Learn how to focus a portrait and capture pin-sharp eyes with our simple step-by-step tutorial and expert camera focusing techniques.
Portrait photography often means using a wide aperture and longer focal lengths to create a shallow depth of field, throwing the background out of focus.
This makes focusing more important than usual, as sharpness is captured across a very narrow plane, often of just an inch or two.
SEE MORE: A layman’s guide to depth of field – how to check and affect sharpness like a pro
On top of this, you have a moving subject, so focusing on precisely the right point at precisely the right moment is crucial.
Follow these focusing tips for perfectly sharp portraits every time.
SEE MORE: 10 portrait photography mistakes every photographer makes (and how to avoid them)
How to focus a portrait: 01 Focus on the eyes
The eyes are the most vital element of a portrait, so it's essential to record them sharply, particularly if you're using a wide aperture.
Some photographers like to focus using the central focus point and then recompose, while others will set an off-centre focus point.
Whatever method you choose, those peepers need to be pin-sharp. If the focus is off, it's usually only by a whisker, so don't be fooled into thinking you've got it right just by glancing at the LCD screen.
Review the image properly by zooming in on the eyes to make sure they're sharp.
READ MORE
Photography lighting made simple: classic one-light portraits to try right now!
Master your camera’s autofocus: which AF points to use and when to use them
How to retouch portraits like a pro: 9 simple ways to polish off your people pictures
14 portrait photography tips you’ll never want to forget
No comments:
Post a Comment