Looking for feedback on why this is blurry

[a4angel]

I'm still learning the technical aspects and am trying to figure out why this image is a little blurry. I'd like to see a more "crisp" appearance. Ideas?

Camera: Nikon D90
Ap: f/4.2
Focal Length: 32.0mm
ISO: 200
Meter Mode: Matrix

[sk66]

Looks to me like the focal point is off...What was the shutter speed?

[RLucas]

It looks to me like the focus fell on the guy's boot, and the shutter speed was too low. Look at her left hand. There is quite a bit of motion blur there.

[a4angel]

1/100
I just want to add that as a new member here...I'm really impressed with the majority of the members here that are always willing to help! It's an awesome resource. So thank you!

[a4angel]

Opps...you're right, Luke. Here's another example...again, likely the shutter speed?

d90
ISO 400
1/100
f /5.6
focal 98.0mm

New found appreciation for professional photographers, that's for sure!

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by a4angel

1/100
I just want to add that as a new member here...I'm really impressed with the majority of the members here that are always willing to help! It's an awesome resource. So thank you!

Welcome aboard! glad you like it here! Ok, now that we have the shutter speed, it looks like a combination of things.
It looks like you may have some camera shake going on too. Even at 1/100, it can cause a problem if the camera isn't stabilized properly. Be sure you hold the camera with the palm of your hand supporting the bottom of the lens. Keep your elbows tucked in and close to your chest. Try widening your stance to a wider base so you have less chance of sway.

Depending on the lighting, you may want to also try and bump the ISO up a little, so you can raise the shutter speed a little more. Just until you can get the hang of hand holding correctly.

[sk66]

You are having issues with the focus...1/100 is good for anything relatively stationary. What focus pattern are you using? I'd recommend switching to "spot" for these types of shots.

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by a4angel

Opps...you're right, Luke. Here's another example...again, likely the shutter speed?

d90
ISO 400
1/100
f /5.6
focal 98.0mm

New found appreciation for professional photographers, that's for sure!

On this one, it's definitely your focus. It fell behind the little boy. The grass behind him is sharp, but he is not. SK66 is right. What focus mode are you using?

[a4angel]

AF-A

Thanks, Luke and SK66. Great tips. Back to kindergarten for me.

[highlydope]

On the D90, if you're not careful or aware, you can be in a mode where you are moving the focus selection point to something sub-optimal. There are like 5 different focus modes and 11 selectable focus points. Check the settings and consider using spot mode and/or AF face detection.

All that being said, I'm not surprised the D90 decided to focus on his foot, it's like 10 feet long and the dude seems to clearly want it featured.