Focus technique question

[OzzieGirl]

I shot some pics of my friends dog the other day and noticed that in one of the images, the only part of the photo that was in focus is the face of the dog.
Here is the pic-


Do you think this kind of focus technique is ok, to draw attention to the detail of the dogs face or does it detract from the photo?

[Marvin]

I don't think it detracts from the photo at all. You want the attention to be on the face so it is good use of depth of field IMHO.

[gstark]

I fully agree with marvin's comment on this.

And furthermore, fetch!

[MHD]

Great photo... yes, this is classic portrature... you have the subject in focus and a nice soft out of focus background... it highlights the subject and does not detract from the subject...

Great expression on the dog!

*Woof*

[Glen]

I agree, looks very good.

The other point is that was shot at f4.5 for 1/80sec, at a higher f number to give more depth of field may have been too slow a shutter speed for a moving dog. Eg f22 would approximately require 1/2.5 sec.

[OzzieGirl]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'm having great fun learning all about photography with my new D50.
Look forward to contributing some pics to the forum soon.

[sirhc55]

The face is the main subject, not his/her tail - ipso facto very nice pic

[johnd]

Not only do I think this technique is OK. I think it's THE way to bring attention to the main feature of the photo, the dogs face.
Often the background stuff is a distraction, so it's a great idea to blur it out.
I really like this shot. It says "I'm having fun, come and play".

[PiroStitch]

The depth of field in the photo is fine...in fact it's pretty much spot on

Also Ozziegirl, there's a Melbourne night meet next Friday night. For more details have a look at this topic:

http://www.d70users.com/viewtopic.php?t=8172

If you're free come and meet the other Melbourne members

[genji]

fantastic portrait of your friends dog! Which lens did you use?, because the colour saturation and sharpnest is amazing esp at f4.

[OzzieGirl]

PiroStitch- I'd definitely like to come along to one of the Melbourne meets.
It would be great to catch up with everyone, but i'm not sure if I can make it to this one.

genji- I used the 18-70mm D70s lens. I was pleasantly surprised with the sharpness & colour of these dog pics.

[genji]

PiroStitch- I'd definitely like to come along to one of the Melbourne meets.
It would be great to catch up with everyone, but i'm not sure if I can make it to this one.

next time then...

genji- I used the 18-70mm D70s lens. I was pleasantly surprised with the sharpness & colour of these dog pics.

I dont have this lens, so I am constantly surprised at the results, esp wide open!!