In need of some "nifty" advice

[shancan911]

Just purchased the "nifty fifty" for my XTi. We will be going on the Polar Express next week with DS,6 and nephew,4. I would like to get some great candids of them with the light provided. I'll gladly take any ideas or advice.

For anyone who doesn't know, the Polar Express is a great adventure. Our local railroad brings in a steam engine, looks just like the one from the book/movie. The kids all board in their jammies. On the way to the North Pole (the woods), there is someone who reads the book, and the kids can read along if they bring their own book. Then when you reach the North Pole, there is Santa's workshop, with the elves hard at work. Santa is in a horse drawn carriage that is pulled by the kid's side of the train. Then the train comes to a stop, and Santa comes onto each of the cars. All the kids get a visit, and receive a sleight bell. After a visit to the gift shop, it's back to the station with hot chocolate and Christmas carols.

Thanks in advance for the help, and Merry Christmas!!

 

[handicap18]

ISO 1600. Start with aperture priority at f/1.8 and see what you get for shutter speeds. Its all about lighting. Even at that wide open it may struggle depending on what kind of light they do have. You may have to boost your exposure compensation. Also make sure your focus is RIGHT on. DOF at that aperture is VERY shallow. Focus on eyes when you can or something else specific that you want to definately be in focus.

Other than that its tough to really say because I don't know how much light will be available. Practice around your house with various lighting on and off to see what you get and what to expect in different lighting conditions.

Have fun!!

 

[DMickey28]

My lingo stinks, I am assuming your are talking about the 50mm f/1.8 lens.

I just got this last week. I love it ... I agree with the ISO 1600. One thing I have noticed is what the PP said. You need to focus dead on. I have a few shots of DS's feet where one is in focus and the other is not. It also really blurs the background out a lot. It doesn't have much DOF at all ... even at slightly higher aperture, above 1.8.

Is that right, higher aperture when refering to numbers above 1.8?

I would be concerned in the situation you explained on not getting much for great pictures because you do need a solid focus and you would get more portrait-ish shots.

I have just been learning about the XT, which I also just got last week and the lenses. Try different lighting situations around the house to get an idea of what works. I found that often I could get similar results on the Manual setting by playing around with the kit lens. I really bought the 50mm for portrait shots of DS and family.

Have fun ... I want to go. It sounds great!!!

Disclaimer: I am exhausted, don't know why I am not in bed and I had a heck of a time spelling portrait. I am not convinced that it is spelled correctly, along with 50% of my words!!

 

[handicap18]

My lingo stinks, I am assuming your are talking about the 50mm f/1.8 lens.

I just got this last week. I love it ... I agree with the ISO 1600. One thing I have noticed is what the PP said. You need to focus dead on. I have a few shots of DS's feet where one is in focus and the other is not. It also really blurs the background out a lot. It doesn't have much DOF at all ... even at slightly higher aperture, above 1.8.

Is that right, higher aperture when refering to numbers above 1.8?

I would be concerned in the situation you explained on not getting much for great pictures because you do need a solid focus and you would get more portrait-ish shots.

I have just been learning about the XT, which I also just got last week and the lenses. Try different lighting situations around the house to get an idea of what works. I found that often I could get similar results on the Manual setting by playing around with the kit lens. I really bought the 50mm for portrait shots of DS and family.

Have fun ... I want to go. It sounds great!!!

Disclaimer: I am exhausted, don't know why I am not in bed and I had a heck of a time spelling portrait. I am not convinced that it is spelled correctly, along with 50% of my words!!

Looks like you did pretty good DMickey. I agree with you about using the 50 for portrait shots. I love using mine for that. I've gotten some great portraits with it.

As for the numbers, remember they are fractions and are referring to circumference width. 1/1.8 is wider than 1/2.8, so f/1.8 is wider than f/2.8. Time to remember 5th and 6th grade mathametics. Fractions! I remember being excited about at the end of year in 4th grade. Yeah, next year we learn fractions! Cool. Now, yuk, I gutta remember that stuff?!?!

Off topic:
I noticed your in Taunton and grew up on the Cape. I'm originally from Wareham/Onset and currently am in Raynham 5 days a week for work. Small world (though its getting bigger as there is another regular here from that area and I've run into a few others from the area on other parts of DIS) ETA: Never mind. I read it wrong, I see your in Florida now. Oh well.

 

[manning]

If there is going to be alot of moving around of the subject(s) I would consider going to flash. At f1.8 depth of field is next to nothing. Also if your shutter is slow you will get blurring.

I would do both flash and available light. You will then definitely get something.

Also do some practicing before you go in that kind of lighting.

 

[shancan911]

Thanks for the ideas so far!! A great idea to play around with the lighting before hand. We went 3 years ago, and the first half, the trip to the North Pole is soft lighting, nothing more than a restaurant. When we get to the North Pole, they shut all the lights, that's when I'm hoping for my shot of the trip. I'll probably take some with the flash, too. Bearing in mind that there will be flashes from other's cameras going off at the same time. On the way back, there will be no issues, as the lights are full on. I will also have my kit 18-75 with me.
I'll play in front of the Christmas tree with the 1600 ISO tonight and see what I get!

 

[shancan911]

Took some trying, but I got some that I am ok with. The only light was from the Christmas tree, the tv, and DH's cell phone that he's playing with. What a difference when I changed the white balance to "tungston light" (whatever it means). Finally, can get a picture of the cat under the tree!!!! Here are some...

 

[Miss Kelly]

Those are nice Shannon, but with your shutter speed so low (1/20 and 1/15), I'm afraid your going to have blurry or out of focus photographs. I personally try to stay at 100 or 125 for my shutter speed. Just something to think about.

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

Just purchased the "nifty fifty" for my XTi. We will be going on the Polar Express next week with DS,6 and nephew,4. I would like to get some great candids of them with the light provided. I'll gladly take any ideas or advice.

For anyone who doesn't know, the Polar Express is a great adventure. Our local railroad brings in a steam engine, looks just like the one from the book/movie. The kids all board in their jammies. On the way to the North Pole (the woods), there is someone who reads the book, and the kids can read along if they bring their own book. Then when you reach the North Pole, there is Santa's workshop, with the elves hard at work. Santa is in a horse drawn carriage that is pulled by the kid's side of the train. Then the train comes to a stop, and Santa comes onto each of the cars. All the kids get a visit, and receive a sleight bell. After a visit to the gift shop, it's back to the station with hot chocolate and Christmas carols.

Thanks in advance for the help, and Merry Christmas!!

Can't help with the lens part....

But when are you going??? My dad volunteers on the train If it is the Cuyahoga Vally Line one.... Sometimes he is very good friends with Santa other days he is friends with Santa's elves.

Debbie

 

[shancan911]

Miss Kelly- I will give that a try this evening, thanks!! Gonna try and get some pictures of our outside, as long as the rain stops...

EpcotKilter- We are going Friday evening out of the Rockside station. If your Dad is working, I'd be more than happy to accept a DIS-family favor I'll look at my tickets when I get home tonight.