Car Wash - Improving Focus

[klwinding]

I think the subject, lighting and framing of this photo are good, but need some input on how I could have made it crisper.

Nikon D40
f 3.8
exposure time 1/8 second
ISO 1400
Flash Off

[dcclark]

First, shooting at ISO 1400 will hurt your sharpness (due to all the noise creeping in from high ISO). Second, shooting at f/3.8 won't get you much depth of field.

Suggestions: if you're using a tripod, turn off Auto ISO and set your ISO to 200. Dial in an aperture of around f/8, and then take the photo -- it'll be long, but probably will be much nicer all around!

[klwinding]

Thanks. I hadn't thought about the impact that ISO would have.