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A Devaney · Joined: 27 May 2012 Posts: 3

Hi all,
This is my first post on here for critique. Please feel free to be brutal on all elements as I'm keen to learn as much as possible from the experts.
Thanks in advance.

A

ruxpriencdiam · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 8:15 am

It is OOF and the BG is not clean.

A Devaney · Joined: 27 May 2012 Posts: 3

thanks for your swift response. Sorted the background. Really struggling to get the entire piece in focus. Any tips?

ruxpriencdiam · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 9:26 am

Use f/9 is the diopter set?

Use remote release on a tripod.

hhltdave5 · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 9:44 am

digigandalf · Joined: 11 Jun 2005 Posts: 5408 Location: Twinsburg, OH

He did use f9 (at least, if I read the EXIF right).

What focus method did you use? Manual? (diopter should be checked in that case) AF? Spot focus or matrix? Tripod with remote shutter release (or timer)?

Beyond that, a single isolated chess piece is so ho-hum. Not going to have a lot of commercial value. There's got to be all kinds of interesting ways to display a chess set in a natural environment: on a table or desk, with a hand moving a piece, whatever. Don't lock yourself into the isolated-on-white rut right off the bat. Those images have their place, but they're not the be-all or end-all of stock.

A Devaney · Joined: 27 May 2012 Posts: 3

Thanks all for your comments. I'm using 100mm macro lens, at ISO 50 & aperture 10 and set to spot metering on auto focus with cable release & tripod. Will try out the remote switch to see if that helps any. I tried to get the AF point right on the front on the piece. Anything obvious in the above set up I'm messing up on? Just trying out this style with some new lighting so good to have your feedback.

rinder99 · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 10:24 am

AF is what did you in. it found the contrast point which was the edge [Thats how AF works]. Use manual and like I've said a gazillion times at least Until the day comes when You or anyone else doesn't actually spend the time and learn The principals of DOF and how it relates to distance from subject and focal length used. You will struggle with focus a very long time. especially for Tabletop and still Life.Also the piece isn't straight.

mauijon · Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 4277 Location: Maui, Hawaii

Also, you are getting some "blow back," too much light reflecting up from the bg and messing up the edge contrast and sharpness, most noticeable as below: