Shooting through the fence

[jgbkab]

I took some pictures at my son's little league games and I was pretty happy with the first results. However, I came to DPS to see how to get better results and tried to apply them only to get worse results. I tried a wider aperture (from DPS) and a shorter focal length (my own doing) and was wondering if the shorter focal length was the reason for more of the fence being seen in the photos? The aperture? Both?

1st image



Camera Canon EOS REBEL T1i
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 84 mm
ISO Speed 800

[Sterling]

With everything else being equal, a shorter focal length will produce a greater depth of field. This is likely why the fence is so visible in the second shot. It looks like your first shot was from farther away and with a longer focal length. This will give a shallower depth of field - so shallow that the fence is so out of focus that it almost disappears. This is the key to shooting through fences. You must make the fence so far out of the focus zone that it disappears. Do a search for a depth of field calculator to get an idea of what will and won't be in focus using different apertures, focal lengths, and subject distances. If your camera has one, you can also use the depth of filed preview button to see exactly how much will be in focus.

[zona5101]

what Sterling said...

[Jim Bryant]

You can get away shooting through a fence with a long lens (70-200 and above) and wide open aperture. Those wide angles and normal lenses just don't cut the mustard.

[charlie1s]

Also stand as close to thh fence as possible.... The closer the better

[jgbkab]

The lens I used is a 70-200mm but I guess I'm gonna have to go to the back fence and try shooting from there. They're having a double header on Saturday so I guess I'll try again then.

[charlie1s]

I shoot alot of my daughters dance compatitions. The nice thing about digital is you practice on other subjects(other kids) and view the work on the spot.Then when it's time to take pictures of your kid you already know what settings you need.Also don't depend on auto focus. Get as much distance between the fence and the subject...(you close ro the fence and the subject farther away and bring it in with the zoom

291a.jpg picture by charlie1s - Photobucket 291a.jpg picture by charlie1s - Photobucket

I hope these work.Both pictures were taken as described.I was may be 2-3 ft. from the fence and the lions wer about 20-30 ft. from the fence,using the same set up that you have. The only work done on them is a little contrast and cropping.

[kirbinster]

I would go with what Sterling said, but if that does not work for you I am certain this will solve the problem for you: