Sharpening Critique please and thank-you.

[JBW]

In astronomy when your target snaps into focus you have it right. This just snapped for me so I am wondering if others agree that it is good or can it be improved and how?

[Shadowman]

I think it could be sharpened a bit more, the green leaf below appears to be more in focus.

[JBW]

I think it could be sharpened a bit more, the green leaf below appears to be more in focus.

more in focus than the purple blossom?

[Kris V]

more in focus than the purple blossom?

That's what it looks like to me also.
Can't recommend a technique, since I'm frequently encountering the same problem - focus on the wrong part of the scene.

[Downrigger]

To me, the sharpest focus is somewhere in the heart of the flower. Depth of field is a big issue with macro. It's hard to advise on this shot without knowing the meaning of the aperture given in the Exif (what's it equivalent to in standard DSLR architecture?). Controlling the depth of field is probably best accomplished by using a tripod and live view with magnification. Christina has an excellent, extensive thread on this, largely comprised of Mike Buckley's instruction, that would be very relevant to the problem posed here.

[JBW]

To me, the sharpest focus is somewhere in the heart of the flower. Depth of field is a big issue with macro. It's hard to advise on this shot without knowing the meaning of the aperture given in the Exif (what's it equivalent to in standard DSLR architecture?). Controlling the depth of field is probably best accomplished by using a tripod and live view with magnification. Christina has an excellent, extensive thread on this, largely comprised of Mike Buckley's instruction, that would be very relevant to the problem posed here.

if i had any idea what standard DSLR architecture was i might be able to answer your question. As for a tripod... my shots are all hand held. I will see if I can find Christina's thread.

[Shadowman]

more in focus than the purple blossom?

Yes, it may be only because the contrast is more pronounced on the leaf than on the blossom.

[JBW]

Yes, it may be only because the contrast is more pronounced on the leaf than on the blossom.

okay.