Eyes wide shut

[Trevor Ives]

So... I have been asked by a friend to shoot her wedding. It's something I've been toying with for a while, and I've read the posts with all the comments, but this is a LSD (look see decide) leap I have to take for my own curiosity more than anything. I know what I'm getting into (I think) and am prepared.

The one issue I have that I've noticed when shooting people, is that I am a MASTER of getting them with their eyes closed. Sure in a model shoot, it's simple - 'keep your eyes open', but in a function shoot, it's not always so simple. Has anyone else had similar issues and solved them? If so, please share. I'm petrified of catching a bunch of derps and derpettes....

[Anonymous]

You get people whose eyes are so sensitive to the flash that the ETTL preflash makes them blink. In cases like that I would use FEL.

[Leo Theron]

Williams is correct - it is the Pre-flash (a lower power measurement flash before the full power punch) that makes them blink - and some people are just faster blinkers than others.

Two ways to overcome the problem:

* Flash Exposure Lock - Practically it means that you measure the exposure with the flash system and 'lock it in'. Until you cancel it, the flash will just shoot at the given power. There is only ONE flash, and no-one will be able to 'out-blink' that flash.

* Auto Mode - In Auto mode the flash will not pre-measure through the lens (i-TTL), it will use the sensor on the flash to cut the flash output for the correct exposure. Again, only one flash, impossible to 'out-blink'.

[Stan Blumberg]

Shoot 2 continuous frames....it works

[Trevor Ives]

Thanks for the replies, esp the ones on flash. Wasn't planning on flash, but good to know anyway. Usually use OCF with PWs in manual. Who knows, it may still end up there....

[peterah]

If you do decide to use flash (and I highly suspect you will), also turn off red-eye reduction - worst invention ever for producing photos of people with closed eyes.
When shooting staged shots, talk to the subjects so they know when you are about to take a photo - this also helps them to know when not to blink and hopefully to smile :-)

[Chris F]

Trevor in December I took some family pics. I used a remote .... setup the camera on the tripod and stand to one side, while directing the people I got some spectacular shot - mostly because they had no idea I was taking pics. Most natural group photos I have ever seen.

Granted this can only work for some of your pics.