Trouble focusing a group

[erinaudry]

Hello Photozo,

I do band promo shots and have been having a hard time getting everyone sharp and in focus! I usually stagger my band promos in rows with perhaps three rows front to back. I always do multiple focal points and try to focus a third of the way in but my images are still not getting as in focus as I want! I'm using the Canon 5D with a wide angle L lens (aside from that any lens I use doesn't really improve the focal problems)

Help!

[zerocool]

this issue your having isnt related to lense, its camera intelligence issue, use manual focus , alot of camera's will try to focus on the close thing or a random element when using AF....

good idea, is to try and keep your band memebers within the same third to help increase focal accuracy ..... when using AF .. other wise, MF ..

[Leonie]

What aperture are you using for the photos? The smaller the aperture (higher F stop number e.g. f22) the greater your depth of field and more faces will appear to be in sharper focus. Using a small aperture may mean that your shutter speed has to be so slow that you cannot hand hold the camera without getting blur from camera shake. To remedy this you either need brighter lighting conditions or use a tripod to steady the camera. If the shutter speed is slow your subjects will need to keep very still whilst the photo is being taken. You can increase the shutter speed by selecting a higher ISO but you may trade off some quality with higher ISOs. I wouldn't use a very wide angle lens, it may create distortion to the faces of your band members.

[JimL]

On the 5D, just below the lens release button, there is a round button that you have to push down and to the right to activate. When you push it it will show (through the viewfinder) what the DOF covers at your present aperture and focal point. It does not change any setting on your camera so if the DOF is not what you want you will need to make adjustments. When you normally look through the viewfinder you are looking at the widest aperture the lens supports. The button activates the aperture you have set giving you a true view of the DOF. This normally means the view will get darker so if you are in subdued lighting you may have to temporally add light to be able to get a clear view. I would suggest using a couple of gas party balloons or painted/patterned childrens balls to get the shot set up like you want it (and locking the focal point) before the band members arrive. Just make your (tape/chalk) marks where the balloons are located and make sure all members are inside when the photo is taken.

Jim