Help with DOF

Help with DOF · 04:45 PM

I guess it's all about trade offs but it seems I'm always having trouble keeping things in focus.

If I open up the aperture, some things aren't in focus that I want to be in focus. If I close the aperture, too often I end up with dark photos.

I really try to avoid using a flash but maybe I have no choice.

I took this photo about a year ago and I like it, but I think it could have been better.

Anyone have any advice/tips for shooting indoors? (besides using a tripod all the time)

sharko · 02-02-2009, 04:51 PM

Use bounce flash, set your white balance to tungsten, and put a 1/2 or full cto gel over the flash head. Easy. I find that even with an f/1.2 lens, shutter speeds are often too slow and if you shoot wide open that means less sharpness and a very limited DOF...not useful unless you're going for that type of limited DOF mood shot.

sawtooth235 · 02-02-2009, 05:57 PM

You might also try using a wider angle lens. In most cases, the wider the angle the more DOF you get. Unfortunately, most wide angle lenses have smaller maximun opening sizes, although I have seen some with f2.0 or f1.8 (pricey though).

My 2 cents worth,

Ray

RonMexico · 02-02-2009, 06:03 PM

Thanks guys.
I was playing with the tungsten white balance and that really helps.

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02-02-2009, 04:51 PM	#2
sharko Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: City of Angels Photos: Gallery Posts: 278	Use bounce flash, set your white balance to tungsten, and put a 1/2 or full cto gel over the flash head. Easy. I find that even with an f/1.2 lens, shutter speeds are often too slow and if you shoot wide open that means less sharpness and a very limited DOF...not useful unless you're going for that type of limited DOF mood shot.

02-02-2009, 05:57 PM	#3
sawtooth235 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Orange Park, Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 886	You might also try using a wider angle lens. In most cases, the wider the angle the more DOF you get. Unfortunately, most wide angle lenses have smaller maximun opening sizes, although I have seen some with f2.0 or f1.8 (pricey though). My 2 cents worth, Ray

02-02-2009, 06:03 PM	#4
RonMexico Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New York Photos: Gallery Posts: 215 Original Poster	Thanks guys. I was playing with the tungsten white balance and that really helps.

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