Pet Photography focus issues

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Scott Ramsey

Senior Member
I've recently gotten into pet photography and am having issues regarding the proper focus mode for a running dog. I am using a D810 and am shooting in AF-C mode at auto area AF but the camera is not changing focus fast enough as the dog moves. I get one or two decent shots out of 8-10 in a given sequence. In all cases the shooting was done in bright light so it's not a low light issue. Also, I am using a shutter speed of 1,500 or greater. What focus settings do others use in this situation? Are 9, 21 or 51 dynamic areas the proper settings to use?
thanks
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Scott Ramsey said:
I've recently gotten into pet photography and am having issues regarding the proper focus mode for a running dog. I am using a D810 and am shooting in AF-C mode at auto area AF but the camera is not changing focus fast enough as the dog moves. I get one or two decent shots out of 8-10 in a given sequence. In all cases the shooting was done in bright light so it's not a low light issue. Also, I am using a shutter speed of 1,500 or greater. What focus settings do others use in this situation? Are 9, 21 or 51 dynamic areas the proper settings to use?
thanks
Click to expand...
I determine the AF-Area Mode based on how the subject is moving: the more sudden, more erratic the motion of the subject the more focus points I use. For something relatively slow-moving, or moving in a predictable path (such a runner, cyclist, etc.) I'd probably work with Group or D9; assuming I can pan the motion/keep the subject well-framed. As the predictability of the subjects motion, or my ability to smoothly pan the subjects motion decreases, the number of focus points I employ increases. A moving subject definitely adds a layer of difficulty so be prepared to have a higher than normal Trash to Keeper ratio regardless of your settings.

You might also find this article helpful: Auto-focus Modes Explained
 
S

Scott Ramsey

Senior Member
Horoscope Fish said:
I determine the AF-Area Mode based on how the subject is moving: the more sudden, more erratic the motion of the subject the more focus points I use. For something relatively slow-moving, or moving in a predictable path (such a runner, cyclist, etc.) I'd probably work with Group or D9; assuming I can pan the motion/keep the subject well-framed. As the predictability of the subjects motion, or my ability to smoothly pan the subjects motion decreases, the number of focus points I employ increases. A moving subject definitely adds a layer of difficulty so be prepared to have a higher than normal Trash to Keeper ratio regardless of your settings.

You might also find this article helpful: Auto-focus Modes Explained
Click to expand...

Thanks Paul and very good article. Think I'll take my dog for run!
 
S

Scott Ramsey

Senior Member
csgaraglino said:
Are you using the Shutter Release Button for focusing, or the AF-On button? If your not you seriously needs to think about using it, it will completely change how you shoot (for the better)!

Take a look at Steve’s video, might explain a lot for you.
https://youtu.be/_N_bzhJAKms


Chris Sgaraglino
Widow Creek Photography
Freelance Photographer Tampa Florida
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I was using the shutter release button but the more I read, I'm thinking I should use the AF-On. I have been using AF-On to focus on the eyes for a still shot and then locking to recompose the shot but hadn't thought about it for action shots. In that case would you hold down the button continuously while the dog is running and click off the shots?
thanks
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Back button focus is the way to go all the time. It does take a little getting use to but worth the effort.


Back Button Focus is a great tool for so many photographers and is something I think everyone should try at least once. Below are a few sites that talk about the how and why of Back Button Focus.

Benefits of Using the AF-ON Button for Autofocus by Nikon USA


BACK BUTTON FOCUSING – EASIER THAN YOU THINK! by Improve Photography


Here is a good YouTube video that goes over the why and how of Back Button Focusing.

You can do a search of the forum on "Back Button Focus" or BBF and see the many threads that have been created on this subject.

Try it, You will like it.






 
S

Scott Ramsey

Senior Member
Don Kuykendall said:
Back button focus is the way to go all the time. It does take a little getting use to but worth the effort.


Back Button Focus is a great tool for so many photographers and is something I think everyone should try at least once. Below are a few sites that talk about the how and why of Back Button Focus.

Benefits of Using the AF-ON Button for Autofocus by Nikon USA


BACK BUTTON FOCUSING – EASIER THAN YOU THINK! by Improve Photography


Here is a good YouTube video that goes over the why and how of Back Button Focusing.

You can do a search of the forum on "Back Button Focus" or BBF and see the many threads that have been created on this subject.

Try it, You will like it.






Click to expand...

thanks Don, I actually have been using back button focus for stills but hadn’t thought about it for action shoots. Would you hold down the button continuously during a series of shots?
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Scott Ramsey said:
thanks Don, I actually have been using back button focus for stills but hadn’t thought about it for action shoots. Would you hold down the button continuously during a series of shots?
Click to expand...


Yes, that is the beauty of BBF. Press and let go for stills and press and hold for action shots. That way it reverts to continuous focus. I use it for Bird in Flight shots.
 
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