focusing

[blitzkrieg69]

first off, I'm a NOOB!

my problem/question is that i cant seem to get the right focus on pictures where i would say lay on the road or along the side of a bridge.(hard for me to explain) here is a sample picture to help explain more.(i took this)

like how its just focused on that spot and not most of the rail and before the focal point. unlike this picture i found on the internet.

was i too close? do i need to step back then crop some out?

thanks in advance

 

[JSD]

What you are talking about is called Depth of Field, often abbreviated here as DOF. To get more of your railing in focus you need to use a smaller aperture which is achieved be setting it to a larger number: larger number=smaller opening=more DOF. Does your camera allow you to adjust aperture?
JSD

 

[blitzkrieg69]

also heres the settings:Nkon D40 w/18-55mm
Exposure- 0.003
aperture- F/5.3
ISO- 800

 

[JSD]

also heres the settings:Nkon D40 w/18-55mm
Exposure- 0.003
aperture- F/5.3
ISO- 800

Set the camera to Aperture Priority, close the aperture down to f/8 or f/16 re-take the shot, and see what the DOF does. You should get much mre of the railing in focus...JSD

 

[blitzkrieg69]

ok will do, thanks for your help