Improving Landscape Photography using the Hyperfocal Method Donald Tredinnick Frozen Hiker Photography 2017 Donald M. Tredinnick www.frozenhiker.com
INTRODUCTIONS DON TREDINNICK Photo Credits Include 2018 International Wolf Center Calendar 2017 Galapagos Conservancy Calendar 2014-2017 North Cascades Institute Guidebook MPR Website, Lake Superior Magazine, Broward Palm Beach News Times, Virginia Pilot, WKDQ Website, plus others. 2009 Scott Kelby World Wide Photo Walk (St. Paul Winner, & Best Macro Worldwide) 2017 Donald M. Tredinnick www.frozenhiker.com Nature, Black & White, and Landscape Photography Instructor at Minnesota landscape Arboretum, and Minnesota Exposure Education Volunteer Naturalist at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (lead photo hikes and teach photography seminars). 2013 Artist in Residence North Cascades Institute North Cascades National Park www.frozenhiker.com
www.frozenhiker.com 2017 Donald M. Tredinnick www.frozenhiker.com
2017 Donald M. Tredinnick www.frozenhiker.com
2017 Donald M. Tredinnick www.frozenhiker.com
HYPERFOCAL DISTANCE With landscape photography it is essential to maximize depth of field. In most cases, we want to give the perception of having everything in focus. Understanding hyperfocal distance is critical for lens selection & camera settings. 2017 Donald M. Tredinnick - www.frozenhiker.com
BAD ADVICE GIVEN TO NEW PHOTOGRAPHERS iso 640, 29mm, f/25, 1/250 Most people buying their first (D)SLR are told to use the smallest aperture. This results in defraction, along with an overall soft image.
BAD TECHNIQUE BY PEOPLE NEW TO LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY iso 640, 29mm, f/25, 1/250 This issue is made worse by focusing in the wrong place. In this case, the focus was set on the rocks.
UNDERSTANDING HYPERFOCAL TECHNIQUES PROVIDES BETTER RESULTS iso 400, 28mm, f/11, 1/250 The questions become: How do I know what aperture to use? How do I know where to focus?
START BY SETTING YOUR APERTURE Most Lenses provide the best results at apertures between f/8 and f/14 iso 1600, 35mm, f/8,.4 sec
WARNING MATH AHEAD! 2017 Donald M. Tredinnick www.frozenhiker.com
CALCULATING THE HYPERFOCAL DISTANCE The hyperfocal distance is the closest distance at which a lens can be focused while keeping objects at infinity acceptably sharp. When the lens is focused at this In photography distance, all the objects circle at of distances confusion from half of the hyperfocal limit distance defined out as to the infinity largest will blur be spot acceptably that will sharp. be perceived by the human eye as a point. 2017 Donald M. Tredinnick www.frozenhiker.com Η = ƒ 2 Νc + ƒ c = d/1500 Η Where: Where d = the diagonal length of the H represents the hyperfocal distance original image (sensor size) f represents the focal length of the lens ƒ N represents the aperture setting Full (divisor) frame DSLR - d = 43mm c represents the circle of confusion limit c = 0.029mm
A COUPLE QUICK EXAMPLES 16mm, f/8 = 3.2 ft 24mm, f/8 = 7.2 ft 50mm, f/8 = 31.25 ft 70mm, f/8 = 61.25 ft 2017 Donald M. Tredinnick www.frozenhiker.com
RELAX THERE S AN APP FOR THAT! iphone Android 2017 Donald M. Tredinnick www.frozenhiker.com
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? The focal length of the lens is the most important factor in determining if that lens will work for our landscape image. If possible, it is better to move closer with a wider lens. If we are using a longer lens we need to make sure that: We are focused to the proper spot. Our lens is angled to avoid the foreground area that will not be in focus. 18mm, f/8 2017 Donald M. Tredinnick www.frozenhiker.com
HOW I USE USE THE HYPERFOCAL METHOD Start at f/8 Compose my shot Based on the focal length of the lens, I determine the hyperfocal distance I adjust aperture based on how far out the hyperfocal distance is. Adjust shutter speed and ISO. Spot focus and take the shot.
BUT, HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE SPOT TO FOCUS ON? Guess Since I know my height, I try to image how many of me it would take. Pace it off The average long stride is about a yard. Use a measuring device A laser measuring device available at most hardware stores works quite well.
DON T FORGET ABOUT OUR OLD FRIEND PYTHAGORAS
Height of Sensor from Ground WHY ARE YOU HITTING US WITH MORE MATH? We need to ensure that our measurement is straight out from the camera, and parallel to the ground. Hyperfocal Distance Therefore, if we are picking a point on the ground, we need to make sure we are solving for hypotenuse
Height of Sensor from Ground WHY ARE YOU HITTING US WITH MORE MATH? We need to ensure that our measurement is straight out from the camera, and parallel to the ground. Hyperfocal Distance Therefore, if we are picking a point on the ground, we need to make sure we are solving for hypotenuse
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WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM WRONG? It is always better to overestimate the distance. Just make sure that half the distance between where you are focused and the camera sensor is out of the frame. When in doubt, take several shots using different focus points.
SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO COMPROMISE In this case, I needed a long focal length to get a large enough moon. The foreground was not going to be sharp, but I needed to have the storage bin sharp. I needed some of the foreground to anchor the shot. I chose to minimize the foreground but keep it in the shot.
TO SUMMARIZE General rule of thumb it is easier to show depth using a wider lens. Remember that 1/2 the distance between the sensor and the hyperfocal point will be soft. There are apps for mobile phones and tablets that will calculate the hyperfocal distance. Unless going for a sunburst/moonburst, stay between f/8 and f/14. You don t have to be exact. 2017 Donald M. Tredinnick www.frozenhiker.com
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