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Topic starter
25/10/2012 12:11 am
PICS aperture selection and it's effect (more photo hints)................
All photos in this sequence taken with a DSLR mounted on a tripod and 105mm macro lens. Camera's self timer used and all images are set @ 100 ISO. Focus was on the Nissan badge on the radiator. The only change I made was the aperture setting. The camera adjusted the shutter speed in relation to the aperture to gain a constant exposure value. This post relates to depth of field. See here for greater information:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm
Depth of field definition: an area of acceptable sharpness in front of and behind the point of focus.
When we first take close-up shots we feel that the whole model car needs to be in sharp focus. To achieve this we need to select a small aperture e.g. f22.
Shutter speed = 1/10th second aperture = f22 Using this aperture has rendered the whole model to be in sharp focus and also the background is relatively sharp.
However, some interesting effects can be gained by altering the aperture.
Shutter speed = 1/60th second aperture = f9 Using this mid range aperture has blurred the background and also the rear of the model is less sharp.
Shutter speed = 1/400th second aperture = f3.5 Using this large aperture has blurred the background, foreground and most of the model car. So the front of the model is sharp and the viewers point of interest is directed here. Blurring both the background and foreground helps isolate the model. This is a useful technique to use if the background/foreground have distracting elements.
Chris
Autominologist residing in the Robin Hood County
Nottinghamshire England UK
25/10/2012 3:38 am
Chris, I wish I understood what you are telling us. I'm sure it is great information.
The best I can manage is to use a tripod, set it on automatic and close-up, and pray.
Topic starter
25/10/2012 3:49 am
Dick, does your camera have an aperture priority mode? ...........
If it does select this mode instead of automatic and you can finally stop praying. Because you are now in control. You still need to use your tripod and select the macro function.
Chris
Autominologist residing in the Robin Hood County
Nottinghamshire England UK
25/10/2012 5:19 am
Still taking notes!
25/10/2012 10:22 am
On my camera the AP & Macro settings are separate settings.
Thus it is not possible to select both.
Topic starter
25/10/2012 11:11 am
OK Dick and the only advice I can give here is .......
continue to use your tried and trusted method including the keep praying part.
Chris
Autominologist residing in the Robin Hood County
Nottinghamshire England UK
25/10/2012 11:13 am
I generally take my pictures while on my knees.
Topic starter
25/10/2012 11:14 am
OK John-William. Hope all this is helping.
Autominologist residing in the Robin Hood County
Nottinghamshire England UK
25/10/2012 1:00 pm
great "flight" of photos - very instructive for us back-porch novices!
Topic starter
26/10/2012 6:28 am
Dick, try aperture priority mode and forget about the macro button .......
I have been looking my wife's camera, a budget DSLR with kit lens, and this has both aperture priority and macro modes. Like your camera they cannot be used together.
However, I asked Jane to take some close-up shots both in macro mode and aperture priority. First up the shots in macro mode. Focus wasn't very close when compared to those shot in aperture priority mode!
In aperture priority Jane could focus closer and select the aperture she wanted. Her kit lens goes down to f32! This f number would result in a model being in focus from headlight to the tip of a tail light! Camera would need to be supported on a tripod as the shutter speed will be very slow.
I don't know what camera type you have Dick. If it is a compact digital then the lowest f number is likely to be f8. So next time select aperture priority mode and use f8 and see if this combination yields improved results.
Chris
Autominologist residing in the Robin Hood County
Nottinghamshire England UK
Topic starter
26/10/2012 12:36 pm
Thank you Karl - glad you are finding these useful.
Autominologist residing in the Robin Hood County
Nottinghamshire England UK