sandpiper wrote in post #16829204
Okay, first off do not use AI FOCUS. It is an auto setting that tries to decide which mode the camera should be in. The model is walking, so you know that you need AI servo to track the movement. Set it yourself rather than using AI focus and hoping the camera picks servo and not one-shot.
You may need faster shutter speeds than 1/250th to stop the motion of the mdoel altogether (and you say "not faster than" which to me suggests "often slower than" 1/250th). You may need to raise the ISO a bit and use a faster shutter speed to freeze the model completely. Alternatively you could use the flash as the primary light source and that will stop the motion blur due to the short duration of the flash (as with your studio shots). The third option is to buy a faster lens, such as an f/1.8 prime. You lose some versatility with the focal length, but gain over two stops of aperture so your shutter speeds can be faster and your ISO can maybe come down a bit too.
It may also be your panning technique. It doesn't need to be great technique at 1/250th, but the more accurately you can follow the models movements the less camera movement will be visible. A good solid stance, elbows tucked in, swivelling at the hips and controlled breathing as you gently squeeze the shutter release can all help reduce softness and blur due to movement of the camera.
Okay, first off do not use AI FOCUS. It is an auto setting that tries to decide which mode the camera should be in. The model is walking, so you know that you need AI servo to track the movement. Set it yourself rather than using AI focus and hoping the camera picks servo and not one-shot.
You may need faster shutter speeds than 1/250th to stop the motion of the mdoel altogether (and you say "not faster than" which to me suggests "often slower than" 1/250th). You may need to raise the ISO a bit and use a faster shutter speed to freeze the model completely. Alternatively you could use the flash as the primary light source and that will stop the motion blur due to the short duration of the flash (as with your studio shots). The third option is to buy a faster lens, such as an f/1.8 prime. You lose some versatility with the focal length, but gain over two stops of aperture so your shutter speeds can be faster and your ISO can maybe come down a bit too.
It may also be your panning technique. It doesn't need to be great technique at 1/250th, but the more accurately you can follow the models movements the less camera movement will be visible. A good solid stance, elbows tucked in, swivelling at the hips and controlled breathing as you gently squeeze the shutter release can all help reduce softness and blur due to movement of the camera.
Thanks, I will apply your advices tonight. I was tasked to shoot Ms teen Philippines (regional elimination round only) this evening. Third option is not possible for application for tonight's event but I will include that on my buy list in the future.
