|
Forum: Photographic Technique
04-03-2013, 10:09 PM
|
| |
Don't worry about shooting wide open for shallow DOF. A telephoto will give you shallow DOF all on it's own, though the wider aperture is always helpful in low light. I usually am more concerned with getting sufficient DOF in low light, not trying for bokeh, especially as bokeh is more useful for tight portraits, not events where you'll want to show at least the upper body. Try to shoot at between 1/125- 1/180 of a second. In camera vibration reduction will compensate for your shakiness but not for moving subjects.
I don't like to take more than two lenses when I do events. Which ever lens you have on the camera, you'll probably want another. If you have a wider prime, like a 35mm. You might consider that for your second lens. I shot a neighbor's daughter at graduation a year ago and used a 35mm DA 2.4 and a 70mm DA* 2.4 and was happy with the results. Remember to take some wide angle shots that show the whole class, or at least as much of it as you can get.
Don't be afraid to shoot at 3200-6400 ISO. Your sensor is good for it. You should easily be able to print 8x10 - 11x14 at 6400 with just a little NR massaging in post. Use the flash if you have to but try available light, too. A small softbox on your flash will give you better light.
One point on event photography, try to scout the location before hand if you can. Bring your camera. That should let you know what focal lengths will be best. If you can get near the front then the 17-70 should be fine. If you can't the 70-200 would be more useful Even if you can't scout the site, go early enough to get a seat with reasonable sight lines. With your sensor you also shouldn't need the focus assist light. For some reason, colored flashing lights seem to bother people more than regular flashes.
|
