focus question....

[kaleidoscope]

If I have my camera set to use the center frame for focusing, am I correct that when focusing but want my subject off-center I use the frame to focus my subject pressing the shutter button halfway then while holding it, I can move the camera to reposition my subject off center, then snap the picture? That will keep the subject in focus?

[katrinak]

that is one way you can approach it!

[anxela]

Although I read an article saying that because of the angles changing etc when you do that, you won't get a dead on focus. It will be focusing a little bit in front of or behind your actual subject. Not much, but be aware of this if you don't get the focus right. I always change my focus points.

[mugsbigsis]

I agree, it's better to change the focus points. If you are looking for info on getting the most out of your camera, check out this tutorial by Katrina. It's really fantastic and will have you wow-ing over your photos!

[kaleidoscope]

Thanks. Focus points?

Well, I've learned in the last couple of days I can't get a good background blur/shallow depth of field with my camera. My aperture only goes down to 2.6

[anxela]

I think aperture is only part of the deal with shallow depth of field/blur. A long focal length will give you less DOF than a short focal length on the same aperture. Try taking two photos with your camera, one with focal length 18 mm and one with 50 mm, both with aperture set to 2.6. You will see a big difference in your depth of field! Also, the closer you are to your subject, means shallow(er) depth of field or more blur.

In short: To get shallow DOF/background blur: Telephoto lens, wide aperture, close to your subject, subject far away from background. Those factors all add up.

Opposite: Great DOF/less background blur: Wide angle lens, small aperture, stand far away from your subject, put subject close to background.

One of my favorite lenses for portraits (ok I only have two lenses, so they are both my favorites) is my 70-200 f/2.8. It "only" goes to 2.8, but because it's a telephoto, it gives me the blur I want.

Hope that helps.

Oops. Didn't see that you don't have a DSLR. But the rules still apply. Zoom in and get close to your subject, and place the subject far away from the background to get that blur.

I'm sure Katrina can explain this better than me... Sorry if I'm not making sense.

[katrinak]

With a point and shoot, it is far more difficult to get a blurred background at any aperture, the optics are just not made the same as a dSLR.

I'd recommend that book Kelly mentioned too

[dugarner]

Attachment 626

Originally Posted by kaleidoscope

Thanks. Focus points?

Well, I've learned in the last couple of days I can't get a good background blur/shallow depth of field with my camera. My aperture only goes down to 2.6

I had a Fuji ZLR with a 2.8-8 lens. It was 10X zoom and I could get beautifully blurred backgrounds all the way out in focal length. Like other ladies have said, with a P&S, you can trick a smaller aperture by zooming out as far as you can. You need to take light into account since the aperture will stop down as you you zoom out, but if you're outside, it can work. Also, a tripod will help if you're zooming on a stationary object indoors. I took some of my best pictures with my P&S, and while I like the "elegance" of my dSLR, the advanced Prosumer P&S cameras (technically called ZLR [zoom lens reflex], if they have full manual controls but a fixed lens) are performing just as well, if not better than, many entry-level dSLRs with kit lenses. The game's not even anymore with specialty lenses, but you can do a whole lot with what you've got!

(Oh, none of this is to contradict Katrina's post. There really is a difference between what you can get with a P&S and a high-end dSLR, but I'm just trying to encourage you not to give up with it. You can do a lot more than you may think! Of course, "bokeh" is a hugely contested and thoroughly argued topic amongst photographers; everyone has their own feel, their own way to achieve it, and you have to work with your particular camera. That's what makes photography so personal, individual, and unique!)

This is still one of my favorite photos, even compared with all my dSLR pictures. I took it with my S5100 P&S (ZLR) at 57mm, f5. Much more narrow DOF than you'd expect with such a small aperture, but I was about 15 feet away and I zoomed in. You can have lots of fun, and accomplish a lot artistically with a P&S. Have fun with it!!! And I recommend Katrina's book, too. It is useful no matter what your equipment.