p.1 #1 · Out of Focus Images & Sharing with Clients
I'm a total newb to the industry, so I'm wondering how other photographers handle this type of situation.
I've been having focus issues with my Canon 7D. I did a hard reset on it about a week ago, which improved the camera's focus a TON. But it still has a few issues every few images. So, to compensate, when I've been doing sessions, I take five to seven pictures of the same image. Usually at least one turns out crystal clear.
But, occasionally, the focus is completely off in an entire series of a single pose. Sometimes only a hair, though.
When you have images that are just BARELY out of focus, but its a really great pose/expression/etc, do you still try to work with it, edit it a bit, and post it/give it to the client? Or do you scrap it all together?
p.1 #2 · Out of Focus Images & Sharing with Clients
It's possible to use selective sharpening with multiple layers to 'fix' key parts of a slightly OOF image, but it only works well for relatively small output formats (i.e. web images) and smaller prints; prints on canvas can tolerate this better than higher resolution papers. It also introduces noise, and so it really helps to have a very clean file to start with.
Also, it depends on how much time you have to spend on this, and how important the OOF images are to the overall package that you want the client to buy. If you don't need them, then leave them alone; although it's a process that you can practice and get pretty quick at doing.
p.1 #6 · Out of Focus Images & Sharing with Clients
I'd send the camera in for calibration. It sounds like something is horribly wrong. I wouldn't ever accept having to take 7 photos to get one sharp one. At least not when it comes to stationary people.
p.1 #7 · Out of Focus Images & Sharing with Clients
Are you using spot focus on the subject eye. If not then the auto focus will find some point on the body and seldom even focus on the face and never the eyes. Most images of people will look very soft because the attention is the eyes.
I avoid showing OFF images to start with. I require sharp under normal screen magnification. For oversized I will be even a bit more selective.
p.1 #8 · Out of Focus Images & Sharing with Clients
BenV wrote:
I'd send the camera in for calibration. It sounds like something is horribly wrong. I wouldn't ever accept having to take 7 photos to get one sharp one. At least not when it comes to stationary people.
It is really terribly annoying. And embarrassing.
I took the camera in to our local camera store, and asked a few questions, and shared my issue, and the man I was working with told me he believes that I am standing the wrong way….he showed me the proper way to stand, and sent me on my way. It was a waste of my time.
I will be bringing it back in at the end of June and will have it re-calibrated.
p.1 #9 · Out of Focus Images & Sharing with Clients
jefferies1 wrote:
Are you using spot focus on the subject eye. If not then the auto focus will find some point on the body and seldom even focus on the face and never the eyes. Most images of people will look very soft because the attention is the eyes.
I avoid showing OFF images to start with. I require sharp under normal screen magnification. For oversized I will be even a bit more selective.
I do use the AF selection points on my canon 7D. Its frustrating me so badly to be having this issue. I'm very much starting to doubt my abilities, thinking that the softness is due to operator error.
I've learned a few sharpening tools since asking this question; I was told that all images need to be sharpened to a degree for printing. Not necessarily sure if that is true?
p.1 #10 · Out of Focus Images & Sharing with Clients
Care to share some of the images that are 'just' off? Might help to see how far off you are talking about. But frankly, if you're doing professional work, you need at least two bodies anyway, so I'd get that second body and send the first one to Canon for calibration.
p.1 #11 · Out of Focus Images & Sharing with Clients
There is no such thing as a perfect AF system, which is why some people use the Live View mode for focusing on stationary objects. I would do a little more debug into your camera settings and how you're shooting before sending what I assume is a new camera in for service.
Are you shooting in low or high light? What are you using as your primary focal point on your subject, is it a high-contrast area?
Are you using 'AI Servo' or 'AI Focus' mode on the camera, by any chance? If you are, then you should switch to 'One Shot' mode for more reliable AF operation when photographing stationary objects. Those modes are great for photographing moving objects but can cause the AF to shift a little.
On my 7D I decoupled the AF from the shutter release button (referred to as back-button AF or BBAF) such that once I obtain focus I can take as many pictures as I desire without it changing. Of course you could also just switch your lends to MF (assuming your lens supports) mode once you have your desired focus.
p.1 #12 · Out of Focus Images & Sharing with Clients
Hi - if you could share or show, or provide a link to some of your photos with the EXIF data intact - we can certainly help. At least get you going in a focused direction.......
