Was I successful with the manual 50mm f1.4?

[morfasie]

I went and played with a 50mm 1.4 on my Nikon D40x. It was really fun but I still have to learn the manual focus thing. The problem with the 1.4 is the DOF field layer, so so small :)

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21296842@N04/2244450907/" title="DSC_5232-Edit by morfasie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2184/2244450907_f8cd48481b.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="DSC_5232-Edit" /></a>

Exif
Nikon D40x
50mm 1.8
F1.8
Speed: 1/4000
ISO:100


Link to other photos of that session: flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21296842@N04/sets/72157603427090976/)

[Dr. WooD]

I think you should read the rules for the critique sections.

[oriolhdz]

Hi morfasie:
I like the softness of the photo! I think a little bit more sharpness on the eyes would give a little more impact. What I found a little distracting is the top left background. Maybe it's what makes your left eye being a little bit in the shadows.
Thanks for sharing your photo!

[wulf]

Just because your lens lets you shoot at f/1.8 doesn't mean that you always need to use that. Your shutter speed is very fast so I think there would have been ample scope to use a slower shutter speed and smaller aperture. f/4 or so would probably have been enough to get more of the subject in focus.

Wulf

[KathrynWilson]

That bokeh is quite nice and creamy, so I'm not as bothered by the fact that not the whole face is in your DOF. The eyes could be a little sharper, but I think I have the biggest problem with the fact that there is so much darkness on the left side of the pic (her right). I'm not sure if it's shadow, burning or both, but some brightening there might help.

[Tafnap]

My first thought was the same as Wulf if you changed the apperature I think it would have came out even better.

I would have also liked to see how it would have came out if you took one step to your left to move that dark area to the right of her head out of the picture and change the location of the sun (I am assuming) reflection on her eyes and shadow to the right of her nose. I would like to see more of the twinkle in both eyes and less shadow from her nose.

Thanks for sharing.

[wulf]

Quick spelling note - "aperture". I know it sounds picky but getting the spelling locked in makes it much easier to search for more information on the subject. With the discussion of a fast lens, it is all about aperture.

Wulf

[clockdoc]

You don't say if this is a full frame shot or not. If it is, you can increase you depth of field by moving farther away and then croping for composition. The closer you get tothe subject, particularly at 1.4 or 1.8, the less the already minimal depth of field will be. Enjoy your new lens.

[NewDra24]

a couple of tips for such a fine portrait lens :)

1. try to off-center the subject; the rule of thirds can greatly help you add a new dimension
2. you should try to capture a glint of spectral light in both eyes, this will help make your subject more alive (the glint is best slightly off center of the pupil)
3. as the people above have said, experiment with using a smaller aperture (f/3.2-f/4); while a friend of mine prefers f/1.4, he has a lot of experience with hitting pinpoint accuracy for focusing on eyes. if you don't want to take the gamble, try the smaller aperture, slow down the shutter speed, and try this config :)

otherwise, i think it's very good diffused light, very flattering, and the background is nice and blurred out without being too busy :) keep it up!