High ISO Question For Sonolta

[Allam2009]

Hi Sonolta

I have been looking through your galleries on Sonolta.com and I wondered what your reason is for taking everything at such high ISO's? One example relates to the "Flowers & Bees" gallery - all shots appear to be taken at ISO 800 or higher. As the Alpha 700 is optimised for ISO 200 what is the reason for using high ISO when the subject doesn't really require it?

Please note that this is not a criticism of your pictures - when I started using my 700 I accidentally set the ISO to 1600 and was told that although the shots were quite good (for a beginner) there weren't many situations where I would need it this high.

Thanks

James

[Allam2009]

Thanks for the reply - I did wonder if it was due to needing a fast shutter speed to get DOF right (also useful if subjects are moving). Last Spring I spent a long time trying to get this shot without too much movement (took more than 100 attempts) but at the time hadn't thought of moving to a higher ISO - this was taken at ISO400:


As mentioned previously I have only been off "Auto" mode for just over a year so I am still very much learning!

James

[sury]

Sonalta,
OK. I will take the bite. Would you please explain what is stone hands techniqe?

With best regards,
Sury

[sury]

Sonolta,
Aah!!! I got it. Being the newbie that I am, I thought it was some technique.
One technique I found useful for (certain situations) is that putting my left hand over
my right shoulder, forming a horizontal triangle just below chin and resting the camera
at the apex of the elbow joint.
May be we should start a thread where we can share our favorite technique(s) for low light
and available light shots.

with best regards,
Sury

[Dusty]

May be we should start a thread where we can share our favorite technique(s) for low light
and available light shots.

My shooting technique comes straight from the US Marine Corps rifle and pistol shooting technique. (Yes, I'm a proud Jarhead).

First, get good bone support: tuck your right elbow into your chest when standing, and/or pull the camera into your face, to get a more solid hold. In other situations, you may be able to shoot sideways and rest your elbow in your hip, or on your knee if kneeling or sitting. Then remember your BRASS.

Breathe (inhale)
Relax (exhale)
Aim
Stop (breathing, you're steadier w/o air in the lungs)
Squeeze (your trigger/shutter release)

I have always been consistently been able to get better shots, at longer focal lengths or slower shutter speeds, than most other photographers I know. But then, I can out-shoot them all on the rifle range, too!

Dusty

[sury]

Dusty,
I guess we need to be clear when we tell you to shoot first and post later.
Thanks for those detailed tips. Much appreciated. Didn't realize we are steadier
without air in lungs. A simple detail but could make a shot keeper.

With best regards,
Sury