sharp focus

Folks,

I have been having a problem w/sharp portraits.
Any recommendation on my technique?

I often use a Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5

I also have a Nikkor 85mm fixed at f/1.8, should I be using this instead for
less sharpness?

Any other recommendations on technique would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
one.

 

The latter is a very sharp lens. If your problem is to get soft
portraits, maybe a high quality diffusion filter is very helpful.

 

To experiment easily, tape a single ply of sheer panty hose
over the lens.
Try two layers...I did this for young men with bad
complexions. (I had the hose mounted in a polaroid mount and could
turn one slightly for a little control.)
If you are doing your own printing, consider going for the
sharp negative and using a diffusor on the enlarger. This will give a
little different result.
One way may give a glowing-skin aspect to the print.
The other way the reverse. This is less attractive for
females but I found it good for a grizzled old man with rough hands
and dark background.
If you put a diffusor on the camera and on the enlarger as
well, it puts everything back like it was. (No! I am just joking!
Just joking!!!)
Play.

Ken Cashion

 

There are soft focus filters that would solve your problem admirably, or you
can take a cheap throw away UV filter and either smear vasoline on it, or
stretch a piece of nylon stocking over it to achieve a similar effect.

 

Actually, many portrait photographers LIKE a softer lens

Anyway, you did not mention if you were using a tripod. Are you? Even
85 mm is long enough you probably should be.

 

Thanks folks!
These comments are great!!!
I think I will try a soft focus or diffusion filter (is there a difference?)
Can anyone recommend any high quality ones (with experience using it... not
reading an article )

Don,

As for the tripod I seldom use one as my shutter speed permits hand holding.
Besides, I also do fashion and 'active' shooting which makes a tripod
difficult to use at times.

Thanks a mill.!
one.

 

Yes, there is.

Softars are by far the best.

 

pantyhose? clean or worn?

 

The filter you need is called Duto. It softens the lines in people's faces.
Hoya make a good one. Smearing anything on a lens is totally unpredictable.
Sometimes I huff on the lens but this too is unpredictable. Using a stocking
is overkill and will not result in soft portraits... More like murkey ones.

Doug

 

(Thud![sound of forehead hitting desk!]) It would depend entirely on your
source, I'd think...

 

Ideally, you ask the model to borrow hers........

 

I nominate Polytone's question for "Question Of The Month". He should be
awarded an expired roll of Kodak Gold for that one!

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
Alliance Graphique Studio
<http://www.allgstudio.com>

 

heheheh

--
Skip Middleton
www.shadowcatcherimagery.com