Any tips/tricks/suggestions Please!

[jaclyn]

Hi! I'm new to this forum, and I apologize for my first post being one asking for help, but I need it! I have a Canon Rebel XTI, standard 18-55mm lens, 75-300mm lens, and a Speedlite 430ex. I have ALWAYS shot my pics in Auto, I haven't had much experience in the creative modes, nor any luck when I have tried. I have a few larger prints in my home, of my kids, that I photshopped a little. Well, my husbands friend came over the other day, and commented on how much he liked the photos. They werent anything spectacular. Just some candid photos (B+W) He was actually surprised, that I had taken them, haha. Well, tonight he called my house, and wants me to shoot some pics of him and his daugter, for his wife for mothers day! Yikes! I would really appreciate any tips or suggestions on how to get some nice shots. I have always loved the pictures where the background is really blurred, but I cant seem to get that affect with my photos. I have tried portrait mode, but it doesnt give that really blurred affect. I thought I should mention here, that I will be shooting these photos on the beach, or pier, somewhere with water in the background. Thanks so much for listening!
Also, any tips on how they should be posed? Father is in his 40's, daughter is about 13.

[jenbengen]

Originally Posted by jaclyn

Hi! I'm new to this forum, and I apologize for my first post being one asking for help, but I need it! I have a Canon Rebel XTI, standard 18-55mm lens, 75-300mm lens, and a Speedlite 430ex. I have ALWAYS shot my pics in Auto, I haven't had much experience in the creative modes, nor any luck when I have tried. I have a few larger prints in my home, of my kids, that I photshopped a little. Well, my husbands friend came over the other day, and commented on how much he liked the photos. They werent anything spectacular. Just some candid photos (B+W) He was actually surprised, that I had taken them, haha. Well, tonight he called my house, and wants me to shoot some pics of him and his daugter, for his wife for mothers day! Yikes! I would really appreciate any tips or suggestions on how to get some nice shots. I have always loved the pictures where the background is really blurred, but I cant seem to get that affect with my photos. I have tried portrait mode, but it doesnt give that really blurred affect. I thought I should mention here, that I will be shooting these photos on the beach, or pier, somewhere with water in the background. Thanks so much for listening!

I have a very similar canon as you do. Unless you have plenty of time to figure out that thing (I gave up!), I'd stick with what he already thinks you do well...in the auto mode. Otherwise, you'll overtry like I did once and end up with a bunch of so-so pics that you won't like.

[hvp05 (Premo)]

Originally Posted by jaclyn

I have always loved the pictures where the background is really blurred, but I cant seem to get that affect with my photos. I have tried portrait mode, but it doesnt give that really blurred affect.

That affect is caused by the depth of field (or DoF) - or the amount of stuff in focus. This is determined in your camera by the aperture. In Portrait mode, the camera automatically goes to the widest possible aperture to blur the background as much as possible; in Av (aperture priority) mode you can force a certain aperture and the camera will determine the proper shutter speed.

To change your aperture you can go into Av and move your Main Dial. One of the numbers on your LCD should go 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.6, 6.3, 7.1... To see the difference, go to extremes; shoot one subject at 4.0 then shoot it again at 16.

DoF is also determined by your distance to the subject (the greatest differences noticed when you are closer than 10 feet) and how much you are zoomed in (greater zoom = narrower DoF = more blur).

I would try being 12 - 15 ft. away but shooting with your long lens zoomed in (>200mm). Past probably your mid-zoom point, your long lens stops down its maximum aperture to 5.6, so you will be limited by that.

I thought I should mention here, that I will be shooting these photos on the beach, or pier, somewhere with water in the background.

If everything is blurred it won't much matter where you shoot, but... if you will be shooting around water, go out on a partly to mostly-cloudy day. That will reduce shadows on your subject and reduce contrast so the water and sky do not turn into a patch of white behind them.

Also, any tips on how they should be posed?

Yes... read this. It mentions everything I just said, plus more.


Good luck... and welcome.

[Joe'smom]

Check out the Canon Users BB http://http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php?

They have threads on there not only for your specific camera but for portraits and any other topic you can possibly want. The people are nice, some are professionals and they are EVERYWHERE--Australia, Japan, UK.
I have gotten soooo much from reading stuff and posting on there for advice myself. Good luck on your shoot!
Beth