Opinion on focus for landscape
Jan 11, 2019 09:59:50 #
In photography we understand that depth of field extends 1/3 in front and 2/3 behind the point of focus. For landscapes a small aperture like f16 or f22 should offer adequate depth of field for sharpness from foreground to background.
Even using a lens or camera with image stabilization I prefer to use a tripod which slows me down and helps me with the composition. The Manual Mode is a favorite and I even use the lens to focus manually.
Even using a lens or camera with image stabilization I prefer to use a tripod which slows me down and helps me with the composition. The Manual Mode is a favorite and I even use the lens to focus manually.
Jan 11, 2019 10:15:56 #
sandiegosteve wrote:
In a bit of a rush the other night, I didn't set up well on a few shots. One I'd normally throw away due to focus actually interests me.
So, my questions is, what do you think of a landscape where only a near subject is in focus?
I did want the horizon in focus, but I was shooting handheld just above this tide-pool hoping to not slip on the moss. And... I didn't focus right for what I thought I wanted.
So, my questions is, what do you think of a landscape where only a near subject is in focus?
I did want the horizon in focus, but I was shooting handheld just above this tide-pool hoping to not slip on the moss. And... I didn't focus right for what I thought I wanted.
It may not be what you wanted. That does not mean it is a throwaway. To me, this is a keeper as is.
Jan 11, 2019 10:20:34 #
I’m
Far from a professional, but the far end of the photo is more like a silhouette to me. I might even darken the far end to make it look more like a silhouette. I like it.
Far from a professional, but the far end of the photo is more like a silhouette to me. I might even darken the far end to make it look more like a silhouette. I like it.
Jan 11, 2019 12:05:24 #
Jan 11, 2019 12:50:16 #
sandiegosteve
Loc: San Diego, CA
Thank you all for the responses.
I think I concur that the focus mistake does detract from it. The reasons I liked it (aside from the colors) were that it made it look like a miniature world. The rocks are only knee high. The sharper images don't have that same look. The one focus spot close drew my eye, but the background is out of focus.
Here is a different one from another part of the tide pool that is in better focus. The colors didn't change (great colors are pretty common here in the fall and winter). I don't like the composition, but I was trying to go do something with a longer exposure on the other side of that rock.
Lesson learned, slow down. I've come to trust the VR on my 16-35 which I thought was a gimmick until I stated getting handheld shots close to a second long with it. I had just done a longer exposure and was switching spots when I saw the reflection and didn't take the time to do more than a quick settings change.
Thanks again for the constructive responses.
I think I concur that the focus mistake does detract from it. The reasons I liked it (aside from the colors) were that it made it look like a miniature world. The rocks are only knee high. The sharper images don't have that same look. The one focus spot close drew my eye, but the background is out of focus.
Here is a different one from another part of the tide pool that is in better focus. The colors didn't change (great colors are pretty common here in the fall and winter). I don't like the composition, but I was trying to go do something with a longer exposure on the other side of that rock.
Lesson learned, slow down. I've come to trust the VR on my 16-35 which I thought was a gimmick until I stated getting handheld shots close to a second long with it. I had just done a longer exposure and was switching spots when I saw the reflection and didn't take the time to do more than a quick settings change.
Thanks again for the constructive responses.
The handheld 1 sec exposure I was doing before the sky really lit up (1s/f22 ISO50)
(Download)
Better focus (1/60, f6.3, ISO 800)
(Download)
Jan 11, 2019 20:50:33 #
The eye goes to where the light is, which in this case is the cloud and sunset. If that's not in focus, the picture loses its impact.
As others have said, the default in landscapes is for everything to be in focus. If you're going to have stuff out of focus, it should be intentionally so, as in the case of blurred backgrounds. If you're going to have stuff very close and want the whole beeswax in focus, check out focus stacking. That, of course, is far easier with a tripod than it is shooting hand-held while sliding around on mossy rocks.
My 2p only.
As others have said, the default in landscapes is for everything to be in focus. If you're going to have stuff out of focus, it should be intentionally so, as in the case of blurred backgrounds. If you're going to have stuff very close and want the whole beeswax in focus, check out focus stacking. That, of course, is far easier with a tripod than it is shooting hand-held while sliding around on mossy rocks.
My 2p only.
Jan 12, 2019 13:09:23 #
Why would you throw away such a stunning image, unless you have better 'copies' of it? If this is your only shot, I would certainly keep it.
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