Graduation pics. How to keep Dad's thumb out of the frame?

[LauraBella]

Okay, so it's not THAT bad.

I graduate in a week (yay, me!). So, I'll be handing over my camera to Papa Bear during the ceremony.

So, any hints to improve his "work?"

Thanks,
Laura

[jra]

Just put him in green box or P mode and show him how to focus and push the shutter button (this assumes that he really doesn't know much about photography). Congrats on graduating BTW....

[PhotosGuy]

Congrats! Duct tape his thumb & the dials so he can't change them.

[ZedR2]

Big Lens Hood

[number six]

Originally Posted by LauraBella

I graduate in a week (yay, me!).

Yay, Laura! Congrats!

P mode works well. Select single center focus point and tell him to put that on the face, then zoom or step back to get the whole person. You can always crop later.

Anything more than that tends to confuse the non-photographer.

-js

[DStanic]

If it is indoors, set everything up beforehand in manual and tell him not to change anything.

[Travis Forsyth]

Like it has been mentioned above, P or full auto and a quick demonstration on how to handle the goods.

I ended up in a wedding party and had my mom take photos with my camera w/ the 460exii on it and she managed to do just fine with it after I explained there was no zoom buttons.

[LauraBella]

Thanks, everyone! Both for the ideas and the well wishes.

Yes, it's inside. I am hoping to get my paws on an extra ticket, which would go to a camera friendly friend. I do like the idea of setting his exposure myself and telling him not to move anything. Good plans.

Loved some of your responses (duct tape, etc.).

[spkerer]

Originally Posted by jra

Just put him in green box or P mode and show him how to focus and push the shutter button (this assumes that he really doesn't know much about photography). Congrats on graduating BTW....

Depending upon the camera model, I'd suggest P over green box. If green box only does jpg, use P and RAW so you can maximize any adjustments needed. Might also be worth considering setting it to Av mode and pre-setting the aperture to what you want.

[LauraBella]

Originally Posted by spkerer

Depending upon the camera model, I'd suggest P over green box. If green box only does jpg, use P and RAW so you can maximize any adjustments needed. Might also be worth considering setting it to Av mode and pre-setting the aperture to what you want.

I planning to sick him in P or M (depending on whether or not I can preset the exposure). I don't want his neighbors hating on him bc the flash accidentally pops up, so I think green box is out. Plus I can narrow him down to one focus point with P.

It's a rebel xsi. I guess I'll put on my 28-75 lens.