How to shoot a self-family portrait?

[aridan]

Hi all,

With the arrival of our first baby girl, my wife and I would like to take a self portrait picture of the three of us. I will be shooting with a 40D+50 f1.4+580EX II.

My question is with regards to area of focus:

If looking through the viewfinder, my wife will be located just right off-center, holding our baby girl, and I will be at the left off-center. How would/should I aim the focus and/or utilize the focus zones? I was thinking of selecting all the zones together (lit up in red), lock the exposure/focus while turning AI Servo on so the focus automatically adjusts once I run in and fill the space next to my wife (don't have wireless remote :( ). Would this technique be correct?

- I will be most likely using M mode.

TIA :)

[PhotosGuy]

I'd select one focus point on her eyes, focus, set the lens on MF, & shoot a little wide so you can crop after. Shoot lots! "Film" is cheap!

[TTSkipper]

The Canon wireless remotes make multiple photos much easier and can be had for about $30. It made my family group photos at Christmas much easier. Not exactly what you were asking but I think that PhotosGuy covered that well.

[aridan]

I'd select one focus point on her eyes, focus, set the lens on MF, & shoot a little wide so you can crop after. Shoot lots! "Film" is cheap!

Thanks,

So what you're essentially suggesting is focus automatically, then switch to manual mode to keep the focus "locked"?

[PhotosGuy]

then switch to manual mode to keep the focus "locked"? Yes. Depends on how steady your wife can be. ;)

[aridan]

Yes. Depends on how steady your wife can be. ;)

I'LL MAKE SURE SHE DOESN'T MOVE :mad:


LOL

Thanks for the tip, I'll give it a shot tomorrow. :)

[lungdoc]

I believe if you've separated focus from shutter button (CF 4-1 on older Canon's, there's an equivalent for 40D) you don't need to bother switching lens to manual as it won't refocus with self timer activation. I'd just compose the scene, focus where I want to and recompose if necesary, take a test shot or two without me in it yet and then do self timer for the real shot. Bracket (or flash exposure bracket).

[kuanyu]

Shoot a bit wide to give room for cropping and use a f-stop that will give a bit more DOF than normal.

[aridan]

Shoot a bit wide to give room for cropping and use a f-stop that will give a bit more DOF than normal.

Doesn't the "classic" portrait constitutes shallow DOF?

[lungdoc]

Doesn't the "classic" portrait constitutes shallow DOF?
Yes but can easily go too shallow with a three person group - there needs to be some depth to keep everyone in focus. Classic portraits are usually one person. Ideally being a bit away from the background can allow some defocusing of the background if desirable.

[aridan]

Yes but can easily go too shallow with a three person group - there needs to be some depth to keep everyone in focus. Classic portraits are usually one person. Ideally being a bit away from the background can allow some defocusing of the background if desirable.

Cool, Thanks.

I'll give it a shot. If it's worth showing, I'll come back with a post. :)

[SunTsu]

Hey Aridan. I'd love to see the results if you're comfortable sharing.

[hawk911]

I second the focus on your wife as a stating point. she'll be static, and then you can slide in. I don't have the remote yet, so I can't comment on that option. (it's on the boat from China, hopefully)

[aridan]

Hey Aridan. I'd love to see the results if you're comfortable sharing.

I wasn't able to get the right set look I was hoping for, so I had to call it off. I think I'll give it a second shot this weekend. We may have to use a plain living room look as a last resort. :)

[mabas9395]

Always make sure the wife is in focus. If she doesn't look good, that shot ain't going up on the wall.