How to get a sharp, colorful image ?!

[JenniferOwens]

Hi. I was wondering how to get that crisp, clear, colorful picture. I dont know if its post editing or maybe the settings on the camera. I use a Canon XTi and I just borrowed a Sigma 28-300mm lens from my mom to use that I might end up buying for myself. My regular lens I use is a Sigma 28-70mm. I also wonder how to get that blurred background. Do I need to set my camera to macro maybe? Thanks!

Heres examples of what I mean... http://valeriemphotography.blogspot....otography.html

[_ManWithNoName_]

The blurred background is either a careful gausian blur in PS or a very wide aperture / focal length. This has the effect of putting the background out of focus.

As for the colour. Im intruiged about that too

[igot2pman]

Shoot at 300 mm f/8 @20 ft and you will get a depth of field(DOF) of .39ft

Or at 15ft and you will get a DOF of .22ft.

The Sigma 28-300mm is not sharp at 300mm so you have to stop down a bit (f/8) to get more sharpness. Stop down a bit more if you have multiple people or you need more of the subject in focus. You may also need either a high shutter speed (1/400sec) or a tripod to reduce camera shake and subject movement. Low ISO (400 and below) to reduce noise as it can kill your sharpness.

The longer the focal length, the shallower the DOF. Also, the closer the subject the shallower the DOF.

Hope it helps,
-Keven

[JenniferOwens]

Thanks! I often wonder if they just have it set on the macro setting. I made the mistake of having my ISO too high at a shoot and wondered why it was soooo grainy. It took me a few months to figure out that I was shooting manual and had my ISO up too high and thats probably one of the main reasons for the grainy effect. I am still learning and I have ventured off into trying to shoot in manual instead of full auto. I usually just put it on M and adjust the shutter speed to where I need it and to where I dont have to use the flash. Maybe I SHOULD use the flash to try and balance everything out...

[apixelintime]

Jennifer - the term for what you are looking to achieve is "Bokeh" - It is a big Japanise word meaning 'blur the heck out of the background' (ok - maybe not, but it is my translation)... As you have a Canon, you might look to the fine people @ potn.com for camera assistance. Also look at fredmiranda.com. Both are excellent photo sites.