ruthless Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 ... is to take some head shots of the dogs that are so pin sharp you can almost see each individual hair. Just like these ones that Pink Cupcakes took. http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?s=&a...t&p=2353103 How do I do it [i love DOL!] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ripley Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Use a tripod would be what I'd do. You do have that IS lens though, don't you - so maybe not as much use for a tripod. Um .. trying to think. You could lean against a tree to stabilise yourself when taking the photo. Bump ISO up to 400. I was going to suggest a focusing mode but not sure if that would be correct as I don't take photos of moving animals. AI Servo mode for running dogs has been suggested to me before but I haven't tried it. chezzyr, tess and others here with more knowledge will give you better advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chezzyr Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 (edited) Sharpness can come from: equipment stability quality of lens focus/depth of field sharpening during post processing even what ISO is used Edited January 24, 2008 by chezzyr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PossumCorner Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 ... head shots of the dogs that are so pin sharp ... Give yourself plenty of time, don't be impatient with yourself or the subjects. What lens are you using? If it is a zoom lens, don't go out to the extreme of the zoom, that is usually the softest result, so back it off a little from being zoomed right out. Do you have any large fluffy dog toys? Do some practice shots with varied settings on a toy dog. The results will tell you how your focus is going, how your backgrounds are going etc without stressing your dogs or boring them witless. Don't give up on using a tripod or monopod because you're not comfortable with them. Persevere and it becomes more second nature. The sharpness of your "tripod" shots will tell you whether your "hand-held" shots are honestly cutting it or not. It's always good doing portraits even of your own dogs if someone can help handling the dog, getting the expression you'd like etc so you can concentrate on the photography. When you post some of your portraits, let's know what settings you used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruthless Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 Oooh, good tip about the stuffed toy. Ivan's a complete sloth though, so getting him to stay still for hours won't be too hard I wonder if my dodgy eyesight will let me down on this mission. I put total faith in the auto focus as I'm shortsighted. I wear glasses for driving, I've heard you can get viewfinders to match your prescription, but never got one. Which lens would you suggest I use? I've a 17-85 and a 70-300. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ripley Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 ruthless, if you look above your viewfinder on the Canon, there is a tiny dial that has a + and - key on it. Turn that and you will find you can read the focus guide and other writing in the viewfinder when you put your eye up to it. (Says yours truly who only found out this about 2 months ago). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruthless Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 I need to RTFM as they say Thanks Ripley! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wagsalot Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 sooooo... how did your mission go? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vickie Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 Yeah! C'mon we want to see! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruthless Posted January 29, 2008 Author Share Posted January 29, 2008 Welllllllll... due to the fact that I'm a massive procrastinator, I waited until yesterday lunchtime to get my camera out I had a very unwilling model and the sun was really bright, so the shadows are really harsh. I also think my ugly garden doesn't make for a good setting, so next time I'll go on location! I kept the camera on manual, which is a first, and I did learn a lot, but I'm not happy with any of my shots. I'll put some up when I get home from work. I think it's going to be something I need to spend a few weekends on before I move onto my next personal project. Action shots Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chezzyr Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 Rome wasn't built in a day I have been out getting used to film cameras again. Love the feel and sound of the motor wind! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruthless Posted January 29, 2008 Author Share Posted January 29, 2008 Too right I think I'll keep my film camera in the cupboard till I get to grips with the basics. Film's too expensive for experimenting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruthless Posted January 29, 2008 Author Share Posted January 29, 2008 Ok, here we go, be nice! I'm not sure if they're too dark or not, they looked fine on my camera display but when I put them on my puter they were really dark. I calibrated my monitor and then they looked ok, but not sure how they'll look on other monitors. Hey, that's my story and I'm stickin to it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kja Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 Beautiful! I really like the last three - their eyes tell such stories! #1 is a tad dark but a bit of a tweak will fix it right up! I fiddled quickly and it's gorgeous with just a touch of processing love Be aware that the lcd on the back of your camera can be off a bit from true rendition. Better to use your histogram to check exposures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruthless Posted January 30, 2008 Author Share Posted January 30, 2008 (edited) I really like the last three - their eyes tell such stories! Yeah ... "piss off and leave me alone Mom" Edited January 30, 2008 by ruthless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eileen Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 I think they are amazing photos. I am embarrassed now by all the phone camera pics I have been duly loading up onto DOL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruthless Posted January 30, 2008 Author Share Posted January 30, 2008 Aw thanks Eileen, you can bring Dolly over for her close up anytime I know I've a long way to go, but that's ok, I'm not in any hurry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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