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Can anyone advise me on my camera settings for taking images at a christening. I have a Canon 400 d camera,the lenses that I have available to me are Canon 55-250 and the standard kit lens.
I am keen on macro photogaphy,so this is very new to me.I usually use the AV setting on my camera,as I am still getting used to it,but have no idea as to which iso or f number to use.Would really appreciate some help.
How far are you going to be from the action, how dark or light is the venue (last church I was at had huge windows and was very bright inside but some are very dim)?
My pennywiorth on this is:-
o ISO 800/1600 - The Canon can handle that for interior shots.
o I'd use the 'P' setting.
o Use the 580 EX Flashgun and use the FE Lock button - this should ensure the flash is exposed correctly, and the camera will take care of
the interior exposure.
o You might need the 18mm kit lens depending on the size of the interior church and where you can stand to get your shots.
o Church Interior shots are likely to come out a bit warm, but you can cool them down in PS using the Photo Filter.
€olin
This will be similar to wedding photography, firstly if its in a church you may need to get permission. If it is you may find your camera lens combination struggle inside, you will probably need to up the ISO to 1600 or even H inside, so try to get group shots etc outside in natural light, possibly with a touch of fill flash. As for the aperture, that will vary depending on the depth of field you need, perhaps something like f8-f11 for group shots outside, but inside you might need the lens wide open to get a faster enough shutter speed top avoid camera shake even with the ISO cranked up. If you aren't already switch to using just the central AF point as its more sensitive and use continuous shooting - take the same or more number of images as there are people in the group - someone always blinks/looks away/stops smiling, etc.
Remember to photograph the baby - would be kind of like not photographing the bride on her wedding day, and the baby will probably cry when you want to take the photo of/after the actual christening - so get a few bankers earlier on.
Quote: Will my built in flash be ok,?
It's got a fairly short range about 2.5 to 3m I think and low power. Useful for fill flash, highlights in the eye, but probably not much help otherwise. If you have an external flashgun that would be a better bet, if not you'll need to find a trade off between higher ISO and increased noise that you are comfortable with.
I'd never go above ISO 400 on a 400D, the noise can be quite awful for those fond memory shots.
Stick with ISO 200 and maybe consider getting a 50mm F1.8 lens - excellent value for money.
Do you have an external flash, built in would only be good, but harsh, for maybe upto 3 metres.
Perhaps really importantly - can you get into the venue at about the same time of day before hand to practice?
If light is still a problem, would one of those 500W builders lights be allowed reflecting off the ceiling?
Good luck, do practice before if possible.
First of all, ask the Minister what is allowed - usually photography is accepted; but flash photography is not. There may be restrictions on where you can position yourself. Make sure you know the order of service and wgere everyone will be sitting.
Ask the parents what shots they want (get them to list them)
Visit the church at about the same time of day as the actual ceremony. Work out your positions. Take some practice shots - if possible photograph someone in various positions, holding a doll/baby, to work out shadows, fields of view, etc. Wxperiment with ISO - you might be surprised
With the 50-250 you have IS which gives you a fair degree of latitude re light. I've used it very successfully at a couple of weddings (using a 400D and a 40D) in a dark/contrasty church.
Personally, I'd use the AV setting but P is also suitable. And I'd set the ISO at 400 or 200 depending on prevailing light conditions.
Don't restrict yourself to the ceremony and the baby.
If you can borrow a second camera (particularly but not necessarily of the same type), it's a useful accessory to have for such a non-repeatable event.
Make sure your battery is fully charged (spare one if you have it) and card(s) of adequate capacity.
Keep the subject as large in the image as possible.
Don't use flash unless you must; if you do use it, use a diffuser of some sort.
Good luck
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