Arsenic and old lace...

[LowriderS10]

A local theatre group was putting on a production, so I went out to do a preview on it for one of our publications. As usual, I like setting up interviews for before/during/after rehearsals so I'd get a feel for the atmosphere/play, etc

Anyways...here are a couple of shots (can't remember which one we ran). (for those who don't know, the play is about these two old sisters who run a boarding house where men keep dying...they're all poisoned with wine, I think)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v358/LowriderS10/Work/IMG_5701.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v358/LowriderS10/Work/IMG_5696.jpg

C&C is always welcome :)
cheers,
-Tamas

[René Damkot]

I think I'd have preferred non flash shots, with better lighting.
Not much you could do there maybe.
Both look a bit soft.

Some potential, but more to be made of it IMO.

[LowriderS10]

thanks for the comment...looking back at it, the softness is likely caused by one of two things: I was using the kit lens, I was shooting moving ppl at 1/50...for some reason I also shot it at f5.0 (I think I was trying to make sure that the ppl are sharp and so is SOME of the stuff on the table)...I think now I'd shoot it at a much faster shutter speed with 2.8 aperture...that would most likely solve the softness

I normally HATE flashes and try to use available light...but what's wrong with the flash on this picture? I don't think it's overbearing and I think it comes out more or less nautural looking (as natural as a theatre setting can get lol). I don't think it's distracting, but if you do, let me know...thanks again :)

[René Damkot]

but what's wrong with the flash on this picture?

Direction it's coming from (on camera) ;)

[LowriderS10]

haha good point...is it really that distracting?
I just picked up a flash and I'm in the process of choosing a transmitter (I'm thinking PT-04) :) I tell ya...I'll finally have all the equipment I've been dreaming of :D

[TonyField]

The shots are OK. Maybe a lower camera angle would help.

Use of flash needs a lot of work. It is usually better to shoot available light and use high ISO. Shots at 3200 from the 30D are excellent and useful results can be gained at 6400 when needed. There is no need to limit yourself to 1600.

[LowriderS10]

Thanks for the comment:) you're right about the lower angle i did try that but due to their skin, chins etc it was very unflattering. What do you mean 6400? I thought 30ds only go to 32. And ya since them i've been using 32 more liberally:)

[TonyField]

...What do you mean 6400? I thought 30ds only go to 32. And ya since them i've been using 32 more liberally:)

If you use av or tv, You can shoot at ISO 6400 if you set the camera to 1 stop under-exposure. For manual exposure, simply underexpose by one stop. The images from the 5D are still useful, however are noisy.

[LowriderS10]

5D? I'm lost...and yeah, I always shoot on full manual

[charger912]

Ha! I remember reading that book back in Speech in high school. I love the expression on the subjects faces; it really fits the storyline. However, I don't really care for the two different types of lighting. You may want to try to gel your flash next time to match the other lighting.

[LowriderS10]

thanks :) they were pretty fun to shoot/interview...I'm just getting my feet wet with lighting, so thanks for all the comments...didn't even think of gelling. Would that have cut down on the harshness of the flash and matched it a little better with the softer stage lighting?

[René Damkot]

Would that have cut down on the harshness of the flash
No
matched it a little better with the softer stage lighting?
Yes (colour wise)

[elader]

Dude you need a faster lens. Buy an 85mm, f/1.8 - looking at your exif, you are starved for light.

[René Damkot]

Buy an 85mm, f/1.8 - looking at your exif, you are starved for light.

Whahahaha. Looking at the exif, I also see "FocalLength = 18", maybe you missed that bit? :rolleyes:

[LowriderS10]

I have bought a faster lens since then ;) Tamron 17-50 f2.8 :)

What's wrong with the focal length being at 18?

[René Damkot]

What's wrong with the focal length being at 18?
Not that much. Maybe a bit wide for my taste.
I mentioned it because recommending a 85mm seemed a bit odd then ;)

[LowriderS10]

haha gotcha! I love working with wide (partially because I love being up-close and personal with my subjects)...it's funny when I go back to the office after a shoot and we look at the photos with the exif, 95% of them are at 17 (or 18 when I had the kit) lol...I'm thinking a fast 10-20/10-22/whatever may be in my near future ;)