dof and flowers

[mapgirl]

Often when I shoot macros of flowers--other than flat, overhead angles--one or more foreground petals are out of focus. Even with fairly high F-stops, I seem to run into the problem too often. Below is an example of what I'm trying to describe. Background blurry petals are sometimes OK, but foreground ones just look bad or sloppy to me. Where should I hand-focus when shooting like this? A mid-point, the closest point to me? Suggestions?
Thanks!



Camera: Canon Rebel XTi
Lens: 60 mm macro
Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec
ISO: 400
F-stop: f/8
no flash fired

[NIX74]

I would say somewhere where you want the attention. For me it will be the mid ground. In Macro short DoF is unavoidable, even if you use high f stop.

There's one method where I read from other forum is to use post processing to enhance the sharpness. What you can try is to capture 2 images of the same object with focus on 2 difference area. Then you merge it in photoshop, using the layer function. This will increase of DoF effect. I have not try it yet. Maybe you can.

[mipo]

Hi,
Normal DOF is 1/3 in front of the focus point & 2/3 behind the focus point.
So whereever your focus point will be this will be whole DOF.
And not to forget with Macro lenses the DOF is very shallow when working at Macro distances.
Check you lens documentation there shouls be a DOF table.
On a lense liek the one you are using the DOF in Macro mode could be as thin as 1/8 of an inch and less.

[mapgirl]

Wow, 1/8th inch! I knew it was narrow, but not that narrow. Thank you both for your responses, very helpful.

[kentuckyranger]

There are 2 ways I've got around this problem.
First, and I know I'll catch grief over it but it really works, use a zoom lens at a greater distance and a high f/stop.
Why the zoom lens method works for me is that when farther away at a longer focal length, your focal plane is increased slightly giving you a greater DOF.

The other method I've used is to make sure your subject is stationary and take 3 Photos at differing focus points, then layer them together in photoshop making sure your center focal point is the base image.
It's tricky and time consuming but works really well with practice.
The key is making sure your subject it perfectly stationary and you don't change the distance between shots.
The best way to accomplish this is on a windless day and the use of a quality tripod.

Other than that, there's not much you can do.