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Focusing at 2-10 feet

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daryl.com

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I have asked this question before with limited response so I apologize for the duplicate question but this issue is REALLY irking me. I start shooting shots of my little girl and the focus about 50 % of the time is on the object or background immediately behind her little head, not focused on her head like I would wish. I am using iESP and I also try to use the little focus box on the LCD to line up what I am focusing on. Can someone shed some light on this problem? Thanks,
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
 
You should be using spot focus.
daryl.com said:
I have asked this question before with limited response so I
apologize for the duplicate question but this issue is REALLY
irking me. I start shooting shots of my little girl and the focus
about 50 % of the time is on the object or background immediately
behind her little head, not focused on her head like I would wish.
I am using iESP and I also try to use the little focus box on the
LCD to line up what I am focusing on. Can someone shed some light
on this problem? Thanks,
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
Click to expand...
 
yes, spot focus is best for pics with only one kid
OlympusEye said:
daryl.com said:
I have asked this question before with limited response so I
apologize for the duplicate question but this issue is REALLY
irking me. I start shooting shots of my little girl and the focus
about 50 % of the time is on the object or background immediately
behind her little head, not focused on her head like I would wish.
I am using iESP and I also try to use the little focus box on the
LCD to line up what I am focusing on. Can someone shed some light
on this problem? Thanks,
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
David
[email protected]
 
Can you tell me why?
doan said:
OlympusEye said:
daryl.com said:
I have asked this question before with limited response so I
apologize for the duplicate question but this issue is REALLY
irking me. I start shooting shots of my little girl and the focus
about 50 % of the time is on the object or background immediately
behind her little head, not focused on her head like I would wish.
I am using iESP and I also try to use the little focus box on the
LCD to line up what I am focusing on. Can someone shed some light
on this problem? Thanks,
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
David
[email protected]
Click to expand...
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
 
Daryl,

Taking pictures of kids is my biggest challenge and the main reason I have cameras! They always move; turn the wrong way; or "ham" for the camera when you want candids!! ;)

I now use spot metering for almost all my shots, kids or otherwise, as Sandman taught me. Just remember that using the half-shutter sets both the exposure and focus while the AE lock sets the exposure only. Try it and I think you will be pleased with the results.
****:)

--
http://www.pbase.com/richardr/c2100uz_gallery
http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?portfolioId=19073
C-2100UZ&C-3000Z&D-340R
PBase Supporter
 
can you elaborate just a bit more..?
RichardR said:
Daryl,
Taking pictures of kids is my biggest challenge and the main reason
I have cameras! They always move; turn the wrong way; or "ham" for
the camera when you want candids!! ;)

I now use spot metering for almost all my shots, kids or otherwise,
as Sandman taught me. Just remember that using the half-shutter
sets both the exposure and focus while the AE lock sets the
exposure only. Try it and I think you will be pleased with the
results.
****:)

--
http://www.pbase.com/richardr/c2100uz_gallery
http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?portfolioId=19073
C-2100UZ&C-3000Z&D-340R
PBase Supporter
Click to expand...
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
 
daryl.com said:
Can you tell me why?
Click to expand...
because as the name implies, there's a particular spot of the frame you want to be in focus more than you want some other spot. In spot mode the camera only uses the center area of the image for setting focus. Put that square center on your kid's face, half-press the shutter to let it settle and lock in, then recompose if you want while still holding the half-press. When you see the shot you want, press fully, and you're golden.
 
Daryl,

The spot meter allows you to focus on the primary subject you are after. The other modes average the focus over the area covered so that you may not have the focus that you want for the main subject. You may also need to consider the depth of field when you do want to include others in good focus. This is where using Aperture Priority mode to select a higher f number instead of Program mode will help out.

Jim summarizes the exposure issue far better than I in this post:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1008&message=3773238

****:)
--
http://www.pbase.com/richardr/c2100uz_gallery
http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?portfolioId=19073
C-2100UZ&C-3000Z&D-340R
PBase Supporter
 
Are you referring to the spot setting vs. the iESP setting or the spot metering setting that is right along side the macro setting? I tried the spot focus setting, put it right on the center of my daughters face and half pressed the shutter and it locked alright, only nowhere near in focus. As you can see by my portfolios i have some decent abilities....this has become a thorn in my side since i started taking more pictures of people than scenery. Thanks,

d
RichardR said:
Daryl,
The spot meter allows you to focus on the primary subject you are
after. The other modes average the focus over the area covered so
that you may not have the focus that you want for the main subject.
You may also need to consider the depth of field when you do want
to include others in good focus. This is where using Aperture
Priority mode to select a higher f number instead of Program mode
will help out.

Jim summarizes the exposure issue far better than I in this post:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1008&message=3773238

****:)
--
http://www.pbase.com/richardr/c2100uz_gallery
http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?portfolioId=19073
C-2100UZ&C-3000Z&D-340R
PBase Supporter
Click to expand...
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
 
Spot metering is the way to go but make sure that the distance you are shooting is within the range of the camera,s focus. I have had this problem a few times when I got too close and did not go to macro mode. Next time look through the EVF and try with macro on and then off. Also sometime I have had to re-focus a few times till the camera got it right. I suspect this was because I was just on the line between normal and macro focus. If you all ready know all this then I am sorry to repeat.
Jeff S
WB9ZPO
C-21OO, E-1O

 
Daryl,

That's the one....When using spot in P mode, you also have to be conscious of the f stop....mine usually runs around 2.8 in lower light situations so that the depth of focus is pretty shallow. Try using A mode and getting the f up to at least 4.5 or 5.6 and the focal range will be deeper.

Don't feel alone; It's hard for me to remember all this stuff when trying to concentrate on moving kid targets.
****:)

--
http://www.pbase.com/richardr/c2100uz_gallery
http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?portfolioId=19073
C-2100UZ&C-3000Z&D-340R
PBase Supporter
 
I did know some of it but I appreciate it being pounded into my head some more.....it cant hurt....I just got really confused when i did put it on spot and then tried to focus at about 8 feet. I put the little box right in the center of her head and all i got was a blurry picture...
Jeff S said:
Spot metering is the way to go but make sure that the distance you
are shooting is within the range of the camera,s focus. I have had
this problem a few times when I got too close and did not go to
macro mode. Next time look through the EVF and try with macro on
and then off. Also sometime I have had to re-focus a few times
till the camera got it right. I suspect this was because I was
just on the line between normal and macro focus. If you all ready
know all this then I am sorry to repeat.
Jeff S
WB9ZPO
C-21OO, E-1O

Click to expand...
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
 
I sense that there may be a confusion about spot metering and spot focus, two different concepts? Spot metering is accessed through the button on top of the 2100, the middle of the three. It has three options, but only two if you turn off multi-metering in the menu (ESP). Spot focus is accessed through the menu, AF, which is either iESP or Spot. I use spot for both for the best results for a single kid, and non-spot metering with many (I have three). I always use spot focus though. In the many kid scenario, I compensate by focusing on the kid in the middle (depth-wise) at half shutter press, and then move the camera to frame the picture the way I want. Seems to work. ESP focus might work as well in that situation, but I'm too lazy to go to the menu :-).
daryl.com said:
I have asked this question before with limited response so I
apologize for the duplicate question but this issue is REALLY
irking me. I start shooting shots of my little girl and the focus
about 50 % of the time is on the object or background immediately
behind her little head, not focused on her head like I would wish.
I am using iESP and I also try to use the little focus box on the
LCD to line up what I am focusing on. Can someone shed some light
on this problem? Thanks,
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
Click to expand...
 
Because with one kid he is the subject of the picture and you want him in focus....spot focus guarantees that at least your subject will be in focus. iESP will try to compromise to make more of the image in focus....I use spot focus exclusively when shooting people.

Sometimes if the subject is not in the middle of the picture you need to pre-focus on the subject by half pressing the shutter then recompose your shot while holding the shutter half pressed.

I hope this makes sense.
daryl.com said:
doan said:
OlympusEye said:
daryl.com said:
I have asked this question before with limited response so I
apologize for the duplicate question but this issue is REALLY
irking me. I start shooting shots of my little girl and the focus
about 50 % of the time is on the object or background immediately
behind her little head, not focused on her head like I would wish.
I am using iESP and I also try to use the little focus box on the
LCD to line up what I am focusing on. Can someone shed some light
on this problem? Thanks,
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
David
[email protected]
Click to expand...
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
Click to expand...
--
David
[email protected]
 
Ted, I was just about to say the same thing....spot focus is required ( in my opinion) for shooting portraits and shots with only one person. Spot metering is harder and takes more practice, if the subjects face is poorly lit it can really blow out the picture. When shooting in harsh lighting where faces would be dark I find it easier to use regular meetering and bump the exposure compensation to +.7 or +1
Ted said:
daryl.com said:
I have asked this question before with limited response so I
apologize for the duplicate question but this issue is REALLY
irking me. I start shooting shots of my little girl and the focus
about 50 % of the time is on the object or background immediately
behind her little head, not focused on her head like I would wish.
I am using iESP and I also try to use the little focus box on the
LCD to line up what I am focusing on. Can someone shed some light
on this problem? Thanks,
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
David
[email protected]
 
Yes, I agree totally. In a group shot, I go to "regular" metering before using my focusing trick. Luckily for me (the lazy guy) that button is within easy access.

For Daryl's problem, he might want to go to aperture priority, and set the aperture so that he can get greater depth of field too, to make up for some of the focusing problems. That should work in good lighting, but if the lighting is poor then the camera might set the shutter speed too low. That's when I have the problem, when those little munchkins of mine start darting around the room, with their motion giving me the "blurry" shots :-).
doan said:
Ted said:
daryl.com said:
I have asked this question before with limited response so I
apologize for the duplicate question but this issue is REALLY
irking me. I start shooting shots of my little girl and the focus
about 50 % of the time is on the object or background immediately
behind her little head, not focused on her head like I would wish.
I am using iESP and I also try to use the little focus box on the
LCD to line up what I am focusing on. Can someone shed some light
on this problem? Thanks,
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
David
[email protected]
Click to expand...
 
Spot focus focuses on the spot in the center of the viewfinder.

Spot metering meters on the spot in the center of the viewfinder, but has nothing to do with focus. And when using spot focus, it is often better to NOT use spot metering.

If you are having focus problems at 2-10 feet, try using macro mode (with spot focus), especially if you are zoomed in. But that might not work well with flash photos since the flash power is reduced in macro mode.

If you are still having problems, and the camera is under warranty, get it repaired.
--
 
Just a follow up to this thread....

I shoot people now in aperature priority mode only with the stop set at around 4.0 or so. what a difference....i also shoot in spot for children or portrait shots and my focus problem has diminished. Thanks for everyones help.

d
daryl.com said:
I have asked this question before with limited response so I
apologize for the duplicate question but this issue is REALLY
irking me. I start shooting shots of my little girl and the focus
about 50 % of the time is on the object or background immediately
behind her little head, not focused on her head like I would wish.
I am using iESP and I also try to use the little focus box on the
LCD to line up what I am focusing on. Can someone shed some light
on this problem? Thanks,
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
Click to expand...
--
http://www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar
http://www.pbase.com/daryl - pbase supporter

Proudly shooting with an Olympus C4040, also.
 
That may have been your problem. The auto-focus system works on contrast detection. If you filled the box with "forehead" there's little/no sharp lines or contrast for the system to lock on to.

Try aiming for something else, say a pattern on her shirt, etc., half-press, and then line up the shot while still holding the shutter half-way.
daryl.com said:
I did know some of it but I appreciate it being pounded into my
head some more.....it cant hurt....I just got really confused when
i did put it on spot and then tried to focus at about 8 feet. I
put the little box right in the center of her head and all i got
was a blurry picture...
Click to expand...
 
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