Focus method for down the isle shots

[Chris71]

What is the best focus mode for photos of the couples coming up the isle?
I have tried both, with mixed results. Sometimes the couple may be moving a little too fast for one shot mode. I try to focus on the eyes then recompose, but by the time I recompose, they have advanced toward me enough to throw it off. Other times I have tried AI servo, but in portrait orientation, the top center focus point is between the couples heads. I have to use one of the points to the right or left of center, and focus on their chest. Using such a wide aperture, sometimes doesn't get their face in focus.

So what do you use?

[PaulGallagher]

I have had bad results with the AI servo mode as well and got best results from pre-foucusing on the edge of a seat at about f8 and and snap on contiuous mode just before and past the focus point.
If its still soft and none of them is any good de-saturate with a soft focus filter and a vingette, the couple know its them and never mention it looking soft, its just ourselves in the business know its not 100%

[Gatorboy]

Chris, you've got the right idea for sure. AI-Servo is a given -- it's the only way to go with movement. You've got to select the focus point which you can track without having to recompose. Shoot center and focus on the waists, or select one of the other points and overlay over one of the couple's face, or chest, etc.

The other thing that you probably want to do is use the back button * for focus instead of the shutter button. This way you can lock the focus if you wish by letting off your thumb.

Practice makes perfect.

[gravy graffix]

i use ai servo mode...the trick is to make sure your focus point isnt on a black tux and thats when using the thumb stick can save ya.

[Chris71]

Thanks for the tips guys! Do you use one selected focus point, or set it to auto select and use all of them?

[gravy graffix]

pick one...then you know.

[Calicajun]

Chris, you've got the right idea for sure. AI-Servo is a given -- it's the only way to go with movement. You've got to select the focus point which you can track without having to recompose. Shoot center and focus on the waists, or select one of the other points and overlay over one of the couple's face, or chest, etc.

The other thing that you probably want to do is use the back button * for focus instead of the shutter button. This way you can lock the focus if you wish by letting off your thumb.

Practice makes perfect.
Thanks for for the tips. The last wedding I shot was before the release of auto focus (no old jokes) and digital cameras.

[PipesInTune]

I pre-focus on a specific point (church pew) and shoot when they get there.
If you're stopped down to about f5.6, you also have some leeway to shoot a bit ahead or behind of the pre-focused area.
By using back-button focusing, you can get every couple that way.
Same goes for entering the reception shots.
I've been shooting weddings for over 22 years and that's the easiest way there is.

[ironchef31]

How about change your custom function to focus with the thumb button (*) and use AI servo mode. Keep focus on the brides face and leave enough room to crop.
When you focus with your thumb, the camera constantly keeps focus.