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Friday, January 7, 2011

Getting a workout

So I realize this is going to sound really dumb. Dumb that I didn't think about this before buying my new lens (50mm 1.8/f), not that it would have stopped me. . .I was so used to a lens with adjustable zoom that I never thought about where I was (distance) from my subject (usually Jack). Often times I like to shoot from his level- meaning I'm on the floor. But with my new lens I have to adjust MYSELF, not the zoom on my lens, so I feel like I'm constantly geting up and down, moving around trying to frame the picture. Again, I feel silly asking this but do any of you have tips for using a lens like this? Especially with an on-the-move toddler? Ok, thanks :)


I actually took note of my settings today. We had some beautiful morning light, this picture was taken about 9am. I used the lens mentioned above, my exposure was 1/40, ISO 800. Editing I used Pioneer Woman's Define and Sharpen (I'm a little too dependent on her actions, but love them!) and edited out Jackson's recent battle wounds (walking is a dangerous job).

14 comments:

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Hi! Your little boy is handsome! Wish I could help you with tips on using that lens. (I have it and the f/1.4 and do the same thing though my kiddos are older and stay still for me.) My only suggestion would be to up your shutter speed and shoot on continuous. Yeah, I get a lot of shots that are not fabulous but I usually get 1 really good one and 2 or 3 I can work with. Btw, did you shoot wide open? You got some nice bokeh.

Happy Friday!
~ingrid

Oh, and I love PW's actions.

kitten said...

Your little man is gorgeous, and his smile is so sweet! :)

Melissa said...

I LOVE PW actions too. The picture perfect I run on almost all photos and then tweak it to my liking.
I have the 50mm 1.8 lens too and it's awful for indoors. I hate using it inside so much that I bought a 35mm 2.0 lens. However I'm keeping my 50mm because it will incredible come spring time when you can take it outside. You will really appreciate being further away from your subject for those candid shots. My advice to you would be that since the 1.8 is kind of slow with focusing I would definitely up your shutter speed. Try to never go below 1/125 with little ones on the move.
Now, that picture is amazing! Amazing light and it's just beautiful. He is so handsome, definitely a framer.

Katherine said...

Ingrid- I totally had to look up what 'wide open' meant, but yes, it was wide open. I also read an interesting article about why you don't have to go wide open just because you can (and I was). Thanks for the tips. I feel like when I up my shutter speed I have too much light. Also relieved to hear I'm not the only one getting some way less than stellar shots. . .but the good ones, are really good. :)

Melissa- are you sure picture perfect is a PW action? I can't find it in action sets one or two? Likely I'm missing something. And feeding my need for a new lens? Oh I love the suggestions! Glad to hear I'm not the only one who has been a little disappointed by my 50mm 1.8. Now to talk my husband into it!

Carrie said...

Awww, such a great picture! I'm still having the HARDEST time indoors. Ah well, I just keep plugging away.

Susan said...

That's a great photo, he is such a cute little guy! I just got the 50mm 1.8 for Christmas, and I am having trouble getting used to it. I am looking forward to getting outside with it in the Spring time.

Carrie said...

Adorable!

Anonymous said...

He is so adorable. I dont have any advice but I do know what you are going through. lol.

Kara said...

what a sweet picture!

Trisha said...

My only lens is a 35mm 1.8. I love it. It did take some getting used to in the beginning, reminding myself that my legs move, not the lens. But I do love it so much. I don't even think abt moving now, I just do it. I am test driving a zoom & was in too close... I took a step back & then thought, oh yeah, the lens can do that for me. ;)) I have 3 kids so my advice would be keep shooting. You'll figure it out!

Katherine said...

Thanks Tricia, I will keep shooting! Do you have a 365? I can't find the link. Can't wait to see your 3! Little ones!

The Tompkins Family said...

I also just bought this lens! I'm not nearly as good as you though...just learning. Love the pictures and your son is adorable!

Tracy said...

ADORABLE!

Trisha said...

Sorry I'm late (again!) but yes! I'm linked up w CIUAN. www.storyoftheday365.blogspot.com