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We all have to walk before we run, but I'm not even near crawling!
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Oct 4, 2012 11:09:23   #
SheenaghGebhard Loc: Cornwall - UK
 
I'm sorry to ask such a dumb question, but after trawling through many questions and answers regarding, depth of field, apeture, ISO settings etc., I don't even know where you find the information that tells you the settings your photo was taken on in order to address the problem in the image! The attached photo has the bubbles in focus but the child is blurred. I think this is because my DOF is too short? Can someone tell me where I can find the info on the picture so I could maybe begin to figure out how I could have taken them both in focus? I am in the process of organising some tutoring so the technical jargon of F stops, ISO and apeture do not remain what currently might as well be "Swahili"

Grace & Bubbles
Grace & Bubbles...

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Oct 4, 2012 11:27:05   #
johneccles Loc: Leyland UK
 
All the aspects such as ISO, aperture, depth of field, exposure etc seem to be spot on, its only the focus seems to be the problem!!
I think your camera has focused on the nearest bubbles and therefore made your girls face slightly out of focus. I will make some suggestions which may help:
1: Use automatic setting
2: Stand a bit farther away, a couple of feet should do
3: Stand much farther away and use some zoom not to much though
Try all these suggestions separately not all at the same time. I hope this helps and I am sure you will soon be getting lots of help.
Cheers John Eccles

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Oct 4, 2012 11:29:38   #
tk Loc: Iowa
 
What camera are you using? DSLR's will tell you in the LCD display at the bottom of the screen. If you process a photo it should display there someplace, depending on the program. With Picasa it is in the bottom left hand corner when you bring up that picture.

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Oct 4, 2012 11:48:59   #
Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.
 
To me it seems like the DOF just isn't enough. A larger F stop would give you more depth of field in the picture so that you would have the bubbles and the girl in focus. Someone correct me if I'm wrong I'm still learning.

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Oct 4, 2012 11:53:06   #
GrandmaJoy Loc: North Carolina
 
That is a precious photo.

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Oct 4, 2012 12:21:56   #
SheenaghGebhard Loc: Cornwall - UK
 
Thanks to you all and to you TK - I've just checked it in Piccaso and this is what it says......EOS 7D, 1/1250s, focal length 52.0mm, f/6.3, ISO 400. Would that translate that I had set the shutter speed fast because the kids were moving and the day was bright and then the camera set the rest automatically? I think I might have been experimenting with Tv Shutter priority. If you were shooting photographing moving objects on a bright sun shiny day and you wanted to try something otherthan auto, what would you suggest would capture the best images, TV (shutter) priority or Av (apeture) priority. Apologies again for such a basic question!

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Oct 4, 2012 12:48:06   #
tramsey Loc: Texas
 
Ugly Hedge Hog rule #8: Do not apologize for any question if the answer is not known. Please ask another, maybe I'll learn something to.

Frankly I don't see anything wrong with the photo. You have bubbles in focus, the girl is just slightly out of focus but nothing serious, lighting is great, compotion could be changed just a little but I think its a really good shot. What a beautiful little girl.

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Oct 4, 2012 12:50:42   #
SheenaghGebhard Loc: Cornwall - UK
 
Thank you! - I take particular heart from "Rule No.8"

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Oct 4, 2012 13:06:50   #
photoninja1 Loc: Tampa Florida
 
From where I'm looking, you're doing pretty well. I love the picture even though the child is a bit soft. The camera will try to focus on the nearer object (bubbles in this case). If you feel that you need more DOF, then shoot from a somewhat greater distance, increase the f stop or use a shorter focal length (not as much zoom).

Manual focusing would allow you to zero in on the child to make her sharper. The bubbles will not be as sharp, but they may not be so important to the picture...you decide. And keep shooting! I want to see more of your work.

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Oct 4, 2012 13:21:27   #
RaydancePhoto
 
photoninja1 is correct in that if you move farther back your DOF will be deeper with a given Aperture. 1/500 is plenty fast for your shot, and would give you a greater DOF in that shot because the camera would have chosen a higher f/#.

I see all the time photographers (myself included) shoot to frame the image just right in the camera, not leaving room to crop. With the high pixel rates of today's cameras, we can move farther back so as to get that greater DOF if that is what one is after at the time of the shot. My newest camera is 24Mp, I am practicing leaving a lot of room in each shot, this gives me options in post processing.

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Oct 4, 2012 14:15:34   #
rodart Loc: Comanche, TX
 
SheenaghGebhard wrote:
I'm sorry to ask such a dumb question, but after trawling through many questions and answers regarding, depth of field, apeture, ISO settings etc., I don't even know where you find the information that tells you the settings your photo was taken on in order to address the problem in the image! The attached photo has the bubbles in focus but the child is blurred. I think this is because my DOF is too short? Can someone tell me where I can find the info on the picture so I could maybe begin to figure out how I could have taken them both in focus? I am in the process of organising some tutoring so the technical jargon of F stops, ISO and apeture do not remain what currently might as well be "Swahili"
I'm sorry to ask such a dumb question, but after t... (show quote)


First off I like your photo! If I was trying to get everything in focus I would try to shoot no more than about 100mm focal length and shoot a smaller (higher number) aperture.

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Oct 4, 2012 14:25:15   #
WildBill Loc: South West Florida
 
DOF has to be deep because focus points are all going to be on those bubbles. f6.3 is the issue. I would suggest Aperture priority and set it at f9 and check results. You may need to go smaller still (f13) to get the DOF you are looking for. As mentioned, stepping back will help too. You might even try a fixed focus point on the girl. That would blur the bubbles a bit though if you use the same settings. I really like the photo actually. Not sure I would change it. Very cute.

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Oct 4, 2012 15:00:45   #
RMM Loc: Suburban New York
 
Here;s a good definition: http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

Also, do a search here on UHH. There are references to an interactive depth-of-field exercise where they show a similar subject and show the effect with various camera settings that you choose.

You could have shot at a lower speed (e.g., 1/250 second or 1/500 second) and a smaller aperture (f/11 or f/16) to get a wider depth of field while still capturing without blur. How you arrive at your settings will depend on your camera and choice of modes.

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Oct 4, 2012 15:09:26   #
johneccles Loc: Leyland UK
 
Its me again, as I said you will get lots of excellent advice but as a basic initial step don't get too close, you can always crop.
John Eccles

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Oct 4, 2012 15:30:07   #
sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL
 
I'm lazy so here's what I would have done.

Take the picture the second time BUT

Focus on the child and when it's done, don't press the button the rest of the way, tell the child to blow the bubbles and THEN press the rest of the way. She's in focus and bubble are within the DOF.

Sarge69

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