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Mar 30, 2012 09:19:15   #
bedgmon Loc: Burleson, Texas
 
This is a question for those who are so wonderful at the critiques. Often I read that it looks as if the focus point was on the side. or the ear, or to the right of the nose, etc. How do you know or how do you see where exactly the image was focused? I think if I were able to distinguish this in self critique for my images, I might become a better people photographer. This might be why you are the professionals, you are able to discern the difference. I am not to the point I am able to PP any of my images so I really wish to do it right in camera. Thanks in advance.

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Mar 30, 2012 09:45:37   #
rodpark2 Loc: Dallas, Tx
 
Most consumer grade SLR cameras have focusing viewfinders and screens that are small and difficult to use for manual focus, or even verifying AF. The more expensive cameras do better, but may need a new focusing screen installed to help with focus. Also, the slower zoom lenses are dark and hard to focus because of the high depth of field in APS sensor cameras.
Make sure that you've set the diopter correction correctly for your eyes; this is often overlooked. Use a fast lens like a cheap 50-1.8 that will be brighter and have less DOF. Set your camera for center point AF, small area. Point the camera AF point where you want the focus to be, lock it in by pressing the shutter slightly, recompose and fire. Practice helps. This is really a difficult issue with some consumer grade cameras that were really built to take over most of the creative decisions. Even less expensive film cameras usually did a better job.

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Mar 30, 2012 12:14:07   #
bedgmon Loc: Burleson, Texas
 
Thank you for taking time to answer. I have read to focus on the nearest eye but often forget what I am doing. 😄

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Mar 30, 2012 20:16:11   #
MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy
 
Finding where the focus fell on photos posted on-line you need to look the photo and find where the image has the sharpest, crispest, most detail. That is normally where the focus fell. If the eyes look OOF/soft yet the shirt stitching on the collar has tons of detail (you can see every stitch) focus fell there.

I will try to post examples for you later this evening (after the herd is in bed).

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Mar 30, 2012 21:10:47   #
sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant
 
i do not know what camera you shoot with, but nikons come with nikon view software which has a button which will show you on the photos you download where your focus point was. alot of this also just comes with expierence. photography has a learning curve to it, but the great thing is if you are patient and put effort to learn you WILL get the hang of it.

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Mar 31, 2012 15:09:57   #
bedgmon Loc: Burleson, Texas
 
MWAC wrote:
Finding where the focus fell on photos posted on-line you need to look the photo and find where the image has the sharpest, crispest, most detail. That is normally where the focus fell. If the eyes look OOF/soft yet the shirt stitching on the collar has tons of detail (you can see every stitch) focus fell there.

I will try to post examples for you later this evening (after the herd is in bed).


Much thanks for giving me examples. I really enjoyed your "What's wrong with this portrait" thread. I learned a great deal from all the responses. I think you may be close to Denton. Isn't there an old unusable bridge close? Bluebonnets are beautiful this year. Would love to be inspired by your photos.

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Mar 31, 2012 19:15:41   #
MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy
 
bedgmon wrote:
MWAC wrote:
Finding where the focus fell on photos posted on-line you need to look the photo and find where the image has the sharpest, crispest, most detail. That is normally where the focus fell. If the eyes look OOF/soft yet the shirt stitching on the collar has tons of detail (you can see every stitch) focus fell there.

I will try to post examples for you later this evening (after the herd is in bed).


Much thanks for giving me examples. I really enjoyed your "What's wrong with this portrait" thread. I learned a great deal from all the responses. I think you may be close to Denton. Isn't there an old unusable bridge close? Bluebonnets are beautiful this year. Would love to be inspired by your photos.
quote=MWAC Finding where the focus fell on photos... (show quote)


Yes I live pretty close to Denton, I actually belong to the Denton Photo Club, Denton is the next town over.

I know the bridge, I need to head down that way.

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