focusing self portraits

focus on a teddy or something where you will be, set it on self timer, run, kick teddy away, sit down and smile.

Repeat until happy. :)
 
First of all, welcome to the forum.

As Leeb says, one option is prefocusing, another tip if using this method is to switch the lens onto manual focus (assuming that is available on Nikons).

How are you setting off the shutter? If you are using a remote, have you got the option to half press the shutter?

You could also go for a smaller aperture so that there is a larger area in focus.
 
Ideally, i'd use a Wireless shutter release that supports the half press for focusing, camera AV output strapped to a tv screen directly behind the camera so you can see yourself, release button for the wireless release out of shot (in hand if head and shoulders, though i've pressed the release with my foot before now, when doing a self portrait seated at a desk.)
 
Tie a piece of string to the tripod so you know how far away you are from the camera focus the camera using auto and a remote release then switch to manual everytime you leave position to check the camera etc just check your distance again with the string.
 
I usually use string that's twice as long as the distance from one end to the middle :)
 
I would switch the focus selector on the back of the camera to the top setting where the camera decides what focus points it will use and use a cable or wireless release. sorry cannot check what the focus mode is called as I am laying in hospital..
 
I used to stick a broom handle or guitar headstock in the spot where I was going to be focus manually and slap on a 20 sec timer.

Now I switch it into 51 point 3D auto AF (D3,D700) trigger the camera via a pocket wizard and motor drive cable :D
Works a treat although quite an OTT way of doing it.
:lol:

The first method does work fine though, just takes some patience and practice ;)
 
Since you'll probably be using a tripod just stand were you intend to take the shot and use the camera to focus on the tripod.

It really depends just how accurate the AF needs to be, If your looking to do some fairly close crop stuff at a large aperture then it can be hard as this method probably isnt accurate enough.
 
mole2k said:
Since you'll probably be using a tripod just stand were you intend to take the shot and use the camera to focus on the tripod.

It really depends just how accurate the AF needs to be, If your looking to do some fairly close crop stuff at a large aperture then it can be hard as this method probably isnt accurate enough.
Click to expand...

i thought of this..but thought it would only work with manual focus
or put the camera on timer...focus on the tripod or support ...press...and then do a really fast swap round
 
I would normally lock the focus after focusing on the tripod so it doesnt try to re-focus.
 
If the lens isnt likely to creep (or you are keeping the camera level) then you could just drop it into manual after focusing then it wont change!
 
Helen said:
How can I focus a self portrait using a D700.
Click to expand...

hah, nice to see you finally managed to find out how to post.

There must be a setting on your nikon to auto select the best autofocus point, no clue how you set it but im sure its there.

Then its just a case of hoping it gets your eyes, either that or ask me to pop over and i'll press the shutter button like I usually do.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top