How To Get Multiple Subjects in Focus in ONE Photo | Focus on more than one subject in photography!

How to get multiple subjects in focus in one photo is like the holy grail of portrait photography and it's rarely achieved because of all the elements that HAVE to come together. Focus on more than one subject in photography, whilst retaining a reasonably low f-number and having a blurry background, seems to be even less common, but it's totally doable - you just need to know the theory! Throw in a pair of dogs for dog photography and we're basically at magician levels 😂
Today we use 2 dogs, 6-year-old Alfie and 6-month-old Bryt, as our multiple subjects to demonstrate the theory of getting more than one subject in focus in action. The theory pairs depth of field knowledge with distance knowledge with aperture knowledge and normal dog photography and portrait photography skills to end up here - with two dogs, tack sharp, in one image WITH a blurry background. Ta da!
Videos that are super relevant to this:
The Exposure Triangle: • THE EXPOSURE TRIANGLE:...
How to get blurry backgrounds: • How to get blurry back...
How to take a great portrait in dog photography: • DOG PHOTOGRAPHY | Stun...
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[@dosam_6146]

You do such a great job of explaining this. This is one of my favorite videos by you. Thank you so much Jess!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

That's really kind, thank you so much 🙏 So great to hear you enjoy the content we put out there 🥰

[@LaurenMillerZoePhee]

Thank you for this!! I have always struggled with my group shots! I have three dogs and I actually didn't know it was better to focus on the dog in front.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

such great feedback, thank you, so good to hear you found the video so useful 😊

[@self-healingandmeditation5888]

Very simple explained and no other senseless information beside the main one. Thank you so much for what you’re doing ❤️❤️

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

What kind feedback, thank you 🥰

[@beks.bluebell]

Thanks so much, I've been struggling with this, not sure who or what to focus on and what to do about aperature. So it's awesome you somehow read my mind!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Give it a go and let me know :)

[@auntjanina]

Great, again! Thanks so much. Can‘t wait for your online course!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Working on it aaaaaallll weekend again! (and we've been out shooting for it this week!)

[@paris08141]

I am new to your channel and just absolutely love it! So informative, you are a great teacher! Thank you for making such amazing content.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much!

[@mista_odie]

Thanks, Jess. That really helps. It's been something I've been struggling with but now I have a new perspective 😊

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You're so welcome! ❤️

[@corgi2BC]

Thank you! That was super helpful! I am looking forward to some sunny weather soon so I can go out and practice.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I can't wait for sun!

[@LBusse1463]

So many great tips! Watching this one more than once and taking notes! Thank you!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

So glad!

[@tanyamaycock8935]

This is super helpful. Thank you for the tip about multiplying the aperture by the amount of subjects in the image. Sometimes the humans that I photograph are challenging.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

It's a loose rule but it can come in handy for sure :)

[@susantait9792]

Great video, it’s something I always struggle with. Look forward to trying it out

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AC-xh9wr]

Great explanation about this and how the depth of field is roughly a third in front and two thirds behind your focal point. I am a beginner and so hope this isn't a daft question, but I'm not sure when you focus on a dog how much to the left and right is in focus. Eg if you photograph a dog at f1.4 approx two meters in front of you, focusing on one of its eyes when it's looking at you with both eyes on the same level, how far to the left and right of the photo will be in focus?

[@katarinafrankova56]

Great video, Jess, I cannot wait to put this in practice :) thank you for doing this

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Hope you like it!

[@anniefrechette29]

Great content! Love your videos Jess!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thanks so much!!

[@Identitymediatv]

Your content is Gold Standard. Well done!! 👏

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Ah, thanks! So kind of you to say 🥰

[@MapsbyOwen]

Another great video, thank you for sharing your knowledge. I shall be trying out your techniques tomorrow for the first time, if I can get my springer to sit still with squirrels around!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Hahaha #spaniellife

[@ladythepapillon1159]

ahhh this is going to be super super helpful! thank you so much! ☺️

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I hope so!!

[@nickyvannuffel8079]

You are a lifesaver! Can't wait to try this out. Looking forward to a group photo of your pack Jess! :-D

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Oh damn I've set myself up for that one haven't I 🙈

[@lucydphotography658]

Thankyou so much for this. I've never thought of shooting at full lens length to get both dogs in focus. I've always shot on higher f number i.e f8 with the subject closer which then sacrificed my lovely bokeh background! 💡 Light bulb moment, thankyou! Will defo be using this !

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it has helped! 😊

[@ninpsy]

This was realt helpful, thank you!!! I always struggle with the teams 😅

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No problem!!

[@mariegoldsworthy6384]

Thanks so much for providing useful relevant information!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrWolf__]

Had to comment again on this chat as today I managed to photograph 2 dogs next to each other and all eyes was in focus.. As I remember what you said about the f stops and multiplying them... Thank you again for some great advice 😊.. Your you tube has helped me so much..

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much, that's really kind 🙏 and above all I'm so glad it helped with your photoshoot 👌

[@janetpackham703]

This has been a really helpful video as I usually have this problem. Thank you.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad you found it useful, hope it helps 😊

[@jessicafynmore1488]

Thanks Jess - looking forward to taking this one on the road 🥰

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Hope it is helpful!

[@kobibeagle]

This is so helpful!!!! Thank you 😊

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JimmyGrant74]

I have learned a lot today. Thank you.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

thank you so much and thank you for your support 🙏

[@tonigreatorex406]

Perfect. Just the information I was looking for. Off shooting a pheasant shoot tomorrow.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Oooooo exciting! I hope it went okay!

[@thechunkydrummer]

Brilliant, practical advice as ever! Thanks :D

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jenniejudd834]

Thanks Jess this is really helpful. ❤

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Anytime!

[@Regzillaaa]

Thanks for explaining this.. I do two person interview videos and have issues w focus when I’m using the low apertures.. I tried 2.8f last week and still had some blur.. so I’ll try 4f or 5f this week and see how I go.

[@xoxcandyloveoxo]

Thank you so much for this! going to help me tremendously!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No problem!! Give it a go :)

[@kimbajorek3566]

That WAS helpful! Thank you!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

👍

[@katierobertson1807]

Great explanation & demo, thank you!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You are welcome!

[@jmewest]

Thank you Jess so bloody helpful!!! 👏👏👏👏

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ayriniemi1154]

Thanks so much once again... helpful for sure

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Happy to help!

[@hollyhockphotography9496]

Thankyou so much for the amazing tips!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad you like them!

[@houseofherders1312]

Really good video!! It will be so useful, thanks 🥰

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Hope you share the practice results!

[@DIYEXPRESS]

Very well explained... saw many videos but yours best explained 👌 👏.. glad to find u are in uk...Hello from Dundee, Scotland. 😁

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Hello Dundee 🥰 Thank you so much for those kind words and for that great feedback, great to know you enjoyed the content 🙏

[@willborn.sniper5168]

Thanks for all you do jess.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you for being here 🙏

[@roxanehugues7837]

brilliant! super duper interesting actually it happens a lot so good to know!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!🤓

[@ctkirbach6483]

Great info. Thank you!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No problem!!

[@raulacevedo-esteves9493]

Well explained. Thanks!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shirleybartlett4073]

Thanks Jess. My first ever photoshoot is 3 small elderly dogs indoors, a bit like your indoor small space video. Any tips on how to focus to get bright eyes on all three dogs.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Put them on a box/elevated up 🙂

[@hurleygreen927]

GREAT INFO! Thanks for this...

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Our pleasure!

[@idrexcreations7174]

Brilliant. What should i do if i am shooting indoor and the light there is low? Should i increase the ISO?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Information on this and all other things studio can be found in our Studio Bootcamp 🤓

[@amandineupton8755]

Super useful, thank you!!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Lumiere-photographyCoUk]

Excellent as usual. The DOF is smaller when you're nearer the subject. Makes sense. X

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

It's one to keep in mind especially for the bigger subjects!

[@MrWolf__]

This is just what I needed, such a great and ingenious way of describing how to photograph multiple pets.. I will be testing this out on 2 bunnies tomorrow 😊.. Every day is a school day.. Thank you for your amazing tips..

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much 🙏 Every day is indeed a school day for all of us, great to hear you're putting our tips and techniques into action 👌 Good look with your photoshoot today.

[@MrWolf__]

@@ThatPhotographySpot thank you 😊.. I photographed an adorable cat instead today for an animal sanctuary to help them get adopted.. 😻.. Your tips did come in handy tho even with just one cat.. 👀..

[@suzituem1744]

Hi Jess, I’m loving your videos, I’m shooting with a Nikon z6ii but not sure what’s best for focusing. Would animal eye detection or focus tracking be the best. Any tips plz 😁

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Try both! See which works best 😊

[@wendycollins3507]

Very helpful, thank you 👍👍😊

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You're welcome 😊

[@rosscameron4219]

Great video and fantastic shots. I can never get them as sharp as that.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You can do it!

[@flocky2833]

YOU ARE THE BEST ! thank you

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You're welcome!

[@daacadibnucumar5887]

Thank you Very Much, Teacher.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Not a problem, hope you found it useful 🙂

[@samuelfrench9665]

You did it!!! Thank youuu

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Hope you like it!

[@chillinwithtofu2493]

could you do a video on how to take and edit photos on your phone? If the appliances were free that would be great

[@jonhermannsson9231]

Super video as always. Your dogs are so so cute

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much!

[@roxanehugues7837]

thanks for the video!!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No problem!

[@MrWolf__]

Hi hope you don't mind me asking another question.. I hope this makes sense.. Sometimes when I photograph bunnies I don't normally use the centre to focus.. As I have a 50mm lens and I am quite close and the bunnies are standing up.. So I focus on the eye that is facing me. So the focus pont will be at the top of the frame.. My question is which would be the best fstop to use.. I normally use 2.8 so there sharp... But I have been finding the brow above the eye is sometimes not in focus... Do I need a higher fstop? Or is it just behind the focal point that won't be in focus 🤔..

[@juliacowan5520]

Thank you for the great video!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you!

[@bettadenu7]

So in short terms is the best way to increase aperture and position yourself accordingly?

[@sarasabian]

Very helpful, and timely - I'm off on a sunrise shoot for two cute pups this morning

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

oooh good luck!

[@sarasabian]

@@ThatPhotographySpot thank you :) we've had to cancel due to weather three times so I'm really excited

[@skyaqua776]

Thank you❤️

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No worries, than you for the viewing 🙏🏼

[@reginejensen6429]

New goal: all four dogs together! Thank you Jess

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Finn would not partake in such foolish activities for us to do 4 😂 Maybe the three of them here though!

[@freakstraw8452]

I take it I can take this and use this in family/ friend shoots

[@pattymattes7124]

Very helpful!!! Thank you!!! I suppose it helps if the dogs like each other :)

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

It does 😂 Two dogs on lead staked out is always an option too, but might be hard to keep them chilled and not tied up!

[@pattymattes7124]

@@ThatPhotographySpot I've learned so much since I've subscribed to your channel and joined your FB group. Thank you!!!

[@globe_atheist81]

Can you focus on two different objects if they're separated by a large distance¿

[@back2JMayer]

This is someone I always struggle with and as a result, I almost never take photos of my dogs together (that and they don't want to cooperate :) ). Hopefully this will help.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Hahaha - ours took a fair bit of treat bribery!!

[@katerinalustykova5553]

I actually didnt know about the thirds, good to know 😁

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

One to have in the toolbag for future :)

[@shannondoyle2694]

Thank you.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You're welcome!

[@djstravels4828]

I don’t shoot pets but this was extremely helpful and straight to the point!

[@daemon1143]

Bought a 70 to 200 f2.8, first time I used it (last weekend) I had trouble with this. Plan is this weekend I'm going to practice in the backyard with teddy bears and just get a feel for its depth of field and background compression and how it changes across the zoom range. First picture I took with it was in my office with my puppy at my feet (after I unpacked it); sharp liquid brown eyes, very blurry nose, very blurry ears: Just because you can focus closer than a metre, doesn't mean you should :)

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Good luck with practising!

[@daemon1143]

@@ThatPhotographySpot It went fairly well, though those teddy bears are fidgety impatient little sods and make you work for every shot. I've never had such a long fast lens before and I'll be needing some more work, since there's a lot of strife I can get myself into with it as the focal length changes.

[@Kati2708]

Thanks, good information to think about when planning next shoot. But could you please, please teach how to get multiple MOVING subjects to one photo?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

The same principles apply so no different at all, just need to have them running neck and neck with the same theory in place (and a high enough shutter speed of course!). It is (in my opinion) easier to composite in for action shots though 🙊

[@Kati2708]

Thanks a lot!

[@succ33ds]

but what about multiple subjects that are further away from each other?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Check out this video - czcams.com/video/uYekAd9HJ5c/video.html

[@sophieromer5868]

So for 10 puppies, I'm looking at about f 20

[@harisheknath3085]

Nice video

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@back2JMayer]

In the example photoshoot, I couldn't tell how far away you were from the dogs to get that nice background blur but keep both of them in focus.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I was about maybe 10m away from them - I'm SO bad on guessing distances! I was where the camera was put down, and the dogs were where Dan is in the shot, if that makes sense? Those are the exact distances in terms of distance to subject and distance to background 🤓

[@LaurenThumann]

Brilliant!!! Thank you, Jess 🙏

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

🙏🏻

[@chadbalonick1784]

Very useful. Your beautiful!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

thank you 😊

[@davecardoza9328]

Challenge! 62 dogs together, all in focus at f1.4 :)

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Challenge accepted, send me the dogs I'll get it done 🙌

[@iosuser1174]

Only increasing f number definitely will not bring two subject in focus ,

[@mrmeza78]

And I thought I knew everything about aperture. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Everyday's a school day for all of us 🤓 Hope you enjoyed!

[@claraallansson3431]

Thank you! Really interesting.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!