Focusing on the eye

[anniephoto]

Hi, I was wondering what techniques other people used to make sure they got the eye(s) in perfect focus when doing portraits? Obviously with posing adults it's not that complicated but with children or candid shots it can be much more difficult...just interested as it can really make or break some portraits and wondered if there was anything else I could try? I love it when it works and am soooo frustrated when it doesn't (...mind you few non toggers seem to notice!!! Wish they'd appreciate how tricky it can be!)

 

[AliB]

It's a real skill all right! Have a look at http://www.helenbartlett.co.uk/index.php you should find some cracking stuff in Helen's site.

With adults posing, you are right, they are fairly static so it's not too hard to shift a focus point and get it right even shooting wide open it's possible.

With candids and kids I still shoot at f2.8 on the 70-200mm and sometimes it's just a case of waiting to get a clear and clean shot. At last week's wedding I stood still for what seemed like ages waiting for one lady to turn into the light. I set myself in the right position and just waited. Getting the right distance helps too. If you read off a DOF calculator you will see that distance can be critial. On the D700 with a 70-200mm @200mm at 10m I have nearly 50cm depth of field (the bit in focus) to play with but at 5m I only have 10cm. So the closer you are, the harder it is.

Might be worth just working your way through some DOF scenarios for your different lenses and you will be able to identify some sweet spots that might make it easier.

 

[Cistron]

There is obviously some luck involved and the autofocus-lens combination needs to work properly.

However, since the autofocus sensors require some contrast to lock on, it is advisable to aim at the iris-sclera border.

edit: and of course what Alison said

 

[desantnik]

The other tip I suggest is to knock it into single focus point AF mode - the focus assist points are fantastic for most things, but nailing a shallow DOF on an eye it will c0ck it up.

Also, get the hang on shifting focus points around as you compose and frame the shot.

Don't know how easy those things are to do on a 7D but they are easy on a D300/D700/D3

 

[anniephoto]

Thanks for the tips! I'll try them all out! Had been muddling through with manual focus thinking that Autofocus would struggle to find the eye so will knock it down to the single focus point and try it out today.... my 2 year old and 5 month old should give me plenty to practice on...they never sit still for a second!

Alison, helen's site is inspiring for eye focus!!!! Thanks for the link. I have a 70-300 IS and the autofocus seems terrific on it and I got some great portraits with it last weekend so will work some more with it!