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03/09/2007 07:27:05 PM · #1 |
| So I had a go at some self portraits and I had such a hard time getting the focus right. I've seen some excellent self portraits on this site and I wondered if anyone had any tips on how to get good focus on the eyes. |
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03/09/2007 07:32:15 PM · #2 |
1) use something as a stand-in ... whether it be an old tripod or a broomstick, have something to focus on and then make sure you are posing in that position.
2) Give yourself wiggle room in the Dof. Don't try SP's with paper thin DoF. It's just hard.
3) Remotes work a lot better than timers. They allow you to use AF, but also, even if you chose to stick with MF, they give you more time to get posed before your shutter opens.
4) Give yourself a little bit of play room for cropping. Not a lot, just enough to make sure you don't have to spend numerous shots recomposing and then missing the mark again.
Message edited by author 2007-03-09 19:33:51.
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03/09/2007 07:33:21 PM · #3 |
An electronic remote is the best way. I use Nikon's MC-36 with the D200. I frame the self-portrait and determine through the viewfinder where my eyes will be, then put the focusing field there. Also, studio lights help. You can really pump the room full of light and set a narrow f/stop (like f/8 or f/11), ensuring even focus throughout. That's what I did for this self-portrait:
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03/09/2007 07:58:27 PM · #4 |
| Thanks. Good advice. I was using the timer as I don't have a remote for my camera, and I think I might have been too ambitious with the depth of field. I'll try the suggestions and I'm guessing too that lots of practice helps. |
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03/09/2007 08:03:04 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by JulieG:
and I'm guessing too that lots of practice helps. |
Yup, indeed... and being without clothes helps me... :-)
It takes quite a bit of patience with the timer, but you can do it.
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03/09/2007 08:04:06 PM · #6 |
I have a spare cheapo tripod that acts as a JP stand-in; I put it where I'm going to be with the head where my eyes are - then I go with the Louis technique of remote.
Louis is far better than I though, he doesn't need the stand-in. |
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03/09/2007 08:12:30 PM · #7 |
OK Thanks for the advice
Message edited by author 2007-03-09 20:29:08. |
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03/09/2007 09:36:59 PM · #8 |
I used to use a light stand with a hat on it then I heard this tip - take your camera with you to where you want to be, turn back & focus on the tripod. Switch lens to manual focus. Now go put it back on the tripod and get back to your spot. You can do the 10 second shuffle all day that way! :)
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03/09/2007 09:42:11 PM · #9 |
Tripod yes and you can print your own head and use that too. :-P
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03/09/2007 09:49:14 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by idnic:
I used to use a light stand with a hat on it then I heard this tip - take your camera with you to where you want to be, turn back & focus on the tripod. Switch lens to manual focus. Now go put it back on the tripod and get back to your spot. You can do the 10 second shuffle all day that way! :) |
cindi = smart |
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