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Canon DSLR Challenge | all galleries >> Challenge 7: Portraits (Hosted by Joe Reilly) >> Challenge 7: Exhibition > The Look
Jeff Valine
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25-DEC-2003 Jeff Valine

The Look
Jeff Valine

My Pop could take me down a notch with a single look - now you can see just a hint of a smile that comes from watching grandchildren open Xmas presents.


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Canon DSLR Challenge15-Jan-2004 23:02
Counterpoint: I think the shallow DOF could have worked quite well in this image, *if* the plane of optimal focus fell squarely on his left eye. It looks like it fell a little short, as the eye is soft. The image (and, I think, the photographic intent) was "The Look", so other detail really contributes little. Perhaps even distracts. Again, I think the shallow DOF would have worked very well had the focus been perfect. Trouble is, with 1.8, you have little tolerance to work with. Separately, I smiled when I read your note "My Pop could take me down a notch with a single look." Me too. To this day, he still can. Fortunately, he has mellowed with age and it has been years since I've seen it. "The Look" is likely more universal than either of us think (*sMiLe*). --Joe
Guest 11-Jan-2004 23:03
Yes, I agree - the DOF is too shallow. I typically have a significant problem with camera shake, and so I tend to try to shoot at higher shutter speeds. On this shot I thought I was far enough away to get adequate DOF and I also wanted the busy kitchen background blurry - but obviously I misread the shot. Thanks for the feedback! -Jeff
Guest 11-Jan-2004 18:55
Jeff
I think you have too shallow DOF here - I see from the EXIF you were at 1/250 f/1.8 ISO800. I'd have thought you could have lowered the shutter to 1/60 and got f/5.6 (or thereabouts). Phil