Beginning Photographer

[Purestar]

I am a very new photographer, having just received a Canon PowerShot SD1200 for my birthday. I love it. I've taken hundreds of photographs alread. However, they all come out the same. Some are ok - with good color and contrast. However - I just do not understand how to change the DOF, I was trying to take a picture of a few small flowers and leaves, lying on a page of a book. I'm just experimenting so try to learn the various settings. I wanted the picture so that the slowers in the foreground are mo clear than those in the background and so that the lettering is somewhat faded out too. But I can't seem to figure it all out. I'm sure you all are such great photographers and use much more sophisticated cameras than a simple point and shoot. Please can anyone offer me the necessary advice? I keep reading websites and tried to read the 130 page manual - but it is all so foreign to me.

Thanks! Patricia.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by Purestar

However - I just do not understand how to change the DOF, I was trying to take a picture of a few small flowers and leaves, lying on a page of a book. I'm just experimenting so try to learn the various settings. I wanted the picture so that the slowers in the foreground are mo clear than those in the background and so that the lettering is somewhat faded out too.

Hi Patricia, welcome to DPS!

I *think* I understand what you're trying to achieve...

Your camera has a macro (close-up) setting. Put it on that and you should be able to get the types of images you mentioned. Make sure you have good light, though - even setting up right near a window with indirect sunlight coming in (NOT direct rays coming in) will be beneficial.

Hope this helps!

[notsotechie]

Well the truth is you do not have the option to control the DOF
have you tried in the macro mode and use a real object

if you can have selective focus focus on the nearest subject and hope fully it will not try to corret it as this type of camera is very straight and forward

but do look in the manual to see if their is anyway you can overide it and be able to do it in manual mode?

Cheers

[Laurenbiz]

I'm pretty sure all of Canon's Powershots have an 'Aperture Value' mode where you can adjust the aperture. My Powershot has that - but when I attempted to use it - I about screamed at the poor quality. Point-and-shoot cameras just are not made to create high-quality images using manual modes.

The 'Macro' setting is the closest I've ever gotten to achieving even visable bokeh in the background using my Canon Powershot.

To achieve great DOF, I truly believe that you need a DSLR. To achieve top-notch DOF, you really need a DSLR with a wide-aperture, fast lens.

Keep trying! :-)

[Laurenbiz]

Introduction to Aperture in Digital Photography


This article on DPS has some great info about aperture, too!

[Purestar]

Thanks so much. I guess I am tryiing to be like my brother, who has been taking photos for years and uses a "big boy" DSLR. he does amazing photography - mostly for pleasure. One of his photos was published in the local newspaper for a submission and one was chosen to be published in a Photography book of How-tos.

[Purestar]

Thanks for the help. I'll keep at it.

Pat

[LENAAPPLE1974]

I am not a pro, and I do not know if this will help you, but hopefully it does. From my experience using P&S cameras - try to use the macro mode as mentioned above, and then zoom in to your subject from a further point. You should get some bokeh doing that... experiment with different lengths etc. You can use a trick to achieve the look of different manual types of settings by taking advantage of the scene modes. (i.e. portrait for shallow DOF, and landscape for wide DOF). Take advantage of good lighting. Also, as mentioned above, there are some great how to's in DPS!!!

[Purestar]

Thanks again for all the help. I am enjoying the camera and taking pictures. I take a picture of something nearly every day. Am always looking for something. It is amazing how differently you look at the world when you have a camera in your hands. I am especially looking forward to taking pictures of my new grandbaby. I will probably drive my daughter and son in law crazy with the pictures I take.

Tans for all the helpful tips. This website is terrific. I'm looking forward to connecting with other photographers. I'd love to find a group in the greater Boston area that does walking photo shoots around the area.

[PaulVI]

Hi, also a newbie here,

but I was able to squeeze a shallow DOF from my PowerShot A630. Try shooting at max zoom and as close as you can get to the subject (with focus, of course). For mode, try macro or portrait, which I believe is geared toward that bokeh effect.

Let us know how it worked out!