land_downunder

<p>Thanks folks, some great tips here (its amazing how much there is to learn once you get interested in improving your photography, its exciting!)<br> I'll be sure to try everything out, as one thing I have picked up on is that practice is really the best way to learn... but when its dark out its great to be able to nut things out in my head, thank heavens for the books and internet ;) <br> Ha ha yes <a href="/photodb/user?user_id=1492896">James (Jim) Johnson</a> the name change was an interesting one, when i joined up the site suggested I should get an 'alias', this was all I could come up with haha!. Bec will do, land doesn't really sound very good does it lol ;)</p>

<p>Thanks for welcoming me to the site!<br> And thanks very much for your help everybody, each response was very informative and detailed; I'll take everything on board and practice all I can ;)<br> The feathering technique makes sense and I am about to give it a try this afternoon (look out kids haha!)<br> I think I'll have a good practice with single focus point and single point expanded some more and check the results. <br> I will leave the diffuser off for this type of scenario as mentioned, thank you. Great tips on the flash too, can't wait to try ;)<br> I'm going to get the flash off camera asap, purchasing a stand asap (got a trigger with the new setup).<br> If spot metering for tricky light scenarios I use a grey card, or for people: subjects skin if not too dark. (Hope that is the right approach! I make sure what I meter from is bathed in the same light as what I am shooting)... but usually I use evaluative.<br> I switched the DOF preview to AI servo when I got the camera as I feel most shots I take will be with One shot - this is a great feature, I love being able to make customisations ;)<br> I look forward to learning a lot more from here on in, and thanks again to all! :)</p> <p> </p>

<p>Hi folks,<br> Im new to this site so hopefully Im posting in the right section ;)<br> Background: I have owned entry level DSLR's for years and take photos for pleasure (amateur). I have been researching and practising more lately since I have recently invested in a Canon 5DMIII and a Canon 24-70 f2.8. I also have a Canon 50mm f1.4. <br> For taking images of moving subjects and freezing the motion - I understand I need a fast enough shutter speed, etc, but I'm curious on what focus mode others use to capture images that are in focus and sharp. <br> As an example, say I want to photograph<em> someone walking towards me at a normal pace, outdoors where there is plenty of light available.</em> <br> My current set up for the focus system for this scenario is: AI Servo, AF Area selection is set to the Centre AF Point expansion (manual selection, surrounding points), Case 2 under the subject characteristics menu. I have assigned the * button for focusing (which I understand you need to hold down to get it to track the object), and high speed continuous shooting.<br> I realise manual focus can be used by pre focusing on an object at the point where I want to capture the person once they reach it but I want to be able to use AF and continuous shooting mode for this type of scenario so I can get various expressions and capture many different moments (my eyes are not good even with contacts and feel more comfortable using AF for these quick types of shots).<br> Note: I would prefer to use the zoom lens 24-70mm<br> - Would you recommend One shot or AI Servo, and do you have any tips on the best methods for using them please? <br> Furthermore, if the person is backlit by the sun - I feel comfortable using spot metering, but if I wanted to fill in shadows using my 430 flash on camera, would you recommend:<br> - Using a diffuser? (Im thinking yes definitely - but wanted to check)<br> - Using manual mode instead of TTL? (Im not overly familiar with using flash yet and only have the one speedlight)<br> - Any other tips on fill flash in this scenario please?</p> <p>Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated, of course I know the best tip is to practice and get to know it inside and out, but wanted to ask people who are experienced you know!:)<br> **Thanks in advance** </p> <p> </p>