Trying to get the hang of it...

[Aqueelah]

As I have discovered through various critiques, my photos are not appearing as sharp and focused as they should be. I was wondering if this picture was headed in a better direction and if the composition is appropriate. I'm thinking the picture is too warm. I'm really trying to get the hang of this focusing and sharpening thing



Untitled | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Sony DSLR-A230
ISO 400
1/160
f/5.6
60.0 mm

Flickr: Sonni Max's Photostream

[corvus2606]

it looks to me like you're focusing just slightly in front of the subject, in fact, in the large version of this image "not appearing as sharp and focused as they should be" is a bit of an understatement. I cant tell for certain if you were using autofocus or not, but i have to assume not as there isn't anything that's actually sharp.

my best advice I can give on this, is use AF, it helps(the pro's do use it too), just make sure it focuses on the correct part of the shot, which should be her eyes ideally.

[JFSanders]

Did you do any post processing on her eyes? In the attachment image it looks like it was spray painted to add white to the whites and a catch light as well. The focus is off quite a bit. Are you doing any Gaussian blur in post as well? And if so can you post the SOOC image?

She is absolutely gorgeous.

Jim

[slugger]

I agree, it doesn't appear that anything is in focus. sorry!
It does seem warm but I like that about this photo, as far as any other critique, it's a bit busy, as far as colors in the background and her large earrings and ring, it may have been a bit better if she didn't have her hand on her face.
She is very pretty hopefully she will let you keep practicing with her!

[Aqueelah]

Mmmm, I'm not quite sure what SOOC image is you're referring to (I'm still new to PS). But I did post process her eyes, I lifted the exposure in them and I believe I experimented with the blur tool. I kinda played around with a few things to enhance the photo.... I guess I really don't have the "eye" for focusing bc I am just not seeing it in this photo-----the "unfocusness" I will definitely continue to practice with her, thanx for the feedback One thing I have an issue with AF is that it often takes a min to focus on the subject and doesn't get as close as I would like. If the photo is not focused to begin with, then saving it is useless? Wow, I gotta develop that eye, LOL

[fais54]

Aqueelah, look at the eyes, and look at the flower ring especially. See how they're not sharp and are a bit blurred? Her entire face is out of focus, but those stand out the most.

Compare it this photo on your Flickr:
Lime Light | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

That would be an in-focus photo. You can see the differences when the photos are larger, although it's pretty obvious anyway in that first pic. SOOC means 'Straight Out of Camera' meaning the image before any post editing was done to it in Photoshop, Lightroom, etc.

I'm not a master at it, but I would suggest using Autofocus - I would imagine it would be quicker to use than Manual focus - just make sure there's plenty of light, focus on the eyes, and hold the camera steady or use a tripod.

Another little tip, I would be sure to get more than one shot of the same pose, just to be sure if you didnt get the focus right the first time, you may have gotten it the second or third time.

Good luck and keep us posted

[Aqueelah]

Wow, fais54, you're tip was extremely helpful. I do notice her ring is not sharp . *Something's clicking* I will definitely put these tips into practice. Thank you everyone very much for the honest feedback.