Focussing for portraits

CanonFodder

CanonFodder

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Dave
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Hi all

Just wondering - I was at a wedding recently and the photographer would, just before a group shot (or any shot really) get people to smile, then quickly raise the camera slightly to point at what seemed to be just above everyone's heads, and then brought it back down to take the picture.

So I was wondering why he did this and what he was doing? Is it a normal/recommended technique?

Thanks in advance!

Dave
 
He was using the cameras centre point to get focus probably on the brides face, and then recomposing the image while holding that focus lock.
A very common way of working
 
or using 51pt 3D - if using a Nikon D3 or similar - a great way to focus!
 
paul_g said:
He was using the cameras centre point to get focus probably on the brides face, and then recomposing the image while holding that focus lock.
A very common way of working
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I think this must have been what he was doing.

I'm still not quite sure what the steps are for this though! Point the camera above peoples faces, focus...on someones face....(?) and then hold the focus and bring the camera back down??

Have I got that wrong?
 
what you're aiming to achieve is that the most important part of the image is in focus and in a group shot at a wedding that is likely to be the brides face. So you position the focus point you are using on the brides face, half press the shutter button or press whatever button you use to focus so that the focus is locked and then move the camera back down so that the image is what you want it to be composition wise. At this point the focus point could well be on the brides midriff but that doesn't matter, the focus has been locked in place previously.

The risk of this technique is that if you rock back or forwards as you recompose the focus lock you have will no longer be correct. It may not be too important on a big group shot but if you're trying to nail the eye on a shallow DOF portrait shot it does become an issue. Because of this its a good idea to use the focus point closest to the key part of the image rather than always using the centre point and minimise the distance the camera moves when you recompose. That is assuming the camera you are using has reliable af on its outer focus points but thats another story.....

Edit. Just seen you've been official 'tog at a wedding. what's your technique to achieve correct focus?
 
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Thanks so much for that Paul!

It makes perfect sense now! I'm going to try that out!

Yeah when I was doing the wedding(s) it was very much a learning curve and to focus for the B&G shots I was using manual or AF with manual selection points. I'd certainly not used the recompose technique.

I've been asked to do a couple more shoots, one of which is a wedding and I'm not sure about it. I did my sisters wedding and reception but one of her friends wants me to be the official tog for her wedding and that's a bit different to doing it for family - I'm not a professional really and don't have all the techniques down yet or the kit (although could hire that I guess).
 
CanonFodder said:
I'm not a professional really and don't have all the techniques down yet or the kit (although could hire that I guess).
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Just had a look at your website and your work looks pretty good. Not a lot to worry about.
 
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Thanks Andrew :)

I wouldn't worry about anything anyone really asked me to do apart from weddings, simply because of their importance. My current kit doesn't give me a great deal of flexibility in terms of low light either which isn't ideal for weddings! Been lucky with weather so far!
 
CanonFodder said:
Hi all

Just wondering - I was at a wedding recently and the photographer would, just before a group shot (or any shot really) get people to smile, then quickly raise the camera slightly to point at what seemed to be just above everyone's heads, and then brought it back down to take the picture.

So I was wondering why he did this and what he was doing? Is it a normal/recommended technique?

Thanks in advance!

Dave
Click to expand...

He's a pillock :lol:

While it's true you usually do focus on the Bride's face any modern tog would do so by moving the focus point onto her face WHEN the shot has been composed - otherwise there is a risk, slight though it may be, of the focus then being wrong

To not use your camera's clever bits and get it right without question means you're (he's) a pillock IMO

:D

DD
 
Dman said:
Nice edit, after you'd looked at his site ;)
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First comments still stands though - he knows he doesn't have the gear or the experience to shoot a wedding. Might be fine in good weather with a perfect location and easily managed B/G & guests - you don't always get that! BTW I only shoot one wedding every 20 years or so!
 
awp said:
First comments still stands though - he knows he doesn't have the gear or the experience to shoot a wedding. Might be fine in good weather with a perfect location and easily managed B/G & guests - you don't always get that! BTW I only shoot one wedding every 20 years or so!
Click to expand...

FWIW, I agree with you.
 
Thanks guys! Yeah I know my limitations, hence being very hesitant about saying yes to doing the wedding for someone outside the family! I'm confident enough in my ability to get good shots but with lack of experience a non-perfect day in terms of weather, venue, people and a lack of flexible kit could ruin it!
 
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