p.1 #1 · Handheld at 1/8 sec plus other speeds -- dancer on falls
Somewhere there's this rule with photography that if you're shooting handheld, your shutter speed is supposed to match your focal length if you want your image to be sharp. I know, that was before image stabilization came into play, but the truth is, that's just one of those rules that I like to have a little fun with.
I did a shoot with a dancer earlier this week (what's new?) and there were some waterfalls at the park. I have my tripod with me, but not the shoe. I decided to take it on as a challenge to see how slow of a shutter speed I could go and still get a reasonably sharp image. My best previously (I only do this like once a year) was 1/20. I usually don't even try to go slower than that. But with the waterfalls right there, I went from 1/500 to 1/30 to 1/15 to 1/8.
These were all shot with a D4 and the 70-200 vrII lens at 95mm. The shot at 1/8 sec has been edited, but the others are straight out of camera.
p.1 #3 · Handheld at 1/8 sec plus other speeds -- dancer on falls
I definately like the first the most. The flow of the water adds to the image. Just remember, rules are made to be broken. If you can hand hold at 1/8 and your subject can be still then go for it.
p.1 #5 · Handheld at 1/8 sec plus other speeds -- dancer on falls
Thanks, guys. Yes, definitely had VR turned on.
Ernie, interesting that you liked the water at 1/30 the best. I think that is really subjective, we'll all like how it looks differently at different shutter speeds. The beauty of art is in its subjectivity.
p.1 #8 · Handheld at 1/8 sec plus other speeds -- dancer on falls
I have the 70-200 f/4. I assume you were using the f/2.8 version? (Sorry. Forgot to complete my thought.) I wonder if the VR is different between the two?
p.1 #9 · Handheld at 1/8 sec plus other speeds -- dancer on falls
Thanks, Dave. I do have the latest F/2.8, the VR II. I'm sure the VR makes a difference, but I've done tons of shots at slower shutter speeds with the VR turned and I don't really see much of a difference. Having said that, when I'm shooting for real at lower shutter speeds, trust me, the VR is on.
p.1 #11 · Handheld at 1/8 sec plus other speeds -- dancer on falls
Speedliner wrote:
Love the pics as always.
Would you have merged a long exposure of the falls with a pic of the dancer on the falls if this was for $$$?
Thanks!
Well, no. Whether it's for $$$ or the pure art of it (such as this shoot was), I would have gotten the best shot I could have gotten with the equipment I had. If I had known I was going to be shooting with a waterfall, I would have brought my tripod. Actually, I had my tripod, just not the shoe.
And having said that, I also wouldn't rule out doing a composite. Sometimes that's the best way to get the best image.
p.1 #15 · Handheld at 1/8 sec plus other speeds -- dancer on falls
Nerves of steel and a gunfighter trigger finger, good work and interesting project. I like 1/15 best only because the 1/8 shot has more blown highlights. I'm also impressed with the pose control of the model... Mike
p.1 #18 · Handheld at 1/8 sec plus other speeds -- dancer on falls
She did stay impressively still but I am not surprised because she is obviously a skilled dancer. An excellent choice of a model for this exercise in steadiness. I prefer the second but more because of the exposure than the particular appearance of the water. The brightness of the image is tamed allowing for a good rendering of her skin tones. (the second and third are very close but her pose in the second is also the best). Sorry I wasn't looking at the waterfall.
