Beginner needs help!

[HeatherM]

I want to get into shooting softball, and made my first attempt this weekend. All of my shots were OOF. How do I use a quick shutter speed and also use an aperture that will give me the focus I want? An example is below.

Sorry for such a basic question.

[MikeWelsch]

Can you post your settings? Also, what focus point are you using?

[rhoffart]

Originally Posted by MikeWelsch

Can you post your settings? Also, what focus point are you using?

+1 ... need your settings to start

[HeatherM]

Oops!

Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec
Exposure Program: Shutter priority
F-Stop: f/5.6
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Focal length: 60 mm
Metering Mode: Pattern

And I'm not sure what you mean by focus point.

Thanks!

[Noe]

Try using AI Servo (Focus Setting) and use a single focus point. Keep that focus point on the subject. You can also manual focus on the location where they are at bat, however if they move too much the focus will be off.
Aperture and shutter speed will depend on the effect that you are looking for.
Batter in focus and background blurred - Aperture f2.8 and set the shutter speed until proper exposure is indicated (use the grass to help you set the proper exposure it's get pretty close to the right exposure)
If you don't want the above effect set AP at f8 and adjust speed for proper exposure.

Hope this gives you a good starting point.

[HeatherM]

Noe: thanks for the pointers. Hopefully i'll be able to try them out this weekend.

[rhoffart]

page 62

select the center focus point ... this is what I use and it an easy way to get started.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/media/i...L000016496.pdf

[LSCSN.com]

Center focus point is going to be your answer for sure unless most of your subject fills the frame. Just too much "other" stuff to grab on to with the multiple focus point method.

We are going to be shooting a softball tournament here in a couple of weeks. There will be a number of experienced photographers out shooting and I'm sure any of them wouldn't mind answering your questions in the field if you want to come hang out for a while and shoot. PM me or MTStringer if you are interested in the 411 on the tourney :-).

[HeatherM]

Thanks for taking the time to help me out. I don't get to shoot very much, and it seems like I forget the easy stuff sometimes.

[LSCSN.com]

Yeah not being able to shoot consistently hurts when just starting out. However all you have to do to practice is go out in the front yard and practice on the kids playing in the street or shoot the cars going down the road to play with your settings until you get comfortable.