50mm f1.4 group photo

[5D Freak]

I reckon 1/80s, F2.8, Iso 800 - pic is over exposed by 1.5 steps - just my opinion. Looks like you have used spot metering on this one. For group shots, I would use a more overall metering. Just reduce the exposure - it is at night time anyway. If you shot RAW, you can pull it back in post. I find it very difficult to freeze action with people at everything over 1/60s. Background might be ok, but people move! Even renders image stabilizing ineffective!

 

[5D Freak]

Totally agree with the previous post to. However, I find live view a bit cumbersome when dealing with people photos handheld. Live view on the fly is a technique to master for me. I just like to look through the viewfinder to aquire focus and framing - just so used to the centrepoint focus/recompose with the 5DII. Don't be afraid of taking multiple shots (up to 6 or 7 at 3fps for 5DII) as memory cards are cheap and you can pick the best frame. Apeture f9 is a way too closed apeture at iso12800. I would be targeting f2.0 to f2.8 for most stuff (lets more light in) at iso 1600 or less for printing. iso 6400/12800 is for facebook purposes only IMO. You were taking this pic from a long range, so you depth of field should cover focus on all subjects at f/2.8 or f/4.0 at worst - esp if all subjects lie close to the focus plane (multiple rows of people in a group shot may require f/5.6). All about trial and error. Different photographers have different styles and you will develop your own. Just have fun taking the picks and you will find what works for you!

 

[philsv77]

I don't recommend using tripod to shoot portrait as it's too sssssslow to act and there is not much difference in sharpness. You may need it if you want to print anything > 24 x 36in. Otherwise, dont. With the right technique and practice, you will get a sharp photo without tripod.

With just ambient light as main light, you will have to use fast speed, ~1/100s for a non-moving subjects (general rule is 1/focal length as some already mentioned) for medium lens. If you shoot kids, forget it. YOu will need at least 1/200s.

With flash acting as main light, you can drag the shutter, meaning you can shoot as slow as 1/15s without getting blurry. See the following shot taken @1/20s, f/5.0, 800 ISO.