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Thread started 02 Apr 2011 (Saturday) 12:00
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Focus tips for self-portraits?

 
mattjns93
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Apr 02, 2011 12:00 |  #1

For awhile, I've been wanting to do some self portraits using the 85L, but it's darn near impossible to get the focus anywhere close to where it should be without me behind the camera. If I'm using a slower lens, there's not a problem... but at anywhere from f/1.2-2ish I just can't get it in focus.

How do you guys do self portraits? Any tips?


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JMartel
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Apr 02, 2011 15:50 |  #2

Put something in the place you plan on standing. Focus, switch to MF, then go stand where that object was. Take a few shots to make sure you get it right.


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gonzogolf
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Apr 04, 2011 12:16 |  #3

Brooms are great substitute for a standing human.




  
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bdp23
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Apr 04, 2011 12:20 |  #4

external monitor and remote control

(does 5D have live view? sorry, been a while since it was released and I'm more interested in crop cameras)


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mbloof
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Apr 04, 2011 21:32 |  #5

Adding a precision focus screen to your camera can't hurt. I normally setup a tripod and chair or markers on the floor and through a series of walking back/forth slowly move the focus point to where I'm standing when I hit the remote button.

Shooting tethered sounds like the best solution.


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sixrox
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Apr 07, 2011 12:15 |  #6

JMartel wrote in post #12145056 (external link)
Put something in the place you plan on standing. Focus, switch to MF, then go stand where that object was. Take a few shots to make sure you get it right.

^ This is what I do




  
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CMax
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Apr 10, 2011 21:02 |  #7

I have to agree with everyone above, put your camera on a tripod, put something like a light stand where you would stand and mark it on the floor, manually set the focus and your good. Keep the F stop fairly high just in-case you move away from the mark. B&H has a $30 wireless remote that works very well. I just grabbed one about 3 weeks ago. Testing light has never been easier :)


Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder.

  
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Focus tips for self-portraits?
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