I find that i have trouble with this and i end up with loads of out of focus images. Is there and easier way then trial an error? is there a rule for F-stop that is good to follow?
I find that i have trouble with this and i end up with loads of out of focus images. Is there and easier way then trial an error? is there a rule for F-stop that is good to follow?
Use spot metering and focus directly on the eyes. If you don't use spot metering your camera will likely find some other feature to focus on!
So I shouldn't be manual focusing? Or should I be using spot metering with manual focus?
You can do autofocus, with just the center metering spot!
How close to your subject are you and watch fstop are you using? Most current cameras have such good AF that if you are stable you should be able to get sharp focus on the eye with AF
I'm usually fine with closer stuff like 2-3ft, but i run into problems when i'm at 8-12ft
I have the same problem actually
Back button focus with the central sensor selected. On almost any body, that's going to be the most sensitive sensor. Recompose, and shoot. If you've got a new AF body and fast glass, then it may not be a focus issue. Is your shutter speed high enough? I shot in Av yesterday, and forgot to set the ISO to auto. Ended up with some shots at 1/30, which don't look so great. And yes, there is a minimum setting for that too. at least with Canon. Also make sure you have enough DOF. Just because your lens opens up to 1.4, doesn't mean you can shoot at that and get the sharpness you need.
Man, I could list my mistakes all day long.
I did a shoot the other day in AV and I also forgot to set the ISO to auto. I'm having a hell of a job salvaging usable images from it (I was inside and there was both Tungsten lighting, Fluorescent lighting and a projector screen all at the same time and of various degrees of intensity! I also forgot to set my white balance to auto).