[Joonsup]

I was just randomly thinking this at work and I wanted to ask before I forgot since I've been meaning to find out the answer to this question. I currently have the Canon T1i, and most of time I set the focal point to the center with an aperture of 2.8 on my 17-55 2.8IS lense.

Let's say theres an object like a person that I take a picture of. I would focus on their face using the focal point I am on. I think it's called the AF points or somethign? I have like 9 or something. Whatever I'm focused on would be sharp while everything else is blurred, which I understand.

However, lets say there's two people sitting/standing next to each other and I want to have both faces sharp while the background blurry, where would I focus on? In between the two heads? Or would I have to lower the aperture to 5 or something?

Sorry for my lack of photography language. Any help would be appreciated thanks.

p.s. For my camera I can only use one AF point at a time. I can't select more than one.

[dorifto88]

yah you could try to focus in between them... or you could just swing the lens to manual focus and try to quickly adjust it (it shouldnt take too long since you have already focused on one person)...

edit, and yes your camera can select multiple focusing points... refer to the manual or switch the camera to a different mode (like into automatic mode) or select a different way for the camera to select focusing points

[khaye1]

set your AF points to all and it should be able to detect multiple faces...or use live view set to face detection on your live view settings?

[hipnotic]

+1

[Joonsup]

ok im just trying to soak up all this info. thanks guys

[Joonsup]

and btw i'm usually on aperture priority mode so it adjusts the shutter speed automatically. ISO I try to keep as low as possible depending on how much light I have. I don't have a tripod so it's tough sometimes

[dorifto88]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

It has nothing to do with focal points, it's f-stop settings that play an important role, allowing for a great focal length so the DOF between your subject and the b.g. is increased.

i would agree if there are numerous people in the shot and you want to soak up the background, but if its just like a couple of people then i would say a low f stop would be fine... besides, if you have a larger aperture (larger number) you will need to leave the shutter open longer, and depending on the light conditions, could be detrimental to the shot.
that's just my opinion though, im just a nub at photography =)

btw your online portfolio looks solid !