Manual or Auto Focus?

[Roblkoster]

Hi all,

For portrait work, do you guys mainly use AF or manual focus?

I know it depends on the shoot - so let's say that this is a controlled shoot in a studio with a professional model, so movement and outside issues are not as much of a concern.

I know that there are advantages for both - AF is great for speed of shot, consistent focus, one less thing to worry about, but, with manual focus, you can really play with the shot to make it more interesting and make sure the model or focus points really stand out.

It would be great to hear from you as to your experiences and thoughts.

Cheers,

Rob

 

[Jayst84]

The final image will look exactly the same whether you use auto or manual. Not sure what you mean by playing with manual focus to make things stand out.

I use auto focus, because why wouldn't I? Unless I'm on a tripod, then I may use live view and manual focus with magnification. (Not for portraits).

 

[Roblkoster]

Hi Jay,

What I mean is that with manual focus you can choose what you focus on, rather than letting the camera choose. For example, if you had a model turned to the side with hands outstretched towards the camera, the AF would focus on the hands as they are closest to the camera, or depending on the aperture, the entire image. With manual focus you can choose where your focus points are, singling out the face of the model to focus on.

I know it all down to artistic preference - I was just wondering what most people use.

The final image will look exactly the same whether you use auto or manual. Not sure what you mean by playing with manual focus to make things stand out.

I use auto focus, because why wouldn't I? Unless I'm on a tripod, then I may use live view and manual focus with magnification. (Not for portraits).

 

[RichardTaylor]

Almost alway autofocus (with centre point only active).
Manual focus will only when autofocus is having problems.

Even with autofucus you should be able to select the focus point to suit the subject (this may be camera dependant)

Almost all my portraits are unposed and never in a studio.
I am just a hobbyst.

 

[Phil V]

Hi Jay,

What I mean is that with manual focus you can choose what you focus on, rather than letting the camera choose. For example, if you had a model turned to the side with hands outstretched towards the camera, the AF would focus on the hands as they are closest to the camera, or depending on the aperture, the entire image. With manual focus you can choose where your focus points are, singling out the face of the model to focus on.

I know it all down to artistic preference - I was just wondering what most people use.

I think you're confusing Auto focus with letting the camera choose the focus point. And Manual focus with manually selecting the focus point.

Lesson 1 when you get a DSLR, don't let the camera choose what to focus on, how can it possibly know what you're shooting. Always select the focus point, whether you choose centre focus point and recompose is between you and the ability of your camera.

So back to the question, modern AF cameras are generally crap for manually focussing, there's almost never a time when I could beat my cameras at focussing, and I spent 20 years manually focussing cameras before I bit the bullet and went AF. But selecting the focus point is something you should always do.

 

[DemiLion]

I think you're confusing Auto focus with letting the camera choose the focus point. And Manual focus with manually selecting the focus point.

Lesson 1 when you get a DSLR, don't let the camera choose what to focus on, how can it possibly know what you're shooting. Always select the focus point, whether you choose centre focus point and recompose is between you and the ability of your camera.

So back to the question, modern AF cameras are generally crap for manually focussing, there's almost never a time when I could beat my cameras at focussing, and I spent 20 years manually focussing cameras before I bit the bullet and went AF. But selecting the focus point is something you should always do.

I was thinking about you and what you've written in that last sentence as I read the opening post!

 

[Roblkoster]

I think you're confusing Auto focus with letting the camera choose the focus point. And Manual focus with manually selecting the focus point.

Lesson 1 when you get a DSLR, don't let the camera choose what to focus on, how can it possibly know what you're shooting. Always select the focus point, whether you choose centre focus point and recompose is between you and the ability of your camera.

So back to the question, modern AF cameras are generally crap for manually focussing, there's almost never a time when I could beat my cameras at focussing, and I spent 20 years manually focussing cameras before I bit the bullet and went AF. But selecting the focus point is something you should always do.

Fair enough, newish to pro photography so the tips are most welcome. Actually have been doing a lot of video work where manual focus is the bread and butter due to the control videographers have over the time it takes to focus and what is focused. The switching from video head to photo head can be mixed sometimes!!

Cheers for the info