Last night I had the opportunity to do some nude artsy glamour shots in a studio environment.I normally don't take pictures of people because the pictures never turn out like I had envisioned them to. Most of my shots are landscapes and I have has an SLR type camera since 1981.


So here is the setup: White backdrop in a 15'x15' modeling area, (2) Profoto Strobes set at approx. 3/4 w/ softboxes (3x6?). ISO 100, speeds-1/125 to 1/160, f/10 to 8, Canon xti w/ 70-200 L f4 (non-IS). Sandisk 4gb Ultra 2 memory cards. I was 8-10' from the model. I shoot RAW.


First the technical complaints:
  • Shutter Lag-trying to catch a swooshy hair shot was difficult at best, as most shots were at the tail end of the hair shot (usually out of picture).
  • Tight head shots were not tight at all.Now I need to crop the shot to get the best picture. What I saw in the viewfinder was not what I saw on the screen. Never was much of a problem w/ landscape shots, now I notice it more than ever before.
  • I didn't notice slow transfer speeds on the first memory card, but the second was horrible, I missed many shots. Is there that much difference between identical cards (I bought both at the same time this year).
  • d



Next the technique issues:
  • I thought that the depth of field I was using would allow me to focus (example here) on the chest and still get a clear & sharp image of the face. Instead of the face isn't as sharp as I would expect. My DOFMaster app on my iphone shows I have a DOF of 1.18'. Am I expecting too much from the equipment?
  • What do I focus on? The center AF point is the only one set (and is always set that way). I was hoping to have a sharp face and body if I shot the body. I was set to AI Focus the whole time.



I will probably do something similar in 2-3 weeks. I want to have a higher keeper rate this time from improved technique. I don't think its a good idea to post the pictures given they are nudes, however, I am willing to send one or two out if I feel comfortable with your older posts (just don't want someone to use them for their own gain or post them to a porn site).


I have contemplated buying a 50D, preferably used, however I have purchased 4 lenses this year and can't just the purchase now unless I sell the xti, which I would rather not do so I can keep it as a backup.


Thanks