thanks duder! the brickwall is my first idea too. i want to try this out with my ringflash and the back of my house with my wife if she will allow it.

i like your other suggestions too, i will be looking for these.


Matt, anything to add?

Nice light is #1, #2 is colors/ background.

I generally blow out backgrounds so I try to focus on colors vs the backgrounds. Light outfit/ dark bg ect.

I need more help on the "Back button focus" ... I'm not getting it.

The last shoot I adjusted my focal pt so it was on the baby (in the basket) but the focus was on the baskets edge and the baby was soft ... was that bcz it front focused or bcz I shoot wide open? (I can provide example shot if needed).

were you using the center focal point?

This is an excellent write-up Matt. Wish I had found this a long time ago. Some excellent tips and points here.

Thanks for bumping this Jay. Now that I am beginning to take more photos of people and hope to get some one-on-one with some models, this write-up is choice material!!! Thanks matt!!! *smooch*

your welcome! I should prob add some moar samples at some point.

Originally Posted by ride5000

as far as metering goes, i always use partial, and always in the center.

this is because i almost never shoot in anything but manual mode. so my process is:
1) point center at subject
2) check meter
3) adjust aperture/shutter/iso as needed
4) focus using rear *
5) recompose as needed
6) shoot

Help me with #4 pleaseeee ... I cant find anything in the info I have for rear focus. (40d)

^ Its a custom function. If you have a 40D, you can use the AF on button. Otherwise is Cn Fn 4, option 2 enabled to switch the af on to the *

Originally Posted by subimatt

^ Its a custom function. If you have a 40D, you can use the AF on button. Otherwise is Cn Fn 4, option 2 enabled to switch the af on to the *

Nikon. > Canon uber multi-pass l33t speak

thanks Matt!

Originally Posted by MK19

Nikon. > Canon uber multi-pass l33t speak

oh dont get me started on nikons million button menus.

Originally Posted by nuklehead

Help me with #4 pleaseeee ... I cant find anything in the info I have for rear focus. (40d)

Originally Posted by subimatt

^ Its a custom function. If you have a 40D, you can use the AF on button. Otherwise is Cn Fn 4, option 2 enabled to switch the af on to the *

This is the only way to go for your focus button.

Why use the *? I always half press the shutter.

Originally Posted by thomps6s

Why use the *? I always half press the shutter.

I have a couple of reasons.
1 focus can be locked and you can take your hand of the button, re compose, etc. The shutter button only meters at half press.
and
2 I leave the camera in ai servo all the time. If I need to grab the camera fast to catch the kids in action, the focus is ready. I can press the * once and let go for single focus.
and last
it feels more natural to me

Originally Posted by BobbyT

I have a couple of reasons.
1 focus can be locked and you can take your hand of the button, re compose, etc. The shutter button only meters at half press.
and
2 I leave the camera in ai servo all the time. If I need to grab the camera fast to catch the kids in action, the focus is ready. I can press the * once and let go for single focus.
and last
it feels more natural to me

Oooooh, that is nice. I had no idea. Thanks!

Glad I could be of help.

i use alot of * button for metering when i am spot metering so that is it locked in as i recompose. i have done a little of the focus with AF-ON, but not as much as the metering lock

ok, so I've been trying and I got it in AI Focus but doesnt seem to lock in AI Servo ... any ideas? (canon 40d)

AI servo will never "lock" focus, the whole point is to be able to adjust the focal point on a moving subject. Good for tracking and panning ect. My camera never leaves AI Servo.

ok, I'll keep practicing until I get used to it ... thanks!

Originally Posted by subimatt

AI servo will never "lock" focus, the whole point is to be able to adjust the focal point on a moving subject. Good for tracking and panning ect. My camera never leaves AI Servo.

Especially when your little one becomes mobile.

i have officially inspired by your shots sir! (as stated in your other thread)