Difficulty getting my son's face in focus...

[anjoga]

I started this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=624680) a little less than a week ago. I've gotten a lot of great advice there, but I figured I'd post in this subforum as well since it is directly kid related. I don't understand why, but I'm still having problems getting my son's face in focus. Below is a picture of my son that I took this morning. Even though I am definitely focusing on his face (autofocus engaged), it seems like it always focuses a bit behind him. It looks like the couch is in focus, but not his face? I wish I new what I was doing wrong.

Edit: Also, is there a lifespan on the 480ex II? I've taken a couple hundred photos this past week since I've gotten it. Am I wearing it out too quickly?

http://babygabriele.googlepages.com/1-10-09010b.jpg/1-10-09010b-full;init:.jpg

[TheHoff]

Funny that you post it here as I doubt the problem has anything to do with your son. You really shouldn't blame him for these things.

;)

This happens with other things, too, doesn't it? Shoot some stationary objects, inside AND outside, at a variety of settings. If things are consistently focused behind your intended target (one that isn't moving so erratically) then you can examine your equipment for a focusing issue. It looks like one at first glance but it could also be user error. You have to find out if it is consistently reproducible.

It may not happen at every distance; it may only happen up close or it may do it all the time. You need more examples to see.

[TheHoff]

Does it happen with all lenses or just one?

[anjoga]

Does it happen with all lenses or just one?


The photo in the first post was with the kit lens. I just snapped this photo posted below as he was taking a nap with the 50mm 1.8. This time I used auto select auto focus and kept trying until it found three points on his face. The other two photos above in this thread, I was using a manual select autofocus and placing the importance on one focus point of my choosing.

http://babygabriele.googlepages.com/1-10-09030a.jpg

[IanC]

I suggest send the lenses & camera body back to Canon for calibration if they are still under warranty. I did & it solved my focusing problem I had.

[andrew748]

centre focus point enable?

i'm no expert, i would switch to centre focus and back button then recompose

[5Dmaniac]

What focus points have you been using. Try using the center focal point only point the camera at a contrasty subject, focus and take the shot - preferably on a tripod with mirro up engaged. If it still is out of focus, then you might have equipment issues, but I am not yet convinced of that:-)

[anjoga]

I suggest send the lenses & camera body back to Canon for calibration if they are still under warranty. I did & it solved my focusing problem I had.

Interesting. I'll consider that.

centre focus point enable?

i'm no expert, i would switch to centre focus and back button then recompose

I use the center focus, but what is the "back button"?

What focus points have you been using. Try using the center focal point only point the camera at a contrasty subject, focus and take the shot - preferably on a tripod with mirro up engaged. If it still is out of focus, then you might have equipment issues, but I am not yet convinced of that:-)

Almost always do I use the center focus, and put that right on my sons face and eye's.

I can try taking a shot as you suggested, but I don't know what "mirror up engaged" means.

[andrew748]

back button focusing is great when dealing with a fast moving in a lateral plain subject.

a mid f# and ideally ai servo mode helps too if you have that option

back button focussing :

very annoying and crap of me to be unable to find the exact thread :(
basically it's moving the focus to one of the rear buttons via the custom functions

let me hunt more

[andrew748]

w00t for me

found it

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=46965

[anjoga]

a mid f# and ideally ai servo mode helps too if you have that option



I've never tried this before, so I quickly set it to that. Wow, my shots of my son were much sharper. Why? I guess I need to read up on how the AF modes work.

w00t for me

found it

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=46965


Great, thanks!

[John E]

Also, make sure your shutter speed is at least 1/125. 1/60 or anything slower is way to slow for a moving toddler. I know that from my own 15 month old girl. It's very hard to focus the center point on her eyes, hold the shutter half way to focus lock, then take the picture, without her already having moved out of focus. A flash, faster shutter, higher ISO (at least 400) and a smaller aperture (5.6-8 to increase depth of field) will all help. If using flash, try using "M" manual mode.

[andrew748]

my pleasure :)

that manual is going to be your best mate over the coming months, keep it safe and refer to it often when you have a few moments spare.

I read mine in the pub quite often, just to gel those bits in my mind that caused me to think a user error was occurring. :)

yes my beer buddies do think i'm odd but so do i, so it's all good :D

[anjoga]

Also, make sure your shutter speed is at least 1/125. 1/60 or anything slower is way to slow for a moving toddler. I know that from my own 15 month old girl. It's very hard to focus the center point on her eyes, hold the shutter half way to focus lock, then take the picture, without her have already moved out of focus. A flash, faster shutter, higher ISO (at least 400) and a smaller aperture (to increase depth of field) will all help. If using flash, try using "M" manual mode.

Yup, I've been using the "M" mode, and my 430EX II. I've been trying all ranges of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. I think I just might have unsteady hands. When I changed the AF mode to AI Servo, the pictures seem to be much more in focus now.

[anjoga]

Here's one I just shot a minute ago. ISO 200, 1/250, f4.5, FE +2/3. AF set to AI Servo. This one came out with much better focus and detail compared to what I've been taking. Don't mind the snot under the nose. I didn't notice it before I took the shot.

http://babygabriele.googlepages.com/1-10-09048a.jpg

[shniks]

Last shot looks good! I always have a hard time getting my kids in focus, they move around so much. As others have suggested, AI servo works well, as well as a high shutter speed. Another thing that helps is get them sitting in a chair or a swing etc, it will stop them moving around so much.

[anjoga]

Last shot looks good! I always have a hard time getting my kids in focus, they move around so much. As others have suggested, AI servo works well, as well as a high shutter speed. Another thing that helps is get them sitting in a chair or a swing etc, it will stop them moving around so much.


That's the problem though. I'm simply trying to catch my kid just being himself, not posed.

[Justin_Thyme]

I am thinking this may have more to do with a low aperature setting. DOF gets very narrow and to achieve th ebest results manual focus is necessary. When I shoot with an ef85 1.2L at f1.2 If I want a specific focus point I either use manual focus or make sure to take multiple images. Im not sure if the XTi supports AE lock set for focus on/off. If it does this is the way you want to go. basically you can choose you focus point by simply centering it focusing by pressing the rear button then release and recompose and click it off with the shutter button.


After checking the exif data Focus is not your problem at all. Second one was at f8 so any reasonably close focus acquisition would have produced sharper results. Can you post which glass last photo. MY eyes are telling me image #2 has the best IQ.

[anjoga]

Can you post which glass last photo. MY eyes are telling me image #2 has the best IQ.


I think it was my 50 1.8.