when taking photographs, how does one get the foreground to be crisp and the background to blur? Does that make sense? I've accomplished it before, but just by happens chance and desire that look for a few frames I'll be taking soon. I know there must be a certain way of fine tuning the camera to do this on command...lol... just can't seem to figure it out.
I have a lot to learn when it comes to manually configuring my camera. I've always used point and shoot, and with with this new camera, it's all a bit foreign to me.
Thanks in advance
Hazel
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Comments: 14
that would help with telling you what would work.
I know how to do it on my digital slr but it wouldn't help if that isn't what you have, actually it's the same for a film slr.
If you have a camera that permits aperture priority, set the aperture (lens opening) to the lowest number possible (the widest aperture, e.g. f 3.5 .) This will give you the least depth of field possible. OTHERWISE shoot in low light without flash and the camera will automatically tend to choose that setting. Of course you'll need to focus (or auto focus) on the foreground. Another thing that will help (if your camera has this feature) is to set the ISO (or ASA) to the lowest value available. This forces the camera to choose lower aperture values.
If your camera has a portrait pre-set use this (For example on the Cannon XT Digital, the portrait setting is an icon of a person on the top dial) - this will make the foreground subject crisp and blur the background a bit.
. . . A wider aperture, (Low F/ stop) is the key. These wide openings let in a lot of light so the shutter speed needs to be increased or the light (exposure) will overwhelm. Aperture priority allows you to set the aperture and the shutter speed is calculated for you. Without aperture priority, you must meter the light and set shutter speed.
By going the other direction . . . and narrowing the aperture . . . you get a deep field and a great focal setting for landscape and scenic photos.
Shutter priority allows you to set the speed and the aperture is auto-set to aloow optimal exposure. Fast speed will freeze water droplets in midair or athletic competition . . . slow speed will provide a smoothing influence to water surfaces but will tend to blur any motion -
Hope this helps!
What camera did you get???
Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
I have read the manual but it still is very confusing, trying to understand all the terms and all. It's a learning process, that's for certain!
I checked on canon's website and looked at the manual a little.
It also says that your PowerShot S1 IS
Digital Camera. Their website says it's not a digital slr though, but it's their 'High-End, Advanced Digital Camera.' I guess that is their best next to the digital slrs.
Your aperture / number question is confusing even to me . . . so you carry the message quite well. It's not so very complicated though. A low number (preceeded by an F) means a wider open eye. Picture a human eye opened wide (like in shock) . . . perhaps F/2.8. Squinted shut, like if you try to read or see something . . . . then F/22). That's it. Shutter speed is simpler . . . just how fast or slow you 'blink'!
You'll get it down . . . meantime . . . . F/2.8 . . . more fuzzy in the BG . . . :)
Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~