A detailed "what should I do"...

[bulldog413]

(sorry if i'm posting under the wrong forum)

This is quite detailed, so I appreciate the time to read and responses...

The situation:
I created a test run with some friends. I had a load of props (dangerous with kids), a backdrop, and I wanted to use the natural light pouring in from the windows.

The problem:
Kids that decided to be uncooperative.

I was wondering if someone could give me pointers on how to quickly adjust settings to get more successful in focus pictures. What settings should I have used?

I had attempted to set up an off camera flash with an umbrella, but this became another thing the kids were set upon touching, hanging on and gravitating towards. More than the stuffed animals! I knew that it was going to be a catch as catch can with every shot, so I even took down the umbrella and put the flash on camera with a bounce card. I started at a spot focus, partial metering, f5.6 - 1/100 - iso400. I thought that the higher iso and speed would be enough esp. with the flash, but my shots were less than tack sharp. I tried bumping up the speed, but that didn't really seem to help capture the kids as they would even make the slightest attempt to escape. I think I even upped to iso640 at one point. I was worried that if I switched to Al Servo, or even a different way of focusing (zone, center weight, etc..) that I would have gotten farther away from getting them in focus.

My question specifically is this: What would you suggest I would have done to trouble shoot this situation (not the kids, my camera settings)?
Thanks so much.

[candleman]

should have used Servo for a moving kid..

what lens/body were you using?

[bulldog413]

I thought about Servo, but wasn't sure what focus mode to use. Still not sure..
Canon 7D 18-135
Too close for the 50mm...

[faeriegodess612]

I think it's called Continuous Servo in Nikon's,...I've even used it for trying to take shots of flowers moving in this Texas wind. ( That never seems to completely cease. )

[jojonac]

Since you are a cannon shooter and I am a Nikon I can only be general in my statements as I know that Cannon has the ability but I don't know what they call it. For that situation it would seem that continuous focus, or servo focus mode would have worked well for the moving subjects, and I would have used spot focus or single focus point to help the camera pick between the subject and the background. Im sure there is a Cannon shooter that can explain what I mean better then I can.

[CurlyCorry]

have to say, I snickered out loud reading this post. I can just imagine the chaos with the kids running around touching your equipment and not wanting to use the "props". I too tried to get pics of my nephews( 2 & 4 yrs) and it was a disaster, lol.... didn't get one clear shot! Would love to see some of the other shots you captured....

[amandaggogo]

Originally Posted by CurlyCorry

have to say, I snickered out loud reading this post. I can just imagine the chaos with the kids running around touching your equipment and not wanting to use the "props". I too tried to get pics of my nephews( 2 & 4 yrs) and it was a disaster, lol.... didn't get one clear shot! Would love to see some of the other shots you captured....

Same here, I once had to lure a child to the correct spot with a trail of Scooby Doo Snacks. Lets just say none of the photos were posed smile shots, all of them action! Haha!

[gturner]

Simply put , you need more speed on your shutter - 1/250th min even for small movement.

AI SERVO mode, but then pick a focus point that frames the image and ALWAYS keep that point on the kids eye/ nose.

From there it is a matter of just changing the focus point to suite the scene.

If the background is very dark, then centre AF point, and spot meter off the kids face. That way you will get the best parts in focus without much drama.

[Jim Bryant]

1.Super glue to glue their butts to the chair.
2.An electron cattle prod to zapppppppp them when they don't behave.
3. The best method I found is send the parents (of the unruly child) out of the room and get to know the kid and you'll find out that 9 times out of 10, the parents. most times,
are the cause of the problems. You know how they threaten the kid by taking away things.
4. If the above doesn't work...........tell the parents you tried and did the best you coud, their their kid was a moron and go find another photographer and say; "By the way, thank you for the sitting fee."

Whoops.............I just reread the last part of your request. GET TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA and how it works under all lighting situations. The above still stands.

[bulldog413]

you want to see the chaos or something that actually turned out?! Meanwhile, this person wants to shoot them again... oy! I've shot a ton, but this was the first time I was "rocked" for about two days. Just when I quit drinking for awhile...