Where to focus ... ??

[soestranged]

Hi,

Please share your thoughts on "Where to focus" in the following situations:

1. Focusing 2-3 people together:
It's advised to focus in eyes while taking a portrait (in most cases), but where to focus while taking a photo of 2 people standing next to each other but distance between them restricting to focus in eyes of both of them at the same time.

(Don't want to increase DOF as I want that blur background.)


2. While shooting buildings (Architecture):

Apart from using higher F number (Higher DOF), where to put the focus point.

Also, in a camera with 51 point AF system. Shall I use the Auto area (selecting maximum AF Points) or the Dynamic Area here??

3. In sunset photography:

What AF area should be used, Auto Area or Dynamic or Center weighted ? Apart from high DOF ?

Guys please pour in your own opinions and experiences !!! If you have photos to share please do that.......

[wulf]

1. Make sure all of them are within the plane of the DoF. Focus is about distance from the camera NOT just a single point (unless you've got a very dodgy lens).

2. It depends on the point of interest on the building. Again, think about the sharp area as a plane rather than a point - you should be able to find a point where you can get the whole front of the building in focus.

3. Manual focus and use of the hyperfocal distance might be a better bet. A sunrise / sunset is a situation where the AF system will definitely struggle.

Wulf