Berries - first macro critique

[dlambert]

In this shot, I tried to narrow my DOF to capture the berries and blur the background. In the process, I narrowed it enough that only some of the berries are sharp. I'm mainly interested in reaction to the focus / DOF on this type of composition.

Larger version + other similar shots here.

EXIF: f/5.6, 1/200, ISO 100, 250mm, no flash.

[Eastree]

The photograph would be better with more DoF. It's difficult to achieve with 250mm at a relatively close distance, and camera shake is also a problem when using a long lens for zoom-macro work. I'm not saying there's a definite shake issue there; there might be, but the compression may be part of what I'm seeing.

[chicagojohn]

Originally Posted by Eastree

The photograph would be better with more DoF. It's difficult to achieve with 250mm at a relatively close distance, and camera shake is also a problem when using a long lens for zoom-macro work. I'm not saying there's a definite shake issue there; there might be, but the compression may be part of what I'm seeing.

Maybe DOF could be involved here. It doesn't look like shake to me. With a tripod or even monopod, maybe exposure could have been backed of one or even two stops with a corresponding improvement in aperture reduction to increase DOF, probably still giving sufficient bokeh for the background.

When faced with this sort of scenerio, if you have access to a tripod especially, it is a good idea to experiment with aperture because that is what fundamentally determines DOF, and if nothing else, experimentation will be a learning experience.

A little trick is if you have a quick release for a tripod or monopod, you can tie a long shoestring to the end of the bold and if you attach that to your camera and step on the other end with your foot and pull it upward, that will give you enough stability to gain one or two stops hand held without a tripod or monopod.