Camera Settings for Movement Shots with Flash

I have a 30D and a 580EX flash. My biggest challenge is getting shots of people walking towards me. I want to be able to fire off a few quick shots with or without the flash so I have multiples to choose from. Often they are out of focus and/or the flash does not fire. My problem is I am struggling with what camera and flash settings to use. Any suggestions?

One method is to focus your camera at a set point and shoot each person walking towards you the moment they cross your focusing point. This will only give you one shot but it should definately be in focus. Another option is to use AI Servo mode and just follow them with your autofocus button depressed. It will allow you to get more shots but focus may or may not be right in my experience. Personally, I've tried both ways and I usually prefer to use AI focus.

Can I refer you all the way back to this thread
here
And my comprehensive reply at the end of it.

jerrybsmith wrote in post #2154784
Any suggestions?

Yeah, don't attempt to shoot a wedding if you can't do the basics. That sounds harsh, but i'm not kidding. Weddings are important, and if you don't know how to control your camera you have no business trying to take wedding photos.

tim wrote in post #2155194
Yeah, don't attempt to shoot a wedding if you can't do the basics. That sounds harsh, but i'm not kidding. Weddings are important, and if you don't know how to control your camera you have no business trying to take wedding photos.

*sound of cracking whip*

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jra wrote in post #2154946
One method is to focus your camera at a set point and shoot each person walking towards you the moment they cross your focusing point.

I find this to be a very poor method due to the fact that your taking a chance that the expression on the individual will align perfecty when they hit your focus spot. I have always used one shot, and never had a problem. I would use AI Servo before resorting to pre-selecting a focus point. But would always prefer "one shot" focusing with a 30D.

Thanks to all but Tim. Your bio is dead on.

I just shot a party last night and had to reset my flash a few times, the kids were running around like crazy. The 580 is a great flash, but it can't do all the work, especially if you use the P or auto modes. There are several stickies here already and Curtis is the genius around here with flash. Read his threads.

And I think getting paid for work is hard. I shoot events for free most of the time so I don't feel like I'm robbing anyone. The criticism Tim gave you is actually a valid one. Get to know your equipment first, really use it and work with exposure in all situations you will be confronting. In this competitive industry, good photographers are not so easy to find. So many people buy good gear and think it's easy. Stay with the forum and you'll see what I mean. Welcome and post something. That way we can all be more helpful.

Alll I'm asking for is opinions from Canon 30D users with the 580EX flash how they shoot multiples of moving subjects. Not asking for a lecture about not knowing how to use my equipment. What are these forums for anyway if you can't ask experienced people questions about their technique? Tim's response had nothing to do with the question and was out of line.

Remember you're in the wedding photographers forum, it's assumed that anything you post in here relates to wedding photography. Wedding photography is a profession and an art, if you don't have the skills you shouldn't claim to be a wedding photographer. If you had provided more context you may have gotten a more useful answer.

Prefocusing works ok. So does using an aperture like F8 and using the flash, though the metering's usually off because objects in the foreground confuse ETTL. Another method is to use AI servo. None of these are wedding photography specific techniques.

Part of the problem with shooting weddings with flash is simply that both YOU and the CAMERA are ready for a shot, but the flash is NOT! 6 sec. recycle time if the full power is discharge by a shot, and you have to wait or be seriously underexposed.

One solution to the recycle time for the flash is the use of an external battery pack, but even then it might take 1-2 sec after a full power discharge to recycle, so you simply cannot use the machine gun shutter hold down when using flash. Even if the flash could keep up with a fast shooting rate, you can drive a flash unit into thermal overload and damage the flash by too many successive full power discharges in a row.

*Bill wrote in post #2155229
I find this to be a very poor method due to the fact that your taking a chance that the expression on the individual will align perfecty when they hit your focus spot. I have always used one shot, and never had a problem. I would use AI Servo before resorting to pre-selecting a focus point. But would always prefer "one shot" focusing with a 30D.

That's my main reason for not liking the pre-focus method. If the expression isn't right or they are looking away, the shot can be ruined. I usually us AI focus and take two shots, one when they first enter the aisle and a second after they have taken a few steps down the aisle. When it comes to the bride, I usually take several more of her as she walks down the aisle. That's the one I absolutely want to get right

Well Jerry, I don't have a 30D, but I use a 5D with the 580 and have been in similar situations in dark churches with the party coming down the aisle during the processional. I believe this is what you may be referring to.

I come from medium format where I used the camera settings on manual with the flash on auto, but there are similarities with digital. What I've done that works out pretty well is to set the Canon on manual, usually f/8 for a modest depth of field to allow for chancy autofocus targetting, 1/30 or 1/40 thereabouts for shutter speed, and the 580 set for auot ETTL. I haven't tried this with AI servo yet, just the one shot (I've only had the 5D since March). But I've been very pleased with the results.

BTW, I'm usually using ISO 800 if it's a pretty dim church. Now here's the caveat: If things are TOO dim, and the camera can't see enough contrast on the target/bridesmaids to happily autofocus, etc. the prefocus LEDs of the 580 will be working overtime painting the subject, trying to target them. You will have to press the shutter a couple of times perhaps, until the camera is happy that it can see what's coming down the aisle.

This is aggravating, but if you leave yourself enough room as you walk backgrounds, you can get some very, very nice shots. Just don't panic and run from the church screaming - it upsets the bridal party, plus they may not let you near the bar later on (just kidding of course). You just have to work at it.... and practice..... and practice..... - Stu

...oh, and don't mind Tim - he's already had his Rabies shots and usually doesn't break the skin when he bites . He know's a lotta' stuff too - taught me plenty about digital. You just have to get used to his sense 'o humor.

But he is right that this is serious stuff when they come marchin' down the aisle, probably some of the most high presssure shots of the day. Good luck though Jerry and keep posting those questions - we'll try to help out.