Getting the face/eyes in focus

[minties]

I've only just become the owner of an entry level DSLR a couple of days ago, so I really have NO idea what I am doing. I have been practising a lot though!

For now I have everything set to auto (nikon D3100), and using the standard lense the camera came packaged with (nikkor 18-55mm).

I've been taking a lot of pictures of my 9 month old son; only trouble is babies do not stay still long enough for me to figure out how to keep the focus locked on his eyes/face

90% of the shots are ok when viewed in a small resolution, but I would like to have some printed out and I want the face and eyes to be well focused. I don't want fancy pictures, just focused ones.

Is it just a case of reading the instruction manual front to back, or am I doing something wrong? Or am I expecting too much of my son, to stay still? The camera just chooses where it wants the focus to be.

Example pictures, where his face isn't in focus as I would like. The garden one I realise there is a plant that seems to have interfered on the left.

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by minties

The camera just chooses where it wants the focus to be.
.

For portraits, I put the camera on single point focus and aim at the eye. If you let the camera choose, 9 times out of 10 it will choose the nose because it is closer

You can also go with a smaller aperture (larger number) so that you get a larger DOF and the nose as well as the eyes will be in focus.

[autofocus]

For now I have everything set to auto (nikon D3100),

...part of the problem. I underscore what Scott said above. There are some basic things you'll have to learn about using that new toy, and without that knowledge you will continue having these problems

90% of the shots are ok when viewed in a small resolution, but I would like to have some printed out and I want the face and eyes to be well focused.

Understand that all digital cameras will produce images that will need some degree of sharpening in post processing. However, no level of sharpening in post processing will fix an image that's too blurry.

Is it just a case of reading the instruction manual front to back

Yes, a must, and maybe you'll need to do this 10 more times until you get more comfortable with the various settings, and how and when to use them. I can't emphasize this too much. And if you get to a point that you simply don't understand post the question here on DPS..you will find many here willing to help

Or am I expecting too much of my son, to stay still?

No, timing and camera settings will help you conquer this

The camera just chooses where it wants the focus to be.

As Scott noted above, you will have to learn how to select the proper focus point..otherwise it'll be pure luck to get it right. At this point, you will need to learn the basics, apply that knowledge, and many of your problems will go away.

[TraceyHill3]

I agree with the above advice. I have had my Nikon D90 for 2 years and now have finally figured out how to use the AF-C mode and select the focus point! I keep my shutter speed pretty high when shooting kids and babies.

[3bayjunkie]

i would read this: Amazon.com: David Busch's Nikon D3100 Guide to Digital SLR Photography (9781435459403): David D. Busch: Books instead of the user manual. I have his book for the D7000 and its excellent. tells how to do everything in plain english and describes each function perfectly. with pictures.

[Anne12343]

So if I use my d90, how do I use af-c and then recompose? I can set it on af-c, I can't recompose well and not have my subject centered in the middle of the photo.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by Anne12343

So if I use my d90, how do I use af-c and then recompose? I can set it on af-c, I can't recompose well and not have my subject centered in the middle of the photo.

You have two choices. 1) press and hold the shutter have down while aiming the focus point on the subject (eyes, if a portrait), recompose the image, and follow through with the shot by depressing the shutter the rest of the way..or 2) read your manual and learn how to select your focus point by dialing it in on your subject. To me, this is the preferred method. Here are some directions I pulled off the web on how to do that on your D90:
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Here are the instructions to move the "focus box" around with the multi-selector

1) turn on the camera
2) go to menu> custom settings menu > AF-area mode
3) select "single point af"
4) on your camera body, there should be a switch that switches between a dot and a "L". L stands for locked. Make sure the switch points to the dot.
5) Now make sure that your exposure mode (the dial on the top-left of camera) is set to either P,A,S, or M.
6) You should now be able to move the "focus box" around via the multi selector.