small groups pics

[ccc_javier]

quick help...

having a XSi with 50mm1.8 no external flash, what would be the best setups to obtain a full frame pictures of three people all in focus?

and

if talking the same pic with remote control?

regards

[ccc_javier]

i forgot, indoors

=]

[mackidbrendan]

get as far back as you can and manual focus

[tonylong]

Without an external flash (that can be bounced) you will need to learn how to get the best results with your flash in the lighting you will have (if you do need to use the flash). You also will need to deal with the likelihood of redeye -- if your camera has redeye reduction via a double flash, turn it on.

Your settings will depend on the ambient light, whether you are using the flash, and how much ambient light you want to let in, and whether you will be using a tripod or other support.

Try a few test shots at different settings -- you could take a shot in Auto to see what the camera chooses, but it will rely on the flash for the lighting and the background will tend to be dark. From there, you need to get "Creative" -- try setting it in Manual, an aperture of say f/5.6 (get the people in focus but keep a bit of a soft background) and a shutter speed of maybe 1/100" and adjust your ISO until your meter shows a "good" exposure for the ambient light (an ISO of 800 is not an unreasonable setting for this). Then pop up the flash and take a shot. If the foreground is too bright, use flash compensation, set it to a minus setting, and try it again. The flash should help to freeze motion, and the other settings will bring in ambient light. Each of these settings can be tweaked according to your lighting, the test results, and your personal taste.

It's not that complicated once you wrap your mind around the basic concepts...

[tonylong]

Oh, and for using the remote, set the camera on self-timer and drop the cable as soon as you fire it off, then get in the picture:)!

[ccc_javier]

cool
thanks!