Landscape-Where to focus?

[simplyjoed]

I'm just learning Photography and my question is where do you focus when it comes to landscape?
Please see pic

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Thanks.

JoeD

[maritimer]

Focusing in a landscape shot all depends on what you're trying to do within the shot. If you want to just capture the entire scene, set your focus to infinity ( or a smidgen below infinity ) and have your aperature somewhere between F8 to F16. Lower than F8 and you start getting DOF issues, especially with a wide angle shot.

Sometimes the opportunity arises that you have some natural framing involved ( trees or w/e ). You can play around in a case like this. Try focusing on the background and then try focusing on the foreground ( the natural framing ) ... both result in some nice looking photos.

[simplyjoed]

Thank you for the idea.

[pfje photography]

I can see black edge around all four corners of the photo, were you using a hood on the len ?

[kencaleno]

focus 1/3 distance into the scene,don't go smaller than F 11 or you will get diffraction issues-also remember that infinity starts around 30 feet. Regards, Ken

[simplyjoed]

Yes, I'm using a hood that time. Also, I think that's the problem with zoom lens which they call the vignette I think.
Thanks.

[simplyjoed]

Thanks Kencaleno, that's a good tip. I appreciate it.
That's a nice shot. Clear and good composition.

[Papa Mono]

I am a little confused...If infinity starts at 30 feet, are you saying that you should focus on something 10 feet away? Please elaborate! Thanx...

[steelese]

I don't think he is saying to focus at something that is 10 feet away. As a general rule you should focus 1/3 of the way through the thing you are focusing. That really doesn't compute with landscape. Understand that if what you are shooting is further than 30 feet away, you should use infinity.

So this being said, pick something that is about 1/3 the distance to the furthest thing you can see and focus on that.

[kencaleno]

Originally Posted by Papa Mono

I am a little confused...If infinity starts at 30 feet, are you saying that you should focus on something 10 feet away? Please elaborate! Thanx...

All you do is look through your viewfinder,and focus 1/3 of the distance into the scene-(Infinity starts at 30 ft and goes as far as you can see) as long as you don't use an aperture smaller than F 11 for DSLR's,or F4 on point and shoots, (or diffraction will spoil your sharpness) you'll get a great infocus image. Regards, Ken