Claire Watson - WHY HAVE I NEVER THOUGHT OF THIS?! thank you!
Arrovel - I guess you were using flash on camera?
Question,
Using autofocus and more than the single point to focus i.e. as many as your camera allows you or something along those lines, wouldn't also result in relatively sharp images? (Assuming you are using the same settings you use to focus with BBF)
Christelle Elbert - thank you thank you thank you!!!! this is JUST WHAT I NEEDED TO READ!!!
Martin - Awsome trick, thank you very much!
Dana Salsbury - Using this trick will get you referrals from us videographers because the AF assist beam kills our shot. (Actually more of a flesh wound).
Someday DSLRs will provide the same follow-focus distance reading as higher-end video cameras. When I (manually) follow-focus a processional, I have to know exactly how many feet the talent is away from me, so as the talent gets closer I'm looking at the feet distance reading rather than determining contrast. Melissa is using this principle and it's GENIUS.
Audrey - How interesting, thank you so much for sharing your great tips! I will definitely have to try this out!!
Michele - Melissa - I just wanted to take a moment and say Thank You for posting all of these FAQ posts.I have learned a lot here and have started doing new things at the receptions. But your trick on focusing in low light really helped me out a bunch this weekend. If I hadn't remebered this trick I don't know what I would have done as this was the friest reception I've been to where I had trouble focusing due to low light. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Christine - Help! I'm shooting a wedding tomorrow and am looking to utilize the backbutton feature. Sounds so intriguing. Thank you. Question- if you (from Tina's comment) don't use the back-button feature except for the reception, do you have your settings set for back-button and it only focuses this way when you press it? In other words, does it default auto-focus unless you press the * button and focus-lock this way at the reception?
Arielle Haze - I always use this back focus button, but I use it with one-shot because of the flash. Do you switch to one-shot or leave it at Al-Servo? What is your flash set on (if you don't mind sharing)? :)
amy little - LOVE this tip and can't wait to try it. What about the shutter speed?
Stacey Hemeyer - Melissa-- I have admired your work for a long time, but just found your blog and your FAQ section. . .LOVE IT! Okay, now for my question, what are you doing to get that cool light in the background, it almost looks like a flash reflection but I can't imagine there is always a mirror around. It looks great!
Lydia - Can't wait to try out this tip! Thanks so much for sharing it!
Jill Koch - OMG! I love your work.I don't know how you find the time to do all that you do.You must not sleep.I tried your tip the other day when shooting a beach family.I was loosing the light so I grabbed the flash and as usual the background was going black so I tried your tip .I could't believe the look I got .You just took my photography to another level.
Ali Girl Photography - I love this tip. If anyone knows how to make it work on a Nikon D80 I would LOVE to know!
Melissa Kay - I absolutely love your blog, and I'm so excited about these Friday tips. Thanks so much for taking the time to share!
Cindy - Melissa, I love these Friday posts!! Thanks so much for these tips.
beth - Hi Melissa - Thanks for always sharing your incredible knowledge! It's a blessing that you are willing to share and help out others. I really love your approach. While I'm just a beginner and some of this can be a little over my head at times, I have these tips saved and will come back to them as my skills continue to grow! :)
Kristen Gardner - Thanks for the tip! This is my first post on your blog, but I've read your past three posts on low light and can't to try out your tips! Thank you, thank you!!
Mieng - Awesome tip! This couldn't come at a better time since I have a wedding to shoot tomorrow. I'm totally going to try this out, thanks Melissa!
Sherah G - This is my first post on your blog, but I've been following this short series, and wanted to thank you for sharing this stuff! It's a huge help, and it's definitely appreciated (plus, your photos are gorgeous!!). Many thanks :)
Maria Nissen - You make it sound and look easy. Thanks for sharing your tricks. Can't wait to try it!
Vinicius Matos - I know that the back buttom exists but never tryed it. Thanks for the precious tips. I`m gonna use it next wedding and see if I get used to! Take care Melissa!
Danielle Aquiline - Thanks for all the schooling, Melissa. And thanks for answering my lens question!
Melissa Jill :) - Just during the reception, Tina. The rest of the day I shoot more wide open and look through the viewfinder to focus :).
Tina - Another awesome post - thanks for the tip! Do you use this technique the entire day of the wedding, or just at the reception?
shawna - okay, now i'm extra jealous that you can get great flare shots without even looking... no i'm off to figure out the back button on my nikon!
Melli - You must have some muscles in your arms by now!!! Thanks for sharing this tip.
erin harvey - seriously, i am definitely one of those who wants to slam the camera into the ground. i have tried prefocusing (since i use backbutton) but i don't think the DOF was big enough. great post yet again, thank you so much for the tips! i was also looking for an excuse to get in on the dancing action a little more. i believe this will help =)
Jamie Delaine - Mmm, looking forward to doing our "reception camera" dance together in 2 weeks. Hah! Seriously though, this post helped me so much! I shot a bday party last week in SUCH low light and I seriously felt like slammin my camera into the wall. This is brilliannnnnt!