rfcoakley Loc: Auburn, NH

Using BBF, I have always set the focus prior to shutter release. However, for some recent holiday group shots, this standard focusing technique has had some disappointing results when I used a timed shutter release to be part of a group photo. In follow-up assessment, I'm thinking that, with my D810, a better focusing technique for this situation would be to use Full time servo AF mode in live view using the Face Priority AF Area mode. That way, focus will be adjusted at shutter release time. Have others had similar focus issues with timed (or remote) shutter release?

BebuLamar

I think BBF is the better choice. When I use the self timer I always focus manually so the camera doesn't try to focus when the shutter trips as the AF points may not pointing to where I want them to be. Using BBF is the same as pre focus manually.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Are you thinking the focus point changed after you released the BBF button or did you have trouble setting the focus because of the group's failure to remain in position?
What if you used a little smaller aperture creating a little deeper depth of field?

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I always use BBF and full time servo on all my cameras, that way subjects are and will stay in focus all the time, as long as I have my finger on the button, easy choice! With stationary subjects you do not need the finger on the button, as focus stays put! In certain situations (for really critical focus), I will focus manually!

rfcoakley Loc: Auburn, NH

its the movement of the group that is the issue. If the group remained in focus during the time that I leave the camera and enter the scene, there would be no issue, but, especially for young children, it can be hard to avoid movement within the group that detracts from focus accuracy. Yes, a smaller aperture would add depth of field for more tolerance to imprecise focus. However, increasing depth of field may be contrary to the desired outcome (e.g., a blurred background).

Since the camera has a live view setting that provides the capability to adjust focus after the photographer leaves to enter the scene, I thought that would be a good approach.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Perhaps you need more DOF to keep the group in focus...

Best,
Todd Ferguson