Band photos

[letthemusicflow]

I'm thinking of shooting my band a bit pretty soon because we need some pictures to put up on our website.
I'm going to try for a bit of a wide-angle shot (I'll zoom all the way out with my 18-55mm). I want it to be really sharp and clear. It will be outside, probably on a sunny day, so lighting isn't a problem.
I need to know, what setting should I use? Should I use the auto-dof mode, since it's sort of a 'group photo'?
thanks

[sspellman]

Your question indicates limited photography experience. Its similar to asking what gear you should use to drive your Corvette to LA. If high quality results are important to you, I would recomend finding a more skilled photographer to work with your band. Besides more technical knowledge, they may bring good creative ideas, additional equipment, and an overall vision to get great pictures.

[nicksan]

Yes, you would want to stop the lens down for a group shot, especially if the group will not be lined up side by side. You want a bigger Depth of Field to get everybody in focus. I would say f8-f11 might do the trick...but it also depends on distance to the subjects.

Not sure how well Auto-DOF mode works...but I am assuming it will set the aperture by figuring out the DOF based on closest and furthest object, so theoretically this should work.

Outside, in good sunlight, you should be fine with the 18-55 lens. Just make sure your shutter speeds are up to speed when stopping down that much.

Good luck!

I'm thinking of shooting my band a bit pretty soon because we need some pictures to put up on our website.
I'm going to try for a bit of a wide-angle shot (I'll zoom all the way out with my 18-55mm). I want it to be really sharp and clear. It will be outside, probably on a sunny day, so lighting isn't a problem.
I need to know, what setting should I use? Should I use the auto-dof mode, since it's sort of a 'group photo'?
thanks

[Madgwick]

I never was to fond of that lens at full wide or full zoom, the edges always seemed soft, I would put it about 25-35mm and set the camera farther back, also like ^^^ said f/8-f/11 should be fine I've never used the auto-DOF mode to know how it works but you can achieve what you want without it for sure.

[letthemusicflow]

thanks

[René Damkot]

I would say f8-f11 might do the trick...but it also depends on distance to the subjects.
And on how they are positioned... If they are on the same plane, f/2.8 will be enough...

Not sure how well Auto-DOF mode works...
It sucks basically, but in this case, it just might work: Link (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/dep.shtml#adep)

Outside, in good sunlight, you should be fine with the 18-55 lens.
Agree.