FDT #239 (spring is here)

The spring is just about beginning here. Vegetation shows no signs of anything green though, so I had to. :D

 

Oh... The focusing thing. Many of you probably know this stuff but maybe it will help someone. So how do I make sure what I want is in focus?

 

Here is how I generally work when doing FDT shots:

 

1. Set up the tripod and the camera, adjust the angle, zoom, aperture, shutter speed etc. Set the time release. Make sure the tripod is well locked (all the adjustments tightened) so the camera will not move.

 

2. Focus. I usually use the auto focus in live-view to focus on something that is where I'm going to be. If there is nothing to focus on on my soon to be face-down spot, I will put something there (glove, bag, stick or anything that's easy to focus to). After that I'll use the enlargement function (kind of a zoom in thing but without using the zoom on the lens) to see that the spot I wanted to be in focus is in focus. Adjust the focus manually if needed. Sometimes I just have to focus all manually if my chosen focus point is too near the edge of the frame (my camera has a limitation there).

 

3. Turn the lens to manual focus (if it isn't already). This is the key part! As I have focused the camera previously where I want it, this makes sure the auto focus doesn't mess up my efforts.

 

4. Take a preliminary test shot and examine it. Adjust shutter speed if it's too bright or dark (maybe aperture too). If the focus is off, go back to focusing.

 

5. Take the FDT shot. Examine it. If it's no good, go back to the step that needs correcting. (Yes, if I see a problem that's related to step number one, I'm likely to do them all again, although usually it will be quicker.)

 

6. Pack your stuff up. Go home. Edit.

 

So the focusing part is steps 2 and 3, but I just had to write the whole routine... (OCD I guess...) Generally the key is to set the camera on manual focus so the auto focus can't mess it up.

 

Oh:

 

4½. Change to the clothing you want to be in your shot. Usually I don't really change or like today, I took some of my clothing and the boots off. (It was really not that warm yet.)

 

5½ Change back to the clothing you had. Usually means I'll put my coat etc. back on.

 

So... I hope you found this at least amusing if not that informative. :)

 

The counters suggest that this might have hit the explore... Here's a message:

 

Hello!

 

This image is a part of a fun group effort! Be sure to check out the other images in Face-down Tuesday group too. Who knows... Maybe you want to try it yourself next tuesday!

Done