How do you guys focus for self portraits?

[FreeloaderJoe]

Doing quite alot of self portraits at the moment. No one else seems to want to be photographed. How do you end up getting the focus right? What are my options.

 

[joescrivens]

I'd say the best thing would be to go tethered to a laptop then you can see yourself in the laptop for the focus etc. using a cable or wireless release to take the shot

 

[karmagarda]

A popular way is to put an object, like a stand/spare tripod/similar, at the exact place you'll be standing. Focus on that, then switch the camera/lens to manual focus

 

[ryanyboy]

Joe's idea is a great one. Alternatively shoot with very small appertures so that focus accuracy is not so crucial. Or, using a tripod, prefocus on something and then sit exactly where you prefocused.

I'm sure there are some other great ways....

 

[Marc]

I'd say the best thing would be to go tethered to a laptop then you can see yourself in the laptop for the focus etc. using a cable or wireless release to take the shot

That's ok if you have live view and can use that when tethered otherwise tethered shooting only allows you to view the image after it's been taken. The pre focus is usually a good idea but, if you have a plain background, using wide area focus and an aperture of around f5.6 or smaller (Your distance from the camera or focal length may also have a bearing) plus a remote works very well.

 

[mrtoad]

use the timer..
press the shutter focus and take up my position
i think it wont focus until the last stages of the timing circuit...guessing here

but i take the shots at arms length anyway so i am pretty close to the position when i push the shutter

a release would do it

as for manual focus...use a tape measure

 

[Marc]

use the timer..
press the shutter focus and take up my position
i think it wont focus until the last stages of the timing circuit...guessing here

Don't know abut other cameras but mine focuses when you press the shutter, then the timer starts.

 

[mrtoad]

Don't know abut other cameras but mine focuses when you press the shutter, then the timer starts.

this is what i wasnt sure about...it could explain some mistakes i got in focus
thanks