Please tell me this is in focus!

[Robin Usagani]

It may also look soft if you dont know how to process RAW to JPEG (for example bad skin smoothing job, bad jpeg conversion etc.).

 

[misstwinklytoes]

getting a tripod would allow you to use slower shutter speeds if the girl isn't moving too much

 

[Geaux]

The reason they are soft is me 100% i am self taught not 100% what i am doing trail and error really thanks to useful advice here i am getting better i think i use to shoot at 1.8 and then someone suggested 2.8 so that is why i tried that... i find when i go to a f4 i just cant get the light i need(dont like flash) and i am just using natural light from my window so my shutter speed is to slow at f4 not sure what i can do about that other than get lighting or use my flash?? Here is one i did last week with suggestions i got the one i posted on the original thread this week better right? Am i on the right track?

Why don't you like flash? Bounce your flash! I think part of your problem though, is your point of focus and possibly too slow of a shutterspeed with the child. In your second example picture, there is a lot of post processing done in the face/eye area, and truthfully, not very flattering or realistic looking imo.

Here is a shot I took, WITH flash (bounced 45 degrees behind me), single point focus (on eye, half hold, recompose), and at f/1.8

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5275726939_c24c18ddf0_b.jpg (won't post the actual image in fear of 'HIJACKING' the thread)

 

[Geaux]

getting a tripod would allow you to use slower shutter speeds if the girl isn't moving too much

I'm sorry, but I don't think is good advice. If she needs a tripod to hold her camera still for certain shutters, the child is DEFINITELY not staying still enough for that lol.

 

[shannab]

i only have my flash on my camera and i find it to harsh i did purchase a light scoop and i am hoping that will help Lightscoop.com

in regard to tripod i always shoot kids and they are always moving so not a good option lol i think i just need more light so i can get a better shutter speed and work more on getting my focus points correct...

The reason they are soft is me 100% i am self taught not 100% what i am doing trail and error really thanks to useful advice here i am getting better i think i use to shoot at 1.8 and then someone suggested 2.8 so that is why i tried that... i find when i go to a f4 i just cant get the light i need(dont like flash) and i am just using natural light from my window so my shutter speed is to slow at f4 not sure what i can do about that other than get lighting or use my flash?? Here is one i did last week with suggestions i got the one i posted on the original thread this week better right? Am i on the right track?

Why don't you like flash? Bounce your flash! I think part of your problem though, is your point of focus and possibly too slow of a shutterspeed with the child. In your second example picture, there is a lot of post processing done in the face/eye area, and truthfully, not very flattering or realistic looking imo.

Here is a shot I took, WITH flash (bounced 45 degrees behind me), single point focus (on eye, half hold, recompose), and at f/1.8

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5275726939_c24c18ddf0_b.jpg (won't post the actual image in fear of 'HIJACKING' the thread)

 

[Kyna]

Here is a shot I took, WITH flash (bounced 45 degrees behind me), single point focus (on eye, half hold, recompose), and at f/1.8

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5275726939_c24c18ddf0_b.jpg (won't post the actual image in fear of 'HIJACKING' the thread)

How do you set up a camera to be on single point focus? I have a Canon?

OP-I definitely think the new picture is better than the first! The face and hair accessory which is what you were focusing on is much more in focus. Pretty hair accessories too

 

[MichiganFarts]

the photos are for my hair accessories website

Maybe she wasn't trying to focus on the EYES

Pertinent OP information may be excluded from the OP at anytime. Please be advised that you're rude if you don't know this, and don't read every line of every thread.

 

[Geaux]

How do you set up a camera to be on single point focus? I have a Canon?

Not sure, Nikon shooter here lol.

 

[Kyna]

How do you set up a camera to be on single point focus? I have a Canon?

Not sure, Nikon shooter here lol.

Guess I'll have to google Thanks.

 

[mjhoward]

The reason they are soft is me 100% i am self taught not 100% what i am doing trail and error really thanks to useful advice here i am getting better i think i use to shoot at 1.8 and then someone suggested 2.8 so that is why i tried that... i find when i go to a f4 i just cant get the light i need(dont like flash) and i am just using natural light from my window so my shutter speed is to slow at f4 not sure what i can do about that other than get lighting or use my flash?? Here is one i did last week with suggestions i got the one i posted on the original thread this week better right? Am i on the right track?

I can understand why you wouldnt want to use the built in flash... it sucks. But a speedlight in the hotshoe with the flash aimed at the ceiling or using one off camera with a softbox can work wonders. If you've tried those things and just absolutely do not want a flash, you could raise your ISO. For your quoted pic, you're using ISO 200. Try raising the ISO to 800 or so. Just keep in mind the higher your ISO, the less Dynamic Range and the more noise you introduce.

 

[swedberg311]

I am always hearing my images are soft really trying to work on it, what is this one like in your honest opinion?

Well I think 1 there is no need to have the legs and extra space if the main purpose is to show the headband that said this picture isnt that bad and that most people wouldnt notice the things most notice on here. anyhow check out MCP actions high definition sharpening action, I used it here to sharpen the eyes and then I used the crystal clear web sharpening and both are in one action and they are FREE. I also lightened her eyes a little. So here is what I did, and with my Canon when Im using manual focus I use the display and zoom in all the way to make sure the eyes are sharp and in focus.

 

[Kyna]

LOVE what you did with the eyes, what a big difference that made!

I need Photoshop.....right now I am just using paint.net. Is there a better program similar to Photoshop but free?

 

[swedberg311]

I here Gimp is good but Ive never used it

try getting an elements trial, also if u have kids that are in school u can get a discount on photoshop products if u buy it for "them" lol