Self portrait focusing question

I've been looking around POTN for a thread on tips for doing a self portrait. Currently I do not have a remote so I have played around using the self timer but have STRUGGLED with getting the focus on my eyes, or even on my face in some instances. I've tried to guess where my face may be located and put a prop there to focus on, used Auto Focus and run to my spot and quickly ditched the prop and posed myself before the shutter closed. Done the same withing with Manual focus, seemed easier to make it stay where I set it. Never seemed to get it right before I got tired out and frustrated from running back and forth plus my poses seemed really "posed" becasue I barely had time to think about where I was located etc. I am right to believe that it is a crap shoot when you do a self portrait? Or is there a trick?

I'd say you made a pretty good job looking at your avatar

But to get it even better, put the focus on the *button using custom function 4.1 and use that.

Graham

I used a stand and taped a piece of cardboard to it where I wanted my head to be, Manually focused on that, set the self timer, and go.

keep in mind you may need a smaller aperature to increase DOF or even use a wider lens that has more DOF

Blue Max, Thanks for the compliment, Unfortunatly I'm not as goodlooking as you appear to be in your Avitar.

So there is no magic bullet? Dang. It has to be hard work. Figures. I guess I just keep trying.

dragnfly1996 wrote:
Blue Max, Thanks for the compliment, Unfortunatly I'm not as goodlooking as you appear to be in your Avitar.

So there is no magic bullet? Dang. It has to be hard work. Figures. I guess I just keep trying.

I'm just mutton now, but you should have seen me when I was lamb

You could try to stop down as much as possible to ensure the depth of field is quite large and shoot from further back with a longer telephoto lens. I presume you are using the timer? Prefocussing with manual focus on a fixed point and jumping in is how I would do it too.

Graham

This might be a stupid question, but then again it might not. Why not get a friend to take the photo?

Preset focus on some other target at the same distance as where your eye will be. Then use a radio transmitter to allow you to leisurely move into position, the press the transmitter button when you are comfortable and not breathless.

Maybe I don't have any freinds. Ok? There, you made me say it. you happy now?

But really, It is a challange I wanted to be able to figure out when I don't have any of my so called "freinds" around. Plus I have seen self portraits on here that were amazing and I wondering if I was exhausting myself for no reason.

blue_max wrote:
I'm just mutton now, but you should have seen me when I was lamb

Or a wolf in sheep's clothing?

If you are truly intent on a "self" portrait .. I'd made a frame/gig and hang/support it where you intend your face to be for the shot. Adjust the camera/lens so the portrait frame is just outside the image frame. Then stick you head in the frame after prefocusing. When you stick your head into the gig, you can judge where the focal plane is by the edge of the frame.

PS- friends are good to have ... they can make your gig for you.

This is almost exactly why I love the flip out screen on my Canon A95, and S3 IS.....
...............but is that gloating?

Aray_Of_Art wrote:
This is almost exactly why I love the flip out screen on my Canon A95, and S3 IS.....
...............but is that gloating?

You must have read these DSLR forums for months to be able to pounce with that one

OK, you got us!

Graham

Is it still classed as a SELF portrait then?

blue_max wrote:
You must have read these DSLR forums for months to be able to pounce with that one

OK, you got us!

Graham

Nope! Just signed up here this month!

Aray_Of_Art wrote:
:o Nope! Just signed up here this month!

Then savour the moment!

Graham