Focusing when shooting a model?

[kevinkt]

Just wondering how you guys use your camera's focus system when shooting a model.

I use the center point in my Canon DSLR on One-shot mode and then recompose the shot to my liking. I've realized that this might not be the best way to do things.

So how do you pros do it?

 

[Solarflare]

I'm not a pro, but yes, your system will not work if you have a really shallow depth of field.

With autofocus and not much movement: set the focus point manually and set it on the eye closer to the photographer.

Or focus manually, if your camera is good at that.

 

[Tee]

How many focus points does your camera have? I have 3-D tracking so I select the closest focus point and put that on her eye. That way if the model moves or I need to make a minimal adjustment, the focus point stays locked on her eyes. If you don't have that option, make use of your focus points and use the closest one. Using the center point and then recomposing seems like a gamble if you have more than one focus point.

 

[cgipson1]

^ what Tee said! Recomposing can make for soft photos unless you allow sufficient DOF!

 

[AaronLLockhart]

Spot focus, on the eyes... at all times.

 

[Alpha]

Manual focus on the part I want to be in focus.

 

[kevinkt]

My camera's center focus point is it's best (only cross-type). WIth camera tests, I've found focus/recompose to be even better than using the closest focus point.

Any other people have any ideas about this?

 

[Solarflare]

My camera's center focus point is it's best (only cross-type). [...]

That massively limits your options.

 

[LShooter]

And again, recompose only if you're not using a shallow DOF or you can blow your shot. If you shootnig 5.6, 8, etc you'll be ok. Best way is to you the focus point closest to where you want the sharpest, like the eye. Moving a focus point is easy and when you do it enough you can do it pretty quick. I like setting one for horizontal and one for vertical that are in the ball park of where I'll need so I don't have to move them too much.

 

[CKCPhotography]

On faces I manual focus on the eyes. If it's a dead on shot I focus between the eyes.

 

[MLeeK]

My camera's center focus point is it's best (only cross-type). WIth camera tests, I've found focus/recompose to be even better than using the closest focus point.

Any other people have any ideas about this?

let me guess... 5d or 5d2?
If you are in good light, the other focus points are perfectly great. If you aren't then you want to up your f/ and rely on the center focus point.

 

[Primoz]

I have a Nikon D90 and have a similar problem. (Only center focus point cross-type) So it's either focus with center and risk messing focus point up while recomposing or use a not accurate enough focus point off center.
My other focus points are not accurate enough if I'm shooting at f2.8 on a telephoto lens, so I tend to use tripod for portraits, that I want to be tack-sharp - and even then it's a lot of failed-focus images. So I recommend a good sturdy tripod to you as well.

Just FYI: I tested the D4 and D800 with a 85mm 1.4 - it's a world of difference! =) Any focus point you want- fast, acurate, sharp! - without any major frustrations I face on my D90... If I had a pro body I'd have much more keepers from my photoshoots as I do now. Just so that you know that it's not all about skill - equipment has it's limits as well! If you have the money for pro gear it's more pleasant to shoot - no doubt. But to do the best with what you have... that's another challenge

 

[MTVision]

I have a Nikon D90 and have a similar problem. (Only center focus point cross-type) So it's either focus with center and risk messing focus point up while recomposing or use a not accurate enough focus point off center.
My other focus points are not accurate enough if I'm shooting at f2.8 on a telephoto lens, so I tend to use tripod for portraits, that I want to be tack-sharp - and even then it's a lot of failed-focus images. So I recommend a good sturdy tripod to you as well.

Just FYI: I tested the D4 and D800 with a 85mm 1.4 - it's a world of difference! =) Any focus point you want- fast, acurate, sharp! - without any major frustrations I face on my D90... If I had a pro body I'd have much more keepers from my photoshoots as I do now. Just so that you know that it's not all about skill - equipment has it's limits as well! If you have the money for pro gear it's more pleasant to shoot - no doubt. But to do the best with what you have... that's another challenge

That seems odd to me. The d90 is without doubt a better camera then my d5100 and I've never had an issue using the other focal points. I rarely ever use the center point even though that's the only cross-type. In low light situations the center focal point will lock focus where sometimes the others one won't.

I don't have any fast telephoto lenses but I've never had a focusing issue with the other focal points even when shooting wide open @ f/1.4. And that is with my entry-level camera

 

[MLeeK]

That is the first time I have heard that about the D90. Not that I don't believe it. I am fairly Nikon illiterate overall, but it seems like we'd have heard it before. Have you had your lens and or camera serviced, ever?

 

[Primoz]

Well, that's my expirience with it... Maybe I should get my body checked out - but it's seems reasonable to me that a pro body is more accurate with focus than a 2008 hobby DSLR... But otherwise I am very pleased with D90's performance - I think this model is the best choice for a serious beginner in photography! I haven't noticed this problem until 2 years of doing photography more seriously - prehaps I have higher expectations now...
Could it be the dust on the mirror causing this problem?

Let me show you some examples at 2:1... (both taken on a tripod and carefully focused on the eyelashes...)

What I want (5-10% of my shots are on this level of sharpness):

Sharp by PrimozKovacic, on Flickr

But many shots turn out with slightly missed focus at 2:1 - backlight was an issue here as well...

Failed focus by PrimozKovacic, on Flickr

This image is still usable for normal sized prints and you wouldn't notice it unless you go to high magnification, but it still bothers me...

20120623_172542 by PrimozKovacic, on Flickr