Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes in center of PIC

[johnstoy]

I need some pointers on positioning the spot meter to evaluate the focus and the lighting for appropriate exposure. The scene is under stage light with spotlights from above rear, and front. Usually, the light meter reads between 1.4 and 2.8. The shutter speed offered is usually 1/15th to 1/60th.

The specs for this pic are:EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, no flash, shutter speed 1/125, AV 2.2, Evaluative Metering, zero Exposure Compensation, ISO Speed = 400, Auto focus. Auto focus point is on center of Johnny's shirt, only.:oops: 105984

[johnstoy]

This center portion of the above picture proved more intersting. The two guitar necks prompted me to trim it here. However the focus spot is right at the center of the lower part of his shirt. It looks more in focus than the face.
For future reference, Please suggest what type of metering to use and where to point it for best shutter speed and best exposure.
Anyone want to take a crack at it?

Both PICS are posted as a set from Penn's Peak, 8/19/06 at;
http://www.southsidejohnny.com/[http://www.southsidejohnny.com/[/URL]
John
105887

[jblksmith1]

Where's the pics of Bobby???

[taygull]

Really, pretty simple.

You'v got to bump your ISO to get a fast enough shutter speed to accomadate camera shake.

With respect to where to focus I always select the closest eye. I use the method of being able to lock my focus point without the shutter button. CF 4 in the 20D set to 1. If I am a long way away then I will use the entire head. I also use the selection in metering that will give me only the face and recompose.

With respect to the crop and the image it does not work for me.

[johnstoy]

Great advice...the eyes have it...This crop represents 20% of the actual pic. Apparently, I can only post one PIC of the same regardless of sizing. I agree regarding not resizing portions of the photo. I have zoom lenses. The venue won't let me use them. usually I only crop the outside edge or two, only when absolutely necessary....No problem... thanks, John

[johnstoy]

jblksmith1
Very observent...Bobby is actually at the front of this resized PIC.
Follow the link to http://www.southsidejohnny.com/ and Bobby is the second photo of the 15 from Penn's Peak. Also check the above foto as is and the full size # 7 and #9
I'll post Bobby for you, full size in a few....John

[johnstoy]

Bobby Bandiera of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes,
Canon 30D, 50mm 1.4 USM, Tv 1/40, Av 1.4, Spot Metering, ISO 100, no flash
105944
I'm just getting used to the camera, these PICS happened very quickly, in and out of the Pit and back to mine seat.

John

[taygull]

Great advice...the eyes have it...This crop represents 20% of the actual pic. Apparently, I can only post one PIC of the same regardless of sizing. I agree regarding not resizing portions of the photo. I have zoom lenses. The venue won't let me use them. usually I only crop the outside edge or two, only when absolutely necessary....No problem... thanks, John

With respect to the crop more what I meant was with the guitars in front of this guy the composition just does not work for me.

If you have a large enough file there is no problem only keeping 20% of the shot. I've done it many times.

I've posted in the same thread many variations of a single shot..not sure what you mean by that though.

[johnstoy]

The attachment above in the first posting doesn't launch anymore, (I notified webmaster).
I Hear You Taygull, I'm sitting on hundreds and hundreds of show photos and have not worked any of them to speak of. I'll really consider strongly what you say. It certainly makes sense to me.
I've yet to look closely at all of mine photos. I do believe there will be obvious portions that will stand out because of better quality (focus, contrast, colors, etc.) I haven't had time to do more than trim outer edges of photos for submission to a photo album at a local radio station. They in turn post full size and rarely trim themselves. Now mine intentions will be to study each photo closer and pick out what is best.
John

[johnstoy]

Reposted first image with a new attachment #. first attempt only lasted one viewing, none of you saw it before.

Mine Equip. (all Canon): 30D Bod., 50mm 1.4 USM, 50mm 1.8, 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 not USM kit stock, 28-135mm 3.5-5.6 IS USM Wide Angle Telezoom, 75-300mm 4.0-5.6 Telezoom, RS-80N3, several tripods, mono pod, no flash yet, dozens of filters/close up lenses.

John