20 AF points...which one/ones to use?

[dougsturgess]

Being new to the SLR, I'm having trouble getting everything I want focused. I've tried having all the AF points selected, but when I do, sometimes the specific object I wanted in focus isn't. On the other extreme, I've tried just selecting the center AF point. When taking portrait shots, for example http://www.pbase.com/dougsturgess/image/43991177 , the eyes will be in focus but not the snout/teeth (ok, they're pet portraits).

I know what aperture settings contribute to this focus delimma, but what should I change regarding the selected AF points? Is there a tutorial anywhere to help on this?

Thanks.

[RichardtheSane]

Hi Doug

Lovely hound

I do a lot of sighthound photography, they have a much longer snout to you need aperture of F8 minimum.

I usually focus with the centre point then recompose. Alternativly I use either the top left or top right of the diamond.

My sighthound galleries are below if you want a look. Got to dash, let me know if you want a chat about it or me to expand on my post :)

http://www.pbase.com/richardthesane/white_lodge_longdogs

[dougsturgess]

Hi Richard, thanks for the reply. Nice to also meet another sighthound fan. They are the most beautiful dogs, I think. Here's the pbase gallery of Sophie, my Whippet: http://www.pbase.com/dougsturgess/sophie I've had her for 9 years now. She's a sweetie. My email is dougsturgess@yahoo.com if you would like to email directly. In the meantime, I'm going to go through your gallery.

[RichardtheSane]

I agree, sighthounds are truly great, and Sophie is a beauty.

I'm off out now, but I'll look at your galleries later and drop you a mail.

In the meantime I would recommend to avooid spam you edit your post to remove your email address - I have a copy of it now :)