Congratulations Brenda!!! @btorrey
Brenda has selected me to host the next challenge.
Do some of the camera settings intimidate you? Do you want to learn how to develop your photography skills and learn how to use your camera effectively without always going back to the “auto” function? These challenges are for you!
This week’s challenge is: Sweet Spot
Explanation: Every lens has a sweet spot in which you get the most sharpness your camera and lens are capable of as well as a depth of field that will pull your viewer into the photograph. This challenge will be to help you find that spot for as many lenses as you want to find it for. For most, it will fall somewhere between F8 and F11. Types of photography where knowing the sweet spot of your lens comes in especially handy: landscapes, portraits of groups of people, product photography, etc. All you have to do for this challenge is find the sweet spot of your lens and find a subject to photograph using the sweet spot to demonstrate that sweet spot
Additional Tips : Obviously, you'll want to avoid macro photography for this challenge.
Helpful Links: For a simple definition of the Sweet Spot (and other helpful aperture info): http://www.outdoorphoto.com/guides/basics_aperture.php
For more detailed info on using the sweet spot (primarily for landscapes) and the trap of diffraction (and what diffraction is): http://suite101.com/article/landscapes-getting-everything-sharp-a359417 There is a photo (I think it works like a slideshow) to the left near the beginning of the article that, if you click on it, you can enlarge it to see the photos that are referenced as well as the table that is referenced)
Experienced photographers who are knowledgeable in this particular setting are encouraged to offer “kind and constructive” suggestions on the posted entries. Those entering this challenge want to learn and improve.
This challenge starts today, May 15th, and will run through May 27th 12:00pm Central Standard Time (17:00 Zulu time http://www.zulutime.net). You're going to get a little extra time because I'm starting this early and since the 27th is a holiday, it didn't make sense for me to end it before that day. All photos must be taken during these dates to be considered. Enter as many as you would like- the idea is to practice & learn. TAG YOUR PHOTO CSC-26 AND post your picture in this thread to receive feedback from other experienced photographers specific to this challenge.
Voting will take place May 28th and the winner will be announced May 29th. There will be at least a full 24 hours for voting. The winner of the challenge will select an experienced photographer to host a new challenge. It is the winner’s option on who they want to host the next challenge; it may be someone they follow whose work they admire, or someone who is active offering suggestions on previous CSC challenges. The winner may also select an experienced photographer for the list of photographers who have agreed to host future challenges as another option. Here is the link to that list: http://365project.org/myhrhelper/365/2011-12-12
Expect to receive constructive suggests on how to improve your skills.
How to post your photo on this link:
1) Go to your page that has the photo you wish to post.
2) Copy the “share” code in the bottom right section of that page.
3) Return to this thread and paste the code under comments
Yeah!!! Thanks Jeff! I like this one and it has never been done. I never knew there was a camera sweet spot before until I asked the question about getting photo clarity - I will want to research this one for sure! @jsw0109 You links seem to be working
@jsw0109 Nice choice Jeff. I recently purchased a new camera so looks like it's time to find the sweet spot! I will be taking lots of group pics at my daughter's graduation and parties over the next few days.
Thanks for hosting.
Great choice! Funny, I was thinking my sweet spot lately was about 5.6. I'll read up, though, because it would be great to know!! Thanks for the challenge!
@jsw0109 Your links don't work for me either, Jeff. (I also had to copy and paste url into a new window). Yet Brenda's link above (to peachpit) is fine. Unfortunately I don't know how to solve the problem.
Thanks for running this challenge. This is something completely new to me so I'm off to experiment!
@btorrey just the sweet spot shot. Although I do recommend shooting the exact same scene with the whole range between your wide aperture and narrow because it will be much easier to see exactly when diffraction starts and just how bad the diffraction can get just for your own reference.
@kwiksilver apparently someething has changed in the way links are added to threads, because the last time I hosted, my links showed up and worked just fine, and I didn't do anything differently this time. Maybe someone who knows what has to be done now to get them to work as actual links can let me know how to fix it.
i use the 18-55mm kit lens that came with my 60D. i find the sweet spot to be around f7-f8, but that's my subjective judgement. would like to know what other users of the same lens think. :)
@myhrhelper yes... each lens has its own sweet spot. if you want to find it quickly, set your camera on aperture priority and take a shot of newspaper for each aperture setting. Its easier to see diffraction that way
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
I may join this challenge! Thanks for choosing this theme, @jsw0109 :)
Thanks for hosting.
@jsw0109 Are we supposed to post a collage showing the difference in say F4, F8 and F22? Or find the sweet spot and then post a pic of just that?
Thanks for running this challenge. This is something completely new to me so I'm off to experiment!
18mm, 18-55 kit lens, AF-S (single), F9, 1/100, Manual, Spot Metering, 3.3+ exposure, ISO 200
18mm focal, 18-55 kit lens, AF- Single, F11, Manual, 1/60th, Spot Metering, 3.3+ exposure, ISO 200