What am I doing wrong? I need guidance. 1 photo for C&C

[tevo]

ok, I'll do some research on this. Thanks for your help

recompose = reshoot lol

research complete. Go for a more shallow DOF, single point focus, focused onto the eye. Open aperture enough to leave most of face in focus. Shoot in portrait.

 

[KmH]

Reread my prior post. I added some info.

I looked through the T2i user's manual but didn't discover how to set up back button focus on it. Canon's user's manuals suck.

 

[tevo]

Reread my prior post. I added some info.

I looked through the T2i user's manual but didn't discover how to set up back button focus on it. Canon's user's manuals suck.

+1 for Nikon

 

[LuckySe7en]

ok, I'll do some research on this. Thanks for your help

recompose = reshoot lol

research complete. Go for a more shallow DOF, single point focus, focused onto the eye. Open aperture enough to leave most of face in focus. Shoot in portrait.

I understand that part. But lets say that the eye falls in between one of the focus points, is that "good enough"? Or should I always place the eye exactly on a focus point?

 

[o hey tyler]

ok, I'll do some research on this. Thanks for your help

recompose = reshoot lol

research complete. Go for a more shallow DOF, single point focus, focused onto the eye. Open aperture enough to leave most of face in focus. Shoot in portrait.

I understand that part. But lets say that the eye falls in between one of the focus points, is that "good enough"? Or should I always place the eye exactly on a focus point?

Go to custom function IV-9 in the T2i menu. Change it to setting #1 or #2, if my memory serves #1 will only allow you to use the AE Lock button to focus, whereas #2 will allow you to use the shutter or AE Lock to focus. I'd recommend using the back button exclusively if you want to shoot and recompose. That way you don't unintentionally refocus before each shot with the shutter. I use this method of focusing all the time.

I shot this yesterday. Focused on my subject, took my finger off of the AF-drive button, recomposed, actuated the shutter.

 

[tevo]

I understand that part. But lets say that the eye falls in between one of the focus points, is that "good enough"? Or should I always place the eye exactly on a focus point?

as long as the eye is 100% in focus - focus point or not

 

[enzodm]

I always half press the shutter. I'm just a little confused as to which focus point to use and then recomposing.

use the central one (not the automatic focus point selection). Place the eye of your subject in the centre, under the focus point. Half press: this blocks the focus distance exactly there. Move the camera where you want: the focus plane will remain at the distance you set by half pressing. This is "recompose".

 

[MTVision]

use the central one (not the automatic focus point selection). Place the eye of your subject in the centre, under the focus point. Half press: this blocks the focus distance exactly there. Move the camera where you want: the focus plane will remain at the distance you set by half pressing. This is "recompose".

Focus on the eye closest to you. Be careful when recomposing because it can be easy to lose focus especially if you are using a large aperture. Look up back button focusing - it will help!

 

[MLeeK]

First, centering is generally not good anyway, so cropping and centering in post isn't what you want to be doing. You want to be creating a dynamic composition in camera while leaving room for the crop factor (when you print an 8x10 you lose about 2 inches off the long side of a photo.)

For your focus point-toggle to the one you want to use. It's rare that your eye will fall so far in between the focus points that you can't lock one on it.

Back button focus is set up by the following:
Menu>Custom functions menu #9>Option 1 AE Lock/AF

From then on your shutter button will only work for the shutter and metering. You must press the * button for focus.

 

[MLeeK]

Additional: Seeing how Canon Manuals SUCK (and they really do...) you may benefit greatly from the Magic Lantern book for your camera.
I haven't shot with a rebel in a LONG LONG TIME, but I do believe you can set up your rear controls so that they do what you want them to do. They default to what it says on them and one probably does control the toggling of focus points, but I can't tell you which one or anything... If you set it up so it is comfortable to you you will simply use your thumb to hit the button and toggle over to the focus point that you want to use.

 

[redessa]

Page 195 in the camera manual.

I've recently started using back button focus and have my custom function #9 set to Mine is set to option 3 but option 1 will work as well.

 

[Edsport]

Use the central focus point and put it directly on the eye, half press the shutter and keep it half pressed and now you can move the camera to where you want and take the photo. The eye should be in perfect focus. Remember that you have to keep it half pressed. This is what they mean be focus and recompose...

 

[bazooka]

Assuming your using single shot AF and not servo... you simply align the center focus point with the eye, half-press the shutter and HOLD. This locks the focus once it gets a positive focus confirmation. Then recompose. The focus won't change as long as you keep the shutter halfway pressed. Focus and recompose.

FYI, it's pretty convienent when handheld, but two problems that you may run into with this method...

One, when you recompose, the focal plane shifts slightly so you are guaranteed to not be 100% on if you recompose. Fortunately, this only matters with very narrow DoF.
Two, when shooting off a tripod. Recomposing is a pain, sometimes you just want to set the focus and leave there without having to fiddle with the AF/MF switch on the lens. And not something you want to do if you are shooting HDR brackets and you choose not to or are not able to bracket automatically.

Personally, I use the backbutton focus and I choose the focus point manually so recomposing is minimal.

 

[MLeeK]

Use the central focus point and put it directly on the eye, half press the shutter and keep it half pressed and now you can move the camera to where you want and take the photo. The eye should be in perfect focus. Remember that you have to keep it half pressed. This is what they mean be focus and recompose...

If you are using focus and recompose you need to be in One Shot as your focus type. Not AI Focus or AI Servo. AI servo tracks. As you move the focus moves. AI focus allows the camera to decide if you need AI Servo or One Shot. One shot locks where you lock it and does not move until you release it. Back Button focus can be used for this as well. You will use one button for focus lock.

Focus and recompose is iffy at times. Think about rotating your body. Put your finger directly in front of your nose. Rotate your body wile holding the exact same position with your finger. You will find that your nose is now further back than it was in terms of front to back. That changes your focus and if you are using a wide aperture it will totally mess your focus.

 

[mrpink]

Focus and recompose is the last thing you want to do when photographing toddlers. They rarely hold still long enough to get a shot off....

Select your focal point and be quick with the half press/shoot....






p!nK