What’s Your Preference?

Weird Girl · #1 (**permalink**) 01-21-2012, 06:47 PM

I am actually quite frustrated with the photoshoot I did yesterday because I couldn't seem to get the eyes as sharp as I wanted for the life of me. I was also having some issues with lighting. Anyway, after trashing most of the photos, I was wondering if this one works? I kind of liked the shadows because I think it gives a certain mood and depth to the image but I would like to know how others feel. Also, other than the eyes being too soft, what else could improve? Thanks for looking!

Nikon D5000
Lens: Tamron (is this my issue) 18-200mm f3.5-6.3
Shutter Speed: 1/125
Aperture: f18
Focal Length: 80mm
ISO: 400
Strobes fired (2 light system)
Edited in Lightroom

Rentham · #2 (**permalink**) 01-21-2012, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weird Girl

I couldn't seem to get the eyes as sharp as I wanted for the life of me.

Shooting at f/18 probably has a lot to do with that. Why did you pick that aperture? The shadows aren't bad, but I'm not sure they're doing the model any favors. I'm not too wild about the crop. It seems awkward in places. Too loose for a headshot, too tight for anything else.

sk66 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-21-2012, 10:33 PM

2, possibly 3, potential camera related sharpness issues.

f/18: no need to go that high and it can actually be detrimental.

1/125: Typically fast enough for 80mm but if you have poor holding technique or tend to shake a bit more. You could have opened up to f/11 and used the extra SS, it couldn't hurt.

Focus point/pattern: Not sure how you focused. You should spot focus on the eyes. Pic actually looks like it might be sharper elsewhere in the image.

And I guess a possible 4th: Working distance. I don't know how close you were working , but a longer focal length gives you a shallower DOF. 1/2 the working distance gives 1/3 the DOF. Either way I think you should have had plenty DOF at f/11 and above if focused on the eyes, but combine shallower DOF with other issues and it could contribute.

And then there's always the processing.....

As for the image I think it's pretty good. I do think the light camera rt is a bit hard and a bit too far to the rt.

Weird Girl · #4 (**permalink**) 01-22-2012, 02:22 AM

I appreciate the feedback! I chose that aperture because even with my strobes at lowest power (1/16), I was getting blown out shots. It was so irritating because I would barely move the lights and it completely changed.this studio is in a basement whereas mine has a window so I was just lost... The crop was because of her long hair. I just didn't feel right being the one to cut it all off. And now I feel stupid because I thought when hearing everyone say larger aperture gives smaller dof, that they meant more open aperture, not a higher number. Everyone talks about a f1.8 lens having a tiny sweet spot. My camera has a picture of the aperture opening and closing so larger to me meant wider open... Anyway, after my blonde moment and admitting to it on here, I think I'll have a glass of wine and then go back to practicing lol thanks again! I know I can do this...

Rentham · #5 (**permalink**) 01-22-2012, 02:33 AM

Don't take it too hard. If this is the worst mistake you make in photography you'll be golden.

sk66 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-22-2012, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weird Girl

I appreciate the feedback! I chose that aperture because even with my strobes at lowest power (1/16), I was getting blown out shots. It was so irritating because I would barely move the lights and it completely changed.this studio is in a basement whereas mine has a window so I was just lost... The crop was because of her long hair. I just didn't feel right being the one to cut it all off. And now I feel stupid because I thought when hearing everyone say larger aperture gives smaller dof, that they meant more open aperture, not a higher number. Everyone talks about a f1.8 lens having a tiny sweet spot. My camera has a picture of the aperture opening and closing so larger to me meant wider open... Anyway, after my blonde moment and admitting to it on here, I think I'll have a glass of wine and then go back to practicing lol thanks again! I know I can do this...

Your understanding of aperture is not wrong. A smaller number=larger opening= less DOF....

Your problem is above f/11 you are into diffraction limits which can cause a lack of sharpness. Also that aperture almost matters less than working distance....closer = less DOF.

No "blonde moment"...you just took it a bit too far.

Weird Girl · #7 (**permalink**) 01-22-2012, 04:43 AM

Oh ok cool! I look forward to practicing in my own environment soon! I need to find some inspiration and then I'll get on it! How do you feel about the fact that I shot with a tamron lens vs. Nikon? I'm hoping it's just me that can't get a super sharp image no matter what setting it seems...