question about getting sharp head shots

[danchez]

I am going to use a tripod and a 2 second delay. My question, should I also use the MLU feature or would the tripod and delay be sufficient?

[Ahh!]

You could, but for a headshot, isn't more about the precise timing of the expression of your subject? How's a 2 sec delay going to work out? Are you flash-deprived?

[CaptainTom]

sharpness is relative.
A bigger DOF will help you a lot.
If you have IS or VR it's usually best to turn it OFF when on a tripod.
The 2 second delay will be OK.

mirroring Peters question. Not using flash ? higher shutter speeds and more DOF and a tripod are your best bets.

[danchez]

Not flash deprived at all, just trying to figure out how to create tack sharp head shots. I suppose I could buy a remote trigger release, but short of that... You think a 2 second delay is a bad thing???

I suppose I should give more info. I will probably be shooting at f8 or f11 @ 1/250 and using anywhere from 1 to 4 lights depending on what I am trying to create.

[dryicerx]

This is going a bit overboard, but you can also try using Liveview to zoom in and manually focus to make sure the focus is absolutely perfect.

Mirror lockup if you have a remote shutter release or timer.

[Mindy H]

Forgive me for asking....by why the 2 sec delay if you have all of that light to begin with? It's not clicking for me.

[ldelacruz]

Originally Posted by Mindy H

Forgive me for asking....by why the 2 sec delay if you have all of that light to begin with? It's not clicking for me.

Me either? Are you having a problem? If so post an example and you will get help. It could be the dreaded PEBTC error!

[danchez]

Not having a problem at all, just trying to improve my shots. So, if I got good lighting, and I am shooting at 1/250 sec on a tripod, it wouldn't benefit to use a 2 second shutter delay to help minimize vibration? or is that pretty much overkill?

[brad]

Handheld, two lights on subject (off camera battery operated flashes triggered wirelessly) and a light point at the background. 1/100 and f/2.8

Seems plenty sharp without all that extra rigamarole...

[danchez]

now that's what I'm talkin about, good 'nuff answer for me, thanks Brad.

[Mindy H]

Originally Posted by danchez

now that's what I'm talkin about, good 'nuff answer for me, thanks Brad.

Don't you love it when we overthink stuff when we've really already got it right?? Yes, at that shutter speed and F-stop, you should be able to get a tack sharp photo of even a moving subject shooting handheld.

[danchez]

yeah, stupid brain. LOL.

[ldelacruz]

I shoot wildlife with a 500mm and 1.4TCII at 1/250, f5.6 of a second with no problems handheld, so you should be fine with your 24-70. I have never used a tripod for portraits or a 2 second delay. Macro shots might be a different story?

On most occasions you don't want a sharp portrait. You just want the eyes to be sharp and you can do that in post as long as it is close.

[PeteQ]

Originally Posted by brad

Handheld, two lights on subject (off camera battery operated flashes triggered wirelessly) and a light point at the background. 1/100 and f/2.8

Seems plenty sharp without all that extra rigamarole...

Nice work Brad, I really like the subtle coordinated gel on the background.

[brad]

Thanks, Pete.

Dan: Its one of the worst things we do to ourselves in any business... thinking too much.