Blinking . . . AARRGGGHHHH!!!!

[markubig]

I seem to get a lot of shots with people caught in mid-blink. Do any of you have methods or tips to cut down on catching the blinking? Just frustrated because I have some great group pictures ruined with one of the people blinking . . . and I even try to take two of each shot but someone always manages to blink as I press the shutter . . . just frustrated.

[RAitch]

I'd recommend telling everybody to blink on "2" which would help keep their eyes open for "3"... but you might also find that they'll tend not to smile... so focussed on trying to blink on "2".

If you're not using flash, set to burst and blast off 2 shots in a row. If anything, maybe you can fix with photoshopping a blinker out with the second shot.

[jj1987]

Use off camera flash, and using a shutter release cord really helps.

I find most people bling as you press the button anticipating flash. The cord gets around that.

[PhotosGuy]

I find most people bling as you press the button anticipating flash. The cord gets around that. I've noticed some people that do that & shield my shutter finger with the other hand. It works!

[PacAce]

I have a feeling that a lot of the blinkers are caused to the preflash. If you are shooting a group in a fixed location, you might want to try shooting with the flash in manual mode since it shouldn't be all that hard to figure out their distance from the flash and set the flash and/or camera accordingly. I bet you won't find a single blinker then. :)

[PhotosGuy]

I bet you won't find a single blinker then. Vivitar 283 = no pre-flash. I saw them looking at my finger. ;)

Now... just how much was that bet? :D

[RAitch]

You need to deek... or fake a shot then take one right after.

[Chazs]

Speaking of blinking, I was tweeking some photos the other day to get the best of all in a group, and stumbled into this. What is the preacher-guy doing??? :)

Make the best of a blink.

http://home.wavecable.com/~stevensc/photos/ooh-haa.gif

[RAitch]

LMAO

[tim]

Hit * to fire the preflash, then fire the flash for real. You just have to warn people that the photo's only taken on the 2nd flash. Some people are just sensitive to the preflash. Manual flash is another option, it just takes a bit more work.

[Tee Why]

don't use preflash, people also involuntarily blink every few seconds or so to keep our eyes moist. If you really want a group of people to not blink, you'll have to have them make a voluntary effort not to blink. You can also take several shots to see which one has a shot without a blink.

[guitarman3]

And you can also copy a non-blinking eye, face, head, from one shot and possibly place it in one of the better shots. I've replaced many a head in group shots to get the best smile and expressions on everybody.

[TheSteveMadden]

I've replaced many a head in group shots to get the best smile and expressions on everybody.

Like this? :confused:

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h89/TheSteveMadden/EOS_02637_ps.jpg

[codex0]

All good advice^

But just in case you have a rabid blinker, let people know that if they see red that they're looking through their eyelid and to let you now so you can take another picture ;). My uncle trained me well - I automatically say "take another" whenever I blink :p.

[tim]

don't use preflash, people also involuntarily blink every few seconds or so to keep our eyes moist. If you really want a group of people to not blink, you'll have to have them make a voluntary effort not to blink. You can also take several shots to see which one has a shot without a blink.

Preflash is part of the ETTL system, you can't turn it off without using your flash in manual mode.

[markubig]

ROFLMAO... That's funny, Steve:lol::lol: