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12/12/2007 05:39:23 PM · #1 |
I'm just wondering how to achieve sharp focus when doing a self portrait or any situation where you want to be in the picture...ie family photo? I went out a couple day's ago to shoot our family pic and most of them were not sharp. I can't stand it when the eyes look slightly oof. What is the trick? Also, just wondering what lens most people use when shooting family photos?
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12/12/2007 06:13:19 PM · #2 |
There are a few ways to do this. One method is to place an object (mop, another person, etc.) where you would be as the photo is taken. Then focus on that object/person (either automatic or manual focus). If automatic, then once focus is obtained, simply switch the lens to manual focus. Now, go and replace that object/person with yourself and release the shutter button. Releasing (pressing) the shutter can be done with the self-timer (then run to position), or with a wired or wireless remote.
Remember, the larger your aperture the more chances of your eyes being out of focus (because of a smaller depth of field). So go for a smaller aperture.
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12/12/2007 06:36:18 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by AperturePriority:
There are a few ways to do this. One method is to place an object (mop, another person, etc.) where you would be as the photo is taken. Then focus on that object/person (either automatic or manual focus). If automatic, then once focus is obtained, simply switch the lens to manual focus. Now, go and replace that object/person with yourself and release the shutter button. Releasing (pressing) the shutter can be done with the self-timer (then run to position), or with a wired or wireless remote.
Remember, the larger your aperture the more chances of your eyes being out of focus (because of a smaller depth of field). So go for a smaller aperture. |
What he said.
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12/12/2007 06:43:02 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by pearlseyes:
Also, just wondering what lens most people use when shooting family photos? |
Your 28-75mm will do just fine for that job.
Edit to add: And what the other two said.
Message edited by author 2007-12-12 18:45:24. |
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12/12/2007 06:51:22 PM · #5 |
What they said and use that 28-75mm. Also get a remote:
Thread with review
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12/12/2007 06:58:12 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by SamDoe1:
Originally posted by pearlseyes:
Also, just wondering what lens most people use when shooting family photos? |
Your 28-75mm will do just fine for that job.
Edit to add: And what the other two said. |
Something in the neighborhood of 80mm is generally recommended. For portraits, you want to:
1) capture the subject with no lens distortions
2) separate the subject from the background.
With a small focal length (for example, yours at 28mm), you may get distortion. This distortion may even happen with a 50mm, since you would have to move closer to the subject.
With a longer focal length 100mm+, you'd have to back away from your subject, thus possibly not being able to have that subject-background separation.
Message edited by author 2007-12-12 21:08:31.
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12/12/2007 07:06:32 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by AperturePriority:
One method is to place an object (mop, another person, etc.) where you would be as the photo is taken. |
The way I prefer to do it is to take the camera to where I'm going to be, then focus on the tripod head. With a reasonable aperture and working distance, the depth of field usually means you'll be in good focus. Different to using a stand-in, as you are focusing from the focal point, to where the camera is going to be, but makes it easier to get the distance right. Then switch to manual, stick the camera back on the tripod and you are golden.
Another option, in a dark room, is to hold a small light up near your eye so that it is the only illuminated thing during focusing - works well if you are using strobes.
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12/13/2007 12:44:27 AM · #8 |
Thanks for all the great tips. I'm especially interested in trying out Gordon's method. Thanks again everyone.
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12/13/2007 01:39:00 AM · #9 |
A lot of times, i'll just use a remote. Hold the remote half-way, allow the camera to focus, and when ready... Snap the picture.
Works well for me, but the other suggestions given are great. |
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12/13/2007 03:09:42 AM · #10 |
remote with AF and reasonable DoF.
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12/13/2007 03:19:04 AM · #11 |
| I don't have a remote so I'm running up and down all the time from camera to posing. I use a dummy to focus on (stuffed animal, umbrella whatever) and I make sure I can hold it and still reach the camera to press the shutter. (and set it on timer of course ) |
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12/13/2007 06:47:21 AM · #12 |
Sadly, I did the whole "arm's reach thing" to focus in AF, then switch to manual, noting my "spot" in my crowded wannabe studio relative to a stack of boxes. :)
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12/13/2007 11:24:49 AM · #13 |
I get someone to sit where i'm going to be sitting, select the focus point on the eyes manually, then sit where there were sitting so my head is in the same place and then use my remote to trigger the shutter after a 2 second delay.
easy. And if you're working at around F/11 or so with a flash you can afford to be less precise. |
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12/13/2007 11:32:14 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by rex:
What they said and use that 28-75mm. Also get a remote:
Thread with review |
*sigh* Is this a member's only thread? I was told I'm not allowed in. |
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