Jennifer @ Home

I shot this portrait of my lovely bride on 8-12-11. Four months after being surgically treated for Superior Semi-Circular Dehiscence. I'm happy to report that she is doing well and getting stronger every day. She's very glad to have her life back and rid of the pain!

My reason for posting......Question, is there such a thing as too shallow DOF for portraiture? What type of portraits do you prefer, subject @ f11 or f2? What are some examples of situations that you would use one or the other? Let the discussion begin!

I know shooters on both ends. Some like f/1.2 on an 85mm. Others go for all around sharpness.

Usually, if both eyes are sharp, it is acceptable as a portrait. To shoot wide open also requires you to pay attention to the focus plane. It doesn't work with a turned head.

My normal is in the f/4 to f/8 realm. An 85mm at f/5.6 is usually enough to carry the head front to back (the parts we can see) and still have a nice soft background.

For product and fashion work, I might go higher on the ap, to get more sharpness. And in low light, I might shoot closer to f/2 (as you did). Just depends on the look I want.

You caught a nice split light above, and even captured the second catch light, that many people miss. I'd go for a little more shoulders for a base (turn her body some).

Still a very nice shot, Barry. The DoF you chose works well for it. Hope she feels good again.

MLKstudios wrote: I know shooters on both ends. Some like f/1.2 on an 85mm. Others go for all around sharpness.

Usually, if both eyes are sharp, it is acceptable as a portrait. To shoot wide open also requires you to pay attention to the focus plane. It doesn't work with a turned head.

My normal is in the f/4 to f/8 realm. An 85mm at f/5.6 is usually enough to carry the head front to back (the parts we can see).

For product and fashion work, I might go higher on the ap, to get more sharpness. And in low light, I might shoot closer to f/2 (as you did). Just depends on the look I want.

You caught a nice split light above, and even captured the second catch light, that many people miss. I'd go for a little more shoulders for a base (turn her body some).

Still a very nice shot, Barry. The DoF you chose works well for it. Hope she feels good again. [/quote
Great critique Matthew.
Hope your lovely wife will be fully recovered soon.

Wonderful photo of a beautiful Lady!

Thank for the critique Matthew. And for the well wishes from all.


I am finding that f2 is a pretty nice place to be for low-light portraits too. I think that our personal taste for DOF in portraiture is pretty similar, I like to hang out around f4-f5.6.

Your wife is beautiful Barry, this is a lovely portrait. I hope she will continue to improve and get back to Pefect health.

With Jennifer, there is no wrong DoF. Bless both of you. That smile could like up a room, no need for external lighting.

Mu turn to rave, Barry. With Gabrielle's portraits, as well as with Jennifer's, you capture the person'sinner truth. A gift that must be pursued!

When I shoot children I use a gun, oops sorry that slipped in , I use f8 as mums and dads want to see everything pin sharp in a studio shot, I am a little more adventurous out and about and use F2.8 to f8 and the parents dont seem to notice that Dof makes a bif difference until I point it out.
Your photos of Jennifer are always good and this one is no different, as has been pointed out Jennifers smile lights up a room, she is a good model and in this one looks so radient, I am sure that is down to the operation and starting life again pain free.
Lets see more photos of Jennifer and Gabrielle as they always make me smile and make my day.

Shanna-Marie wrote: Your wife is beautiful Barry, this is a lovely portrait. I hope she will continue to improve and get back to Pefect health.

Thank you Shanna.

Baydream wrote: With Jennifer, there is no wrong DoF. Bless both of you. That smile could like up a room, no need for external lighting.

Thank you John, she really does light up a room!

John Landolfi wrote: Mu turn to rave, Barry. With Gabrielle's portraits, as well as with Jennifer's, you capture the person'sinner truth. A gift that must be pursued!

Portraiture is what I consider to be my biggest challenge and will be a course of study after I finish night school. Thanks again!

photobod wrote: When I shoot children I use a gun, oops sorry that slipped in , I use f8 as mums and dads want to see everything pin sharp in a studio shot, I am a little more adventurous out and about and use F2.8 to f8 and the parents dont seem to notice that Dof makes a bif difference until I point it out.
Your photos of Jennifer are always good and this one is no different, as has been pointed out Jennifers smile lights up a room, she is a good model and in this one looks so radient, I am sure that is down to the operation and starting life again pain free.
Lets see more photos of Jennifer and Gabrielle as they always make me smile and make my day.

Thanks so much David, please get well soon!

Here's another portrait of Jennifer that I took last year in October. This was taken with my 50mm 1.8 Ai-s on my D70. I think that I had it wide open.