Nikon D50: Selective Focus & Manual Shooting

Until today, I had been shooting everything in “auto” mode. That’s a shame, I know, but I’m lazy like that sometimes. But knowing in the back of my mind that I must start shooting manually in order to step up the level of my game and become a serious photographer prompted me to break out my camera today and get started. These are a couple of the first images I shot.

My objective with both images was selective focusing to enhance short-range DOF (depth of field). I think I accomplished that, particularly in the image of the limes. The focus is on the front section of the platter (handle) and the front lime. I could have done a better job with the front lime, but I’m not sure how incremental focus adjustment works yet.

As for the image of the pink glasses, I’m pretty please with the outcome. Had I known the image would turn out so pretty, I would have washed the glasses. LOL The only real issue I have is the overall clarity, which I believe was affected by slight camera movement when pressing the button to take the shot (this applies to both images). I used my Sony tripod for these shots, which may be part of the problem. I’ll try using the Velbon 7000 next time. I’ll also lower the ISO to 400, possibly even 200, which should make the shots much less grainy. Hopefully, that will solve the problem. If not, I’ll try using the camera’s remote control so I don’t have to touch the camera to shoot.

Both images shot with a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens at 800 ISO, shutter priority, Vivid, JPEG fine. Minor colour correction in post with Photoshop. Eventually, I will get around to shooting in RAW, but for now, my plate is already full enough just testing and learning the camera’s features and how everything functions.

Went back to shoot an image of my granite mortar and pestal to use for my food site. Same lens, but this time I shot at ISO 400, aperture priority, JPEG fine. I like the image.