 Tara R. Swartzendruber |
Capturing Motion in Studio Why do I still "miss shots" (such as a kid turning their head) with studio strobes? I have two photogenic 1250's synced with my Nikon D80.
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Mark Feldstein |
Timing, Tara, is everything, especially in portraiture. It ain't the lights it's like the photographer. Posting some examples to fully understand what you mean would be helpful, at least to me. OTOH, if it is your timing, maybe this will help: When I shoot portraits, regardless of format, I rarely take my eye out of the viewfinder unless we're taking a break. I talk to the client as I work and don't use a tripod. When I shoot medium format, I prefocus, watch the client while we chat and trip the shutter electronically without looking through the viewfinder but always watching the client and anticipating their movement or facial expressions. (See, e.g., the portraits on my website (not the gallery here).
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W. |
OR you can shoot bursts at 7fps, and I bet there'll be plenty good ones among them.
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Tara R. Swartzendruber |
I am very much a viewbinder/no tripod person. I like to talk and take pix at random as the kids are playing, etc... I guess I was under the impression that the strobes would "stop motion," but I'm always amazed at the pix I get when I think I'm getting a certain expression as I push the shutter, and end up with their head turned away at the last minute. Kids move quickly, but I thought the strobes would help "freeze" this a bit more. I'm sure, then that it's the photographer. It's difficult, though to always catch the right look in small children. Will my strobes still fire if I shoot 7fps as W.S. suggested? I guess I should try that....
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Tara, Your strobes may fire once or twice at 7 fps, but no more. The key is to learn to think just a little ahead. When your camera takes a picture, the mirror flips up, the aperture stops down, then the shutter opens, THEN the strobe goes off. All this takes time, which is a problem with a moving child. Keep in mind that pushing the button harder will not make the camera take the picture faster. Your strobes will stop action, but they can't turn back time. What shutter speed are you using? Thanks, John Siskin
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Tara R. Swartzendruber |
John, I generally keep my shutter speed at 125 with the studio strobes and change my aperature as needed to keep my subjects properly exposed. Thanks for the explanation about what all is happening. This is pretty much what I was assuming was "the deal," but I really hate to miss out on something I should be doing differently as I'm still somewhat new to this.
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BetterPhoto Member |
If you ask me, children are not studio type people. If you can get a child to sit still for more than 300 miliseconds, you are the luckiest photographer on earth. Try shooting in a more candid setting, where they are comfortable. If you follow them while they play, You can get the most dramatic photographs of them. I rarely shoot children in a studio. I usually try to shoot them in their home or at a park. Have fun and keep shooting,
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Tara R. Swartzendruber |
Thanks, Mark. I agree. I do enjoy taking photos outside when possible. Living in Nebraska, however, winters and many springs (rain & wind), summers (mosquitos & wind) and falls (cold...but better) don't always allow for this, so the studio is a good second choice. :)
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John H. Siskin |
Hi All, I have had a couple of commercial clients that regularly required shots of children from newborn to teen. The key is to be prepared, and to have extra children. So you want to have the lights et-up and tested, product if any, ready to go. I assume for any child less than ten years old I will get less than 45 minutes of shooting time. Don’t waste it! I used to keep toys around for the very small, not for them to use but for them to keep. This not only impressed the kids it helped with the parents. Finally you have to keep the people in the studio to a minimum, if your client is there, someone from an ad agency and a parent you are going to have a tough time getting the kids attention. Thanks, John Siskin
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BetterPhoto Member |
The problem I have is shooting portraits of toddlers and young children. I have found the best frames are captured while the children are involved in activities that they know and enjoy.Most of what I do with children comes from photographing my own two daughters. My daughters taught me to always be ready for the unexpected so you can get the perfect shot. I have captured som unbelieveable frames, one of the best being of my oldest daughter simply playing with a paper bag. Have fun and keep shooting,
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John H. Siskin |
Nice shot of your daughter! Although I have a few candid shots of my nice and nephew, most of the shots I have of children are for clients. I think that it is very satisfying, in several ways, to take photos for a commercial client. I get to see my images used by the client, and I get paid! Thanks! John Siskin
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