Ever wonder how to get those pictures where the subject is in focus and everything else is really blurry? That was the first question I wanted to answer for myself when I decided to venture in to this photography thing. I logged many hours reading from several other photographers willing to share on how to create this effect. Here was what they basically all said.
#1 Learn how to shoot in Manual Mode.
#2 Change your camera settings so you can adjust where the AF point is manually.
#3 Set your aperture to the lowest number.
Shooting in manual mode can be really scary but it becomes less so with practice. I don’t recommend the first time you try being with someone who is paying you. In fact, learn manual mode before you expect to get paid. Most photographers will tell you that the only way to learn is to read your camera’s manual and practice. I will also add to learn what aperture, ISO, and shutter speed do to your pictures. You basically need to learn out of the three how they let in more or less light. If you are in the full sun then you don’t need as much light hitting the camera as if you were in a low light situation.
The AF points on your camera are those dots you see in the view finder that light up when you focus. I can only speak to Canon but they are red dots in the frame. If you leave the factory settings as is then those points are automatically chosen by the camera, choosing the item closest to you. Change these settings in your menu so that you can manually select the AF point before you shoot. This way if you want to focus on the eye of a person or the hands of a person you choose, not the camera. This option can dramatically change the feel of the image.
To get the fuzzy background so fuzzy on am image, you need to change the aperture to be on its lowest number or wide open as the term is used. My favorite lens right now is my 35mm f/1.4. The 1.4 represents the lowest number for the aperture. At 1.4 the focal point in the image is in focus and most the rest of the image is really blurry. It creates a very dreamy effect that I love. This lens is pretty costly but you can get some decent lenses that have f stops at 1.8 which is a great beginner.
One of my recent shoots was with a family and their baby boy. He had just learned how to sit up so I had him in front and his parents within arms reach behind him. I did this to purposely use the fuzzy effect on the parents and keep baby in focus. It turned out super cute and this is why investigating and learning how to use that super expensive camera is worth it.
by adriapeaden
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