Focusing

[minicoop503]

Hi, I am starting to get into more complicated picture taking now and I would like to know how to get the subject in crisp focus but have the background blurred. Any help would be appreciated. :)

[Stavhp]

have the lowest aperture you can have, this will give you a small focus area
Use the AV on your camera and put it to lowest number which will give you the higest aperture

[minicoop503]

ok, thanks a lot

[frenchdub]

Hi there

Wide aperture is just one aspect of what you are looking for.
Also use a longer lens 80-200 zoom at f2.8 or f4 will give you a nice soft background on a portrait say...

Make sure you background is as far away as possible from your subject... this too will exaggerate the difference in the focus between the subject and background.

Finally by avoiding distracting detail and colour in the background this too will make your subject stand out... so too will having the background much darker or much lighter than you subject...here with careful metering you should get a nice shot...

Regards
Gareth

[sharpshootr987]

Make sure to focus on the subjects eyes, something i forgot when I was starting out.

[Mike R]

All the replies are great. I would just like to add that if you are new to DSLR photography you may want to pick up a copy of the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson and published by Amphoto. It's great and very easy to understand. This is a book that you will learn from unlike some books which are more of a "look what I can do" type . You can find it at most major book stores in the US, It is also available on Amazon.com
Best of luck

[minicoop503]

Thanks for all of your replies, Im going to go and try it!


-Aaron