions. I think I was expecting that I wouldn't have to use flash....
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Amanda M. Freese |
You just have to set your shutter speed to a low speed and use a tripod. . It will work then. Slow shutter speeds allow more light in, fast speeds will require the use of flash because not as much light is allowed in. So for what you want you'll need to use a slow shutter speed and a tripod. You'll have to play around with the slow setting you like, but you might want to start around 1/100 and below. Remember the slower you go the more you'll need that tripod. . The camera is extremely sensitive to shake or movement in those lower speeds. Just make sure you're in Al Focus mode so that it will tell you your subjects are in focus before you hit the button.
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William Schuette |
Nicole, all of the comments above are good suggestions but let me add one more here that will help when your shutter speeds get below 1/125s - make sure your shooting technique is good. Shooting hand gripping but not strangling the camera forefinger resting lightly on shutter release, nonshooting hand under the lens cradling it, elbows in, feet comfortably apart, breathe out (some people breathe in) and before you breathe in (not trying to hold your breath) depress (don't jab) the shutter release. I like to compose my shot and focus and then as relaxed as I can breathe out feeling like all of my weight is sinking into my legs and then depress the release. Often, when we take pictures in social settings we are talking or anxious and speed up taking the shot ending up with camera shake that would not normally have but good technique should allow you to consistently get sharp shots in the 1/30-1/60s range. If you still have trouble or have to try and shoot and even slower shutter speed handheld consider bracing your body or elbows against something solid. Bill
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