Why aren't my portraits sharp?

[DannyOutlaw]

I cant for the life of me figure out why I see all these super sharp/crisp photos on photographers websites. Am I doing something wrong or is it a matter of them having a better camera?

I can tell you that my image (2nd one) was taken at ISO 250, SS 160, F 5.6

Anny help would be greatly appreciated.

Super Sharp Photo:


Now my photo....

[autofocus]

Probably a dozen potential reasons. Here's the short list:
*subject or camera moves
*too slow shutter
*wide aperture setting = thin DOF
*wrong camera setting on choice of focus mode
*letting the camera select the focus point
*multiple subjects on different focal planes
*high ISO settings
*faulty lens, front or back focuses
*inherent weakness of lens used
*camera setup/custom settings

[Niresangwa]

You're obviously shooting in a less-than-optimal setting in terms of available light, which is a huge factor...

...do you shoot RAW? Are you using high end glass? What camera body are you using? What method of focusing are you using?

Remember a great many of these images you're comparing yourself to are using high end equipment and lenses, in optimizes lighting conditions and are being processed often quite in depth, with an experienced hand.

[ishafizan]

Originally Posted by DannyOutlaw

Now my photo....

- pls share the exif
- include body and lens info too

fyi, pics can be 'enhanced' to get the results needed.

[kevingeary]

The lens is probably the most important factor here. And then the post processing that's done afterward. So what kind of lens are using?

[DannyOutlaw]

Hey guys!

The camera is a Nikon D80 with a kit 18 - 55 lens.

Center focus point.

Im not sure what else is helpful.

Can anyone share some adobe lightroom tuts on how to better post porcess?

[kevingeary]

Originally Posted by DannyOutlaw

Hey guys!

The camera is a Nikon D80 with a kit 18 - 55 lens.

Center focus point.

Im not sure what else is helpful.

Can anyone share some adobe lightroom tuts on how to better post porcess?

Kit lens basically says it all.

You can't turn chicken shit into chicken salad; Lightroom will only get you so far. Want sharper pictures? Upgrade your glass...

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by DannyOutlaw

Hey guys!

The camera is a Nikon D80 with a kit 18 - 55 lens.

Center focus point.

Im not sure what else is helpful.

Can anyone share some adobe lightroom tuts on how to better post porcess?

The kit lens isn't optimal, but I appreciate that you have to work with what you've got. I'm sure other Nikon users will give you a better idea as to what might be a feasible upgrade... usually the first step, especially for those interested in portraits is a 50mm prime (nifty-fifty, i'm not sure what Nikon offers..)

Couple of big things for you to consider in the mean time...

Remember that a lens is often much sharper when you stop it down. So if your kit lens widest aperture is f3.5, you might be better served working at f5.6 or f8. Of course that means you're going to have to compensate with shutter speed or adding more light if required to maintain a proper shutter speed. If you bump the ISO to compensate, you're going to run into trouble eventually... better to find (or make) more light.

Secondly, and correct me if you already do this but you didnt mention it, shoot and become comfortable working with RAW files. It will give you much more control when it comes to working in LR and PPing generally. You don't have to use it all of the time, but it's good to learn how, and why it's beneficial. If you want tutorials, just hit up youtube and google and you'll find plenty.

Ultimately though, it seems you're a little restricted by your gear, but that's part of the process. Though it's a factor, you'd be surprised what a kit lens can do. If you want to check it out, go to Flickr and search for images taken with that lens.

Right now, were I you, I'd be looking to learn how to control light... the better the quality of the light, the better the quality of your images.

[edbayani]

the photo you posted is a bit underexposed, and soft.just a suggestion, try shooting in good light and test the focus of your camera to see if even in good light the focus is the same as of the photo that you posted. i've seen images taken with kit lenses with remarkable sharpness and clarity. also try some post processing as most images if not all, have gone through some editing.

[ishafizan]

Remember that a lens is often much sharper when you stop it down. So if your kit lens widest aperture is f3.5, you might be better served working at f5.6 or f8. Of course that means you're going to have to compensate with shutter speed or adding more light if required to maintain a proper shutter speed. If you bump the ISO to compensate, you're going to run into trouble eventually... better to find (or make) more light.

very good advice (i'd say the same thing) the background is quite near to the boy, bokeh wise, u'd be better off using lower apertures. as said above, u'd need to play around with the iso and lower shutter speeds to get right. 'Follow the light'

for portraits, try to look for faster lens; ie lens with larger apertures. if budget is limited, try the 50mm f1.8 prime. very affordable and good value for money

digressing a bit: i just had a look at my lens usage-> 1)50mm 50.5% 2)55-250mm 31.3% 3) 18-55mm 13.1% 4)100mm 5.1% .
.. i thought i love taking landscape (with the 18-55) pics the most!