Avoid focus on nearest object ?

[revidia]

Hi, recently I have started to do some portraiture shots and is having this issue of focusing on the wrong nearest object. For example when the subject poses with his hands stretch out, my focus is on the hands and not on the face which isn't what I wanted.

Any tips to avoid this error ? thanks

[kcoppock]

You can either change your focus mode to Single-Area Focus, and then just point at the eyes before locking focus, or you can use manual focus. Personally, I think manual focus on a DSLR sucks (what appears in focus through the viewfinder is nearly always out of focus in the shot), so I recommend the former.

[prabbit237]

Originally Posted by kcoppock

Personally, I think manual focus on a DSLR sucks (what appears in focus through the viewfinder is nearly always out of focus in the shot)

I've got an old 50mm prime that I use on occasion that's manual focus and I agree that manually focusing via the viewfinder is pretty much impossible on most cameras. However, using the live-view on the LCD screen and zooming in to it's limits (usually 10x) and focusing that works fine. Of course that's only really doable when using a tripod but for studio work or any kind of still-life stuff, it works great.

[revidia]

Thanks, will try : )

[cyber3d]

If you have one of the Canon EOS cameras then you can use the Back-Button AF as an alternative to locking focus down with half shutter press (in the non servo assist focus mode). I've learned to use this function and I like it. I think it would really help in such situations as you describe.

Canon DLC: Article: Back-Button Auto Focus Explained

[kcoppock]

Originally Posted by prabbit237

I've got an old 50mm prime that I use on occasion that's manual focus and I agree that manually focusing via the viewfinder is pretty much impossible on most cameras. However, using the live-view on the LCD screen and zooming in to it's limits (usually 10x) and focusing that works fine. Of course that's only really doable when using a tripod but for studio work or any kind of still-life stuff, it works great.

Yeah, I've heard the Live View's really good for that sort of thing. *looks sadly as his non-live D80*

[rjbradbury]

Originally Posted by revidia

Hi, recently I have started to do some portraiture shots and is having this issue of focusing on the wrong nearest object. For example when the subject poses with his hands stretch out, my focus is on the hands and not on the face which isn't what I wanted.

Any tips to avoid this error ? thanks

Ok a few things, you wll need to be out of the fully auto modes for this.

Select the AF point closest to the nearest eye to camera, see your camera manual for how to do this.

Dont use Servo , Continuos or AI Servo focusing for portraits (unless your subect is moving) as it will get focus wrong and will force you to compose around an AF point.

Use Single shot or one shot AF for satic portraits.

Regarding half press of shutter or back button AF - use what ever is right for you. Neither will solve your current problem.

One you have selected your neareat AF point to the nearest eye, lock focus then lightly recomposethe shot with out moving forward or backward or using to large of a tilt.

Let us know how you get on.

Rick

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by rjbradbury

Ok a few things, you wll need to be out of the fully auto modes for this.

Select the AF point closest to the nearest eye to camera, see your camera manual for how to do this.

Dont use Servo , Continuos or AI Servo focusing for portraits (unless your subect is moving) as it will get focus wrong and will force you to compose around an AF point.

Use Single shot or one shot AF for satic portraits.

Regarding half press of shutter or back button AF - use what ever is right for you. Neither will solve your current problem.

One you have selected your neareat AF point to the nearest eye, lock focus then lightly recomposethe shot with out moving forward or backward or using to large of a tilt.

Let us know how you get on.

Rick

+ 1 Rick, sound advice on all points