| Joined: | Wed Apr 18th, 2012 |
| Location: | United Kingdom |
| Posts: | 4186 |
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What's wrong with having some of the image out of focus, it adds perspective. I think sometimes photographers get hung up on technology and forget its about taking photos. I am just as guilty of this as anyone else, but I do try to remind myself that I have not had a single customer (in nearly 30 years) ask me what camera I use...
The only time I did get a comment it was at a wedding from the notorious 'uncle' photographer with a D3 who was 'shocked' I only used a D700.
Although I see the point of focus stacking, I've never done it. Give me a decent lens, f16 and focus on the hyper focal distance. Job done.
Whilst depth of field can be restricted to create more drama, there are many instances that demand less arty and more precise close up recording. Stacking is a great help when shooting insects and flowers, where just having an antenna or stamen in focus isn't sufficient.
It also finds use in product studio photography. I created a lot of 100+page catalogues when working, which included hundreds of close up shots of footwear, electronic components, telephones, toys, plants, plastic models, educational aids and safety equipment to name but a few. The key requirement for the client was to clearly show all parts of their product to help customers choose. I would have loved focus stacking to help get it perfectly focused back then.
Yes I've done my share of shallow depth of field images but mainly in adverts for glossy mags where it's more eye catching than informative. I confess I hate food photographed this way. Never seen the point of one sprout and some gravy in focus while the rest of the plate is out?
I was asked to photograph a range of Chinese meals and table settings for a local restaurant some years back. I exposed at f16 as I thought the punters might like to see what was on both sides of the plate.
This was especially necessary when we set the solvent alight for the flamb© meals. "MORE FRAMES" "MORE FRAMES" was Mr Lowes perpetual request....as I nearly set the tablecloth on fire trying to get a good effect.
Those were the days!
Last edited on Thu Nov 30th, 2017 09:17 by Eric
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Eric