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Achieving Focus on all people in a group Photo
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Hi,
I have problems acheiving full focus on all people in a group scenario where there is more than one row. I’m using a Canon 5D. Is it best to use the mid focus point? I have tried turning on all focus points but when I go to take the photo they don’t all stay on. Please help, I have a christening this weekend!!Maggie,
Have a look at “Depth of Field” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_field” onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;
You will need to calculate the aperture you need to get a reasonable depth of field for the rows of people.
For example, if you are using a 50mm f/1.4 lens at 10 feet from the subjects, at f/1.4 your depth of field is only about 1 foot.
By increasing the aperture to f/4.0, your depth of field goes to about 3 feet. at f/8, it’s about 6 feet.
so, if you’re at f/8, and you focus on one person, all people 3 feet in front and 3 feet behind will be in focus.
its’ much easier to just use centre spot focusing, pick a person in the middle of the depth of field, half depress the shutter button, then compose for the whole group.
Of course by increasing the f-stop, you then need more light. make sure you have enought light to get a good exposure. Bouncing a good flash off a ceiling will help enormously. Or increase the ISO, but don’t go too far or you’ll get noisy images.To help your understanding of this have a play with this on-line depth of field calculator:
http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html” onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;Rgds,
Dave.If you shooting using wide angle lens around 17 to 28mm I would use f6.3 or f7.1 ( depends how many rows), this will focus all people and blurr background. If you use 35 to 50mm – f at at least 8 up to 11.
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