How do I....?

[Poider]

Is there a section here for people to ask how to do something? If not should there be?
I would like to know what settings to use on my camera to get all of the balls below in focus,
This was focused on the second ball;

A priority (f/5.3)

and this was focused on the first ball;

A priority (f/36.0)
I used aperture priority mode and would like to know how to have all the balls in focus
Peter

The effect you are talking about is called "Depth Of Field".

There are 3 things that have a direct impact on DOF. 1. Aperture - The smaller the opening, the more DOF. Your F/36 is the right direction.. but is not all there is to work with (as you can see by how dark the image is) 2. Distance - The farther you are from your subject, the more DOF. Back up a little. 3. Focal Length - The wider the lens (18mm is wider than 55mm) the greater the DOF.

Try this... 18mm, F/11, 3ft away from the first ball. That should give you about 6ft of Depth.

[RichardTaylor]

You may find this handy.
It's a depth of field calculator.

Online Depth of Field Calculator

[Michael_2010]

The technique section of this forum has a lot of valuable info about setting up various shots. You could also post in the critique section and get some feedback. Several people will be happy to dissect your photo and offer some ideas.

[WooD]

All the camera settings in the world wont help you until you get your subject properly lite.

No way to have them evenly lite using an on camera flash.

[Biomech]

This might help:



lol no just kidding
Basic rule of thumb, whatever your focus point is, you'll get 1/3 infront and 2/3rds behind in focus.



Try dropping your aperture - f36 is manic! So maybe try F8 and focus on the brown ball, see what happens.

[phaither]

I'd love to see the reshoot using the suggestions. Please share!

[Poider]

Thank you all, I will try the suggestions this afternoon when I return from work.
Peter