I took this “grab-shot” at the Kodiak Gallery the other day with a Canon 7D and 50mm f/1.4 lens:
Canon 7D, 50mm f/1.4 at f/1.4, 1/250th sec, 800 ISO
This shows that with the right lens, you do not need flash. You also do not need a macro lens every time. You can use what you have, if you keep your eyes open.
Also note:
- The secondary subject blurred in the background
- I used exposure compensation (+) to ensure the white background showed as white, not gray
- I am not afraid to go to 800 ISO or beyond to get the right fast shutter speed.
- I am using off-centre composition, rather than Uncle Fred’s “subject in the middle”
Simple. Just keep your eyes open.
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Hi Michael,
You comment about using a high ISO to get the fast shutter speed. Why is a fast shutter speed an issue in this shot? What would be the difference if you shot at 1/125th at 400 ISO?
Thanks
Sam: Motion. Flowers move around annoyingly, hence I needed the fast shutter speed…
Thanks Michael,
I guess I’m still very old school. I’m afraid of ISO (or in my day ASA). Yup, I’m that old! In my day, 400 ASA was only for desperate situations, as it always resulted in an unsatisfactory graininess. Kodachrome 64, VPS 2 1/4 square (in a cooler in the car) and FP4 were my standard go to films. It was fun to play with HP5, but never for anything important.
Are todays DSLRs just that much better?
I appreciate your time and expertise, Michael, and I look forward to the next time I’m in one of your workshops. I expect that will be in the next couple of weeks.
Sam Taylor
Hi Sam,
Yes sure. Today’s digital cameras are MUCH better at high ISO settings than film was. We’ve come a long way just in the last few years.
And thanks!