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Enthusiastic with my new purchase of a Canon EOS 400D I set out trying some entertaining tutorials I had found in a D-SLR magazine. This months tip utilises the f/ function of the camera enabling sharp close-ups with blurred-out backgrounds, useful for emphasis on foreground objects whilst detracting from unwanted clutter in the background.

 For this tutorial I used the following setup:

1. One sheet of wrapping paper
2. 3 little ducks
3. Horseshoe spirit level
4. Canon EOS 400D + Kit lens
5. Velbon CX mini tripod

The idea is to align the ducks up on a flat surface (as seen), set the cameras ISO to a low level (I used 100), and set the f/ level to a low setting (I was restricted to f/3.5 on my budget kit lens). The tripod helps keeps stable whilst the spirit level keeps things, well, level.

I didn't have any professional backdrops at hand and had to make-do with a sheet of wrapping paper instead. The weight of the ducks caused the paper to ruffle so I used a large piece of cardboard to provide a more solid surface to work on. I used a lamp to provide lighting, although in hindsight daylight would have been a better choice if available. The lamp caused unwanted shadows and was intense in places. I will have to invest in a shade lamp and/or reflectors for future use.

The end result can be seen here:

Link to Fullsize image

I tweaked the final image in Photoshop to even the colour levels. This introduced some unwanted green pigments in the background, however the final shot looks much better for it overall. I also experimented with a 30 day trial of Lightroom. I am impressed however have yet to master the RAW/DNG formats and understand how they work when importing/editing.

Conclusion - I learnt what the f/ setting does on the camera and how it can help enhance foreground objects and eliminate unwanted background clutter. It can also be used for arty shots as in this example. Although it is no award-winning shot I had fun shooting it and got to experiment with focus, composition, backdrops and lighting.

Update: I found the original RAW image for this file (see comments below) and have uploaded a newer version  in the Gallery.

Comments (6)

1. RAW Format Written by Douglas Allchin, on Sunday, 06 January 2008 at 07:54 Hi! The RAW format (which just means unprocessed data as captured by the camera) is held different file formats usually by manufacturer (though often by individual camera in a given maker's range) there is also a suggested 'cross manufacturer' format, supported by Adobe - the famous DNG RAW. Using raw means that rather than relying on the manufacturer's in camera processing for colour balance, sharpness, contrast etc. you get the whole thing, warts and all in a RAW file, and usually adjust the colour (white) balance contrast and brightness then save the file and work on the rest using your favourite photo program. Most like Photoshop have both functions, and when one has finished with the RAW image it is saved out as a JPG or TIFF for more processing (levels etc cropping, perspective or lens correction etc.) NEVER make any changes to bthe original RAW file. That's your 'digital negative' always back up these straight from the camera and work on copies!!! Hope this helps? All the best! Report

2. Written by mallchin, on Tuesday, 08 January 2008 at 17:37 I've been experimenting with the wonders of RAW/DNG with Adobe Lightroom     I downloaded a 30day trial and used it to tweak the pictures in this shoot. Unfortunately the camera needed a firmware upgrade to transfer the RAW files so I was in fact (unbeknown to me at the time) working with JPEGs -- I had shot in RAW+L but only the L (large JPEGs) were imported.    I have the RAW files still though and have now imported them alongside the JPEGs so may tweak them an publish those instead. They should look a little better with the additional bit depth.    Lightroom can import the Canon RAW files (.CR2) and/or convert to Digital Negatives (.DNG). All changes are non-destructive so I can undo any changes and tweak to my hearts content. All-in-all I'm liking Lightroom. Next stop HDR lol! Report

4. Written by mallchin, on Sunday, 13 January 2008 at 00:09 Thank you for your comments Tricia Dad passed me the link to your site -- you have some excellent photos! I hope one day to have a selection as wonderful as yours.    I have another project to put up tomorrow of a mannequin I've been experimenting with in a makeshift lightbox. When the spring hits us I will venture into the garden and hopefully capture some nice plants. Report

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