focus point

[gsosure]

I'm trying to figure out how to take pictures where a close object is in focus and the objects behind it are out of focus. I've been messing with setting for about 3 days and just can't figure it out. This is from my recent engagement photo shoot with my wife to be and I loved the way it looked and want to learn how to take this type of shot.

http://www.bellapictures.com/gallery...2_itemId=10740

I'm have a Canon Rebel XT w/ 18-55mm lens kit. I am still learning all the settings as it was purchased through ebay and given to me as a gift with no manual.

edit: tried to hotlink the picture but it wouldn't show up. Sorry.

[Bluenoser]

That is usually accomplished using DOF (Depth of Field). The wider the opening on your camera (f/stop) such f/2.8, or f4.5 you will have a shallow depth of field, therebye creating the bokeh (pronounced bokay) effect, which is blurring of background elements of a photograph.

When I first started learning my DSLR, I took a dozen oranges and lined them up in a row, running away from me. All were spaced about 1 foot apart. I was about 3 feet from the first orange. I focused on the 3rd orange and took a shot using all my DOF ranges (f/stops). Always focus in the same spot.

Then I uploaded the images and was able to see for myself what DOF was all about.

[gsosure]

That is a great tip, thanks!

[teaking]

The effect can improved by moving your subject further away from the background your your trying to blur, magnification also has an effect so try different focal ranges.

[Demilith]

You can try auto-focusing on the part you want, then move the camera to the angle you desire (keep holding down the shutter button for the auto-focus as you move it). It will keep the part you want focused.

[edbayani]

there are several ways to achieve this. some were stated by demilith, bluenoser and teaking.
the best way is to learn the propoerties of lenses.
wide lens openings and longer focal lengths will produce shallow depth of field, that you can use for selective focus. the nearer you go to the subject, more so the effect.

[Technical Tim]

Ideally the Aperture setting on the camera is the best place to start Av - you need to remember that a smal number f/3.5 means a wide aperture and therefore depending on your point of focus this will produce that blurred effect.

There is also a way to produce the same effect at the post production stage depending on the software that you have. With the likes of Photoshop Elements it is a reasonably simple process and involves copying the background layer and then blurring it. A layer mask can be applied using a levels layer dropped in between the two image layers and then paint with a black brush over the area you want back in focus.

This is how I produced this shot of my daughter

[sybren]

There are three ways to get a smaller DOF:

• Move towards the subject
• Zoom in on the subject
• Open up your aperture

Combine those for an even greater effect.

[whereisjohnwilson]

Use the Av setting if you have one. Otherwise the one of the person's head will work. Make the numbers as small as you can. You may need a tripod to the the effect you want.

Good luck.