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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
shot settings

Shadow
Veteran

Jul 21, 2006, 11:29 PM

Post #1 of 7 (643 views)
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shot settings	Can't Post

Just wondering what the majority of people are doing in terms of exposure settings. Do you meter the light and take the shot on manual or do you just use the auto settings?

On my test shoot I did both but mainly used the manual settings after metering the light. I found it had a nicer look to it.
Not so good with candids though, unless you're already set up.

H

Colvin ADTR
Enthusiast

Jul 22, 2006, 1:51 AM

Post #2 of 7 (635 views)
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Re: [Shadow] shot settings [In reply to]	Can't Post

Most of the time the camera is smart enough to get close and in a live motion environment it usually has to do. If you shoot in raw and use acr or similar, you get a chance to redo the exposure settings as you capture to computer. I can now do most of the colour correction in 5 minutes as I capture rather than half an hour in PS. If I can scout the areas I will get a reference meter reading so I have a ballpark area to work from. My secondhand sekonic meter, though, has been the best Ł2 I have spent so far. When we go into parks now I meter all the time to cope with the dappled shade.

Scott Brooks
Veteran

Jul 22, 2006, 2:39 AM

Post #3 of 7 (631 views)
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Re: [Shadow] shot settings [In reply to]	Can't Post

Actually I'm shooting primarily in <gasp> Program mode ... either that or Av (aperture). I'm pretty quick to dial up or down on my exposure compensation when set on P.

During the ceremony I'm pretty much shooting on f/2.8 with my Canon 70-200 ... usually with an iso setting of 800 ... 1600 if I have to.

I've been trying to get myself more comfortable shooting in manual ... it just seems to be that I'm not as quick to adjust as I would like. With the built in meter and histogram it really makes it a bit easier to go the manual route.

My biggest problem is nailing exposures outside when I have to use fill flash ... especially with the groomsmen.

I was pretty satisfied with my shots from Saturday's wedding except the goomsmen. They'll work ... just not overly proud of them.

Large wedding tomorrow ... they want 50 formal groupings. Shoot me now!

octoberpro
User

Jul 23, 2006, 12:36 AM

Post #4 of 7 (607 views)
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Re: [Sparky] shot settings [In reply to]	Can't Post

I hate exposing for outside shots so I decided to let the camera do the work for me.

I shoot P mode out doors. A 580ex set to ETTL with a Canon 20d is pretty intellegent! Of course if I want a very shallow DOF I'll switch over to AV mode. I found that the 580ex does a decent job of fill flash when in AV or TV modes, but I still prefer P when outside.

In doors I drag the shutter at 1/30 @ 5.6 occasionaly dropping to 1/10th if I want to get artsy! LOL!

Shadow
Veteran

Jul 23, 2006, 12:45 AM

Post #5 of 7 (603 views)
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Re: [octoberpro] shot settings [In reply to]	Can't Post

:) thanks!

Scott Brooks
Veteran

Jul 23, 2006, 1:11 AM

Post #6 of 7 (602 views)
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Re: [Shadow] shot settings [In reply to]	Can't Post

You already may be aware of this, but anytime you're using the 580 and 20D in Av mode it automatically treats the flash as a fill flash. I'm not positive, but it may do the same in P ... more reading needed.

octoberpro
User

Jul 23, 2006, 12:38 PM

Post #7 of 7 (588 views)
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Re: [Sparky] shot settings [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Yes and it does a good job at it too!