MicrostockGroup
Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Stock Discussion => Topic started by: unnonimus on May 22, 2018, 08:58
-
I do portrait photos with an APS-C around 200mm. I usually focus on the person's eyes.
however, I am not happy with how sharp many of the photos are. how do I improve the sharpness? I understand that I might be able to improve the sharpness by buying a prime lens.
is it possible to improve the sharpness by switching to a 80mm lens? (the stock lens that comes with the D3400)
will I get better overall sharpness if I am close to the subject or far from the subject?
are there any other functions on the camera (other than the focus) that make the image sharper overall?
-
Depth of field use a smaller aperture
Shoot faster shutter speeds
use a tripod/monopod
image stabilisation
Improve your shutter button control ~ roll that button don't jab it
use flash
Switching focal lengths i.e. using a 50mm or 80mm will certainly work but only in terms of allowing you to reduce camera shake.
-
Play with the settings and look closely at the photos. Are you off on the focus - ie is there somewhere that is in focus, just not where you want it? or is there nowhere really in sharp focus. The suggestions above are good too. I am sure there are plenty of tutorials on the web talking about focus for portraits. Try a tripod and mirror lock up and timer and live view zoomed in focus on a static subject to see what the lens/camera is capable of.
You can make things look sharper with various sharpening in post or in camera, but you should first find the sweet spot settings for your lens/camera and start with the best image you can get.