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01/17/2005 05:02:19 PM · #1 |
| I'm going to do a photoshoot Thursday of a couple of nice looking women from my office. I've done portraits before and they have come out pretty nice except for some focusing problems when other objects are close to the subject such as a tree. My question is, do most professional portrait photographers use manual focus or autofocus? |
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01/17/2005 05:06:22 PM · #2 |
Sounds like your camera settings are off. The 10D has 7 focus points, they automatically focus on teh closest object unless you set them not to. I have mine set to centre focus so I focus on the girl then recompose the shot..she stays in focus no matter where I place her in the picture.
That doesn't work in Automatic, the 7 points still show up. You have to be weary of it that's all :-)
P.S. If my camera accidentally slips into Manual focus I'm lost..so Auto all the way.
Message edited by author 2005-01-17 17:19:18. |
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01/17/2005 05:12:18 PM · #3 |
im not a professional, nor am i a 10D user either...but i'll throw my 2 cents in anyway...
If autofocus is acting up, i switch to manual, then wait for the green light to come on telling me im in focus, this way i dont have to play with the AF points either.
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01/17/2005 05:15:05 PM · #4 |
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01/17/2005 05:16:07 PM · #5 |
Just go ... "show me your t*&?s 
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01/17/2005 05:27:37 PM · #6 |
The pros I know use manual. Better control. And heck- it's not like it be rocket science. ;)
Clara
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01/17/2005 05:29:41 PM · #7 |
I use auto. Make sure the AF mode is set to one-shot and only one AF point is selected.
Message edited by author 2005-01-17 17:35:34. |
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01/17/2005 05:35:34 PM · #8 |
I use AF, take the shot bracket it, then switch to manual focus and see if I can outdo the results of the AF.
On some occasions...I have!
Manual is time consuming, your models will have to be patient.
Jacko's method is universally understood, a little direct, but they'll
get the point. Just hope they comply!!!!
Make your models comfortable! |
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01/17/2005 05:35:57 PM · #9 |
Eric,
It depends on the conditions. From some distances or with a neutral density filter on I may find it too hard to distinguish the exact point where I think I have the sharpest image. In those cases I use AF and am glad for it as it works pretty well. If there's enough light for my eyes to distinguish the effects I can get with a slight twist of the focus ring then I may shoot manual. One thing that affects it is the viewfinder of the 10D versus the bigger, brighter viewfinder of a 35mm film camera or one of the pro grade bodies. If you can determine the sharpest point with your eye, then make sure the diopter adjustment on the viewfinder is set in accordance with your eyes so that you're not misadjusting every shot and then fire away. If you, like I sometimes, need a little help from AF then flip it over and get those frames.
As for the camera focusing on something like it has a mind of its own I've got to wonder if you're using full manual or some other setting. If you're not used to using full manual for shooting then this shoot may not be the one to start with but its incredibly easy to understand the settings for the camera once you get used to putting it in manual mode and if you do that then odds are you won't have to worry about the camera changing your focus points without you knowing why and immediately knowing how to change the focus back. Using the half-press to get your focus on AF and then recomposing the shot is a great way to get started if you don't feel comfortable with manually focusing your shots.
Good luck with your shoot and show us some of those photos.
Kev |
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01/17/2005 05:52:21 PM · #10 |
Jacko, thanks for the tip! LOL
Thanks for all the responses. I think I'll give my AF another shot... But for each shot, I'll probably take 2 shots, one in manual and one in auto. I do use full manual when it comes to shutter and aperature though and I feel comfortable doing that... And I'm getting more confident using the histogram too! Thanks again guys/gals! |
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01/17/2005 06:06:30 PM · #11 |
I think you already got your answer...
I realize my kit lens has AF and MF -- but I don't think I'd really consider my 'manual focusing skills' that great. Are other lenses (say the 50mm 1.8) more easily manual focused than say the my 18-55 kit lens? I just can't see how anyone can successfully manual focus with this lens.
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01/17/2005 06:09:30 PM · #12 |
I use auto most times. My eyes suck to bad for MF.
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