Hi Shel,
For a 3/4 rear shot (like this) or a similar front angle I focus on
the license plate. The viewer's impression of sharpness is shaped by
the foreground sharpness. The stop I use depends on the DOF of the
particular lens. With that 77, I think you'll need f11 or f16 to keep
the entire car in focus if the license plate is the focal point. With
cars that look good foreshortened, I sometimes shoot this angle with my
A400 at f32 -- off a tripod of course. However, this car is too much of
a jelly bean for that kind of pull. The 77 looks to be close to ideal.
The light direction is good, but full sun is always a bit harsh. A
similar light direction with the sun just below the horizon in early
morning or late afternoon would be excellent. Or the same light
direction as you have here with a light cloud cover would be very nice.
Of course that would make the tripod a necessity. I would also move the
car as far away from the background as possible. (That's why good car
shooting locations are hard to find:-).
Paul
On Sep 23, 2005, at 11:31 PM, Shel Belinkoff wrote:
I'm using this car for a while and decided a little snap was in order.
I
used the 77mm lens on the DS, and found the perspective pleasing.
However,
the sharpness of the license plate and deck emblem leaves something to
be
desired. I'm hoping someone (perhaps Paul) can offer a suggestion as
to
what aperture and focus point might best provide some sharper results.
This was shot at 1/800 @ f8.0, and the focus point was at about the
rear
door handle.
http://home.earthlink.net/~scbelinkoff/bmw.html
Shel
