How to do birthday cake with candle shot

[gte357s]

Hi,

My son's birthday is coming up, and I want to capture the moment just before he blew off the candle, can someone teach me how to properly expose such that I can capture the mood? Since he is moving, I think I need a fast shutter speed, and I can use the flash. Should I use Tv or M mode? Should I use a big or small aperture? And should I bounce the flash, or directly on him with a diffuser?

thanks.

[suecassidy]

Flash will kill the "mood", but get the job done in other respects....

[Sam]

It depends on the mood you are trying to capture. Is it a well lit fun happy freeze the motion type of moment for you or is it an intimate look at a wish being made after a year of building up to it?

I usually expose for available light and try to take the picture just as the breath is hitting the flame. I usually miss the flame. I think movement is ok in these types of shots too, it adds to the feel for me.

[gte357s]

I am more thinking a very dim light environment, with some candles lighting on the face. So, it will not be a well lit environment. Something like the one here:

http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=3090

[Sam]

You have the settings right there in the description for you. Break out some candles and do some practicing. I don't think there was any additional light for that shot.

[JeffreyG]

Here are two shots of the same scene.

First is ISO800, f/5.6, 1/100 and bounced flash.

Second is ISO3200, f/4 and 1/100 ambient. I didn't plan to take this shot and I would have mounted a faster lens if I had.

[jasonstiller]

Don't use a flash if possible that's for sure, I've gotten great shots of all 3 of my kids doing it this way. Also, set the capture on continuous so you can get a mid calndle blowout shot (or you can use perfect timing ha ha)

[gte357s]

Here are two shots of the same scene.

First is ISO800, f/5.6, 1/100 and bounced flash.

Second is ISO3200, f/4 and 1/100 ambient. I didn't plan to take this shot and I would have mounted a faster lens if I had.

Thanks, the 2nd one is what I want. The one in Canon site is nice, but it is more like a pose up shot, I don't usually get that in a real life. Yours is more real life. And I can see there is alot of candles too .. so, I may need to put some more candles. It seems I really need to bump up the ISO and a fast lens.

But actually, I am thinking if it is possible to use flash in a way such that I don't need to bump up the ISO. For example, use a small aperture like F 11, a fast shutter speed, then the background will be dark, and then use the flash with a high -ve compensation (like -2) on the subject with a big diffuser ... I think the best way is to pull out some candle and try it out.

[Sam]

It sounds like you are over thinking it to me, It's just a low light shot.

EXIF Summary: 1/60s f/2.2 ISO200 35mm
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y291/tborquez/April%202006/040206cake01.jpg

Not the prettiest shot, but it shows the light and how to capture it. Your 5d should be able to handle higher ISO no problem. I have a shot pretty close to the one on the Canon site, I'll try to find it and post if you want. If you get in position and wait for it the pose is easy, my kids tend to lean into the candles so they are well lit and close.

How old is your son? Don't forget to enjoy the party :)