Is this in Focus? I am trying to improve my photography. The first area I'm trying to get better on is my focus. I know when I see a picture that is in focus (other people) but can't...

PaulaBrady Loc: Havre, Mt

I am trying to improve my photography. The first area I'm trying to get better on is my focus. I know when I see a picture that is in focus (other people) but can't judge my own work for some reason. I try the center focus on the eyes. I can't go forward if I don't get this basic function done exceptionally well. Thank you to anyone that replys

Kuranui Loc: Tokoroa, New Zealand

Looks fine to me. It focuses on the main point of the shot.....the man holding the flower....so that it draws your eye there. As an artist, that appeals to me immediately.

GeneM Loc: Upstate PA

PaulaBrady wrote:

I am trying to improve my photography. The first area I'm trying to get better on is my focus. I know when I see a picture that is in focus (other people) but can't judge my own work for some reason. I try the center focus on the eyes. I can't go forward if I don't get this basic function done exceptionally well. Thank you to anyone that replys

:thumbup: I think you did quite well. Looks to me like its in focus from knees to ears. Good job.

mike 101 Loc: Quincy Mass

I think it looks great, the main subject is in good focus and the foreground and background are a little out of focus which draws you to the man.

Pierre H.J. Dumais Loc: Mississippi Mills, Ont.

PaulaBrady wrote:

I am trying to improve my photography. The first area I'm trying to get better on is my focus. I know when I see a picture that is in focus (other people) but can't judge my own work for some reason. I try the center focus on the eyes. I can't go forward if I don't get this basic function done exceptionally well. Thank you to anyone that replys

Don't be too hard on yourself. Keep it fun. You're well on the way. This is well done Paul.

Pierre

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

mike 101 wrote:

I think it looks great, the main subject is in good focus and the foreground and background are a little out of focus which draws you to the man.

As Mike has mentioned, you have a medium Depth of Field in this photo. When you encounter similar again, try for a more narrow DoF, which will completely draw attention away from foreground & background. Even the hand with flower can be soft, if the eyes are still tack sharp.

Lowering your ISO, opening your aperture, and shortening your shutter duration will accomplish this effect. You can play with combinations of aperture & shutter duration until you find the effect that you like.

Do you manually focus, or are you using small central spot? Hand-held or tripod (repeatability).

PaulaBrady Loc: Havre, Mt

Nikonian72 wrote:

As Mike has mentioned, you have a medium Depth of ... (show quote)

I usually auto focus, use the little small center focus box, and hand hold.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

PaulaBrady wrote:

I usually auto focus, use the little small center focus box, and hand hold.

So do I! Button halfway down locks focus (on face), then recompose before button all the way down to capture image.

UP-2-IT Loc: RED STICK, LA

PaulaBrady wrote:

I am trying to improve my photography. The first area I'm trying to get better on is my focus. I know when I see a picture that is in focus (other people) but can't judge my own work for some reason. I try the center focus on the eyes. I can't go forward if I don't get this basic function done exceptionally well. Thank you to anyone that replys

Well done ! Think you have accomplished your goal with this shot.

Kingmapix Loc: Mesa, Arizona

YES

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Personally I like the fact that the subject is all sharp from head to toe. I think you got the DOF spot on. I have a minimalist attitude towards bokeh.

PaulaBrady Loc: Havre, Mt

Thank you everyone:)

PaulG Loc: Western Australia

You specifically asked about focus and my answer would be no. It is obviously quite acceptable though (and a fabulous picture by the way) but the lack of focus bakground/foreground gives the illusion the man's face is actually sharper that it is. His beard/whole face is clearly not tack sharp but if you wanted to be a perfectionist, the methods have been covered in above members comments - ISO, aperture setting (dependant on lighting), focal point. I think it's admirable you are so keen to excell; after all, focus is one of the predominant issues in photography (albeit intentional or not). Any good book or "Googled" article will explain exactly how to get pin sharp images, which you appear to be striving for. I only mention all this as you specifically asked; but as I said, I think it is a really great picture and nicely composed.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

You did a good job in focusing this picture Paula! Good job!

Dunatic

It looks focused to me. I like the entire body of the man in focus, my preference. I like the flowers in the foreground in focus and wouldn't be too bothered if the flowers behind the man were in or out of focus.

Good job. Have a great day. Cheryl