Originally Posted by hazyfontazy
what settings should i use to get the buds in focus but the background black ?
what about under lights ,whats best setting so i can just shoot away ?
TBH mate I've no idea..!! I can tell you the theory, but every shot I've taken with lights on has mullered my white balance (and I can't be arsed with RAW editing for most diary shots).
What you're after is known as a big depth of field - i.e. foreground sharp, background blown out (blurry, out of focus)- keeps focus/attention on your subject (e.g. portrait).
To get a big DoF use a small aperture. However, small aperture = less light = flash needed or longer shutter time (which again = tripod, or self timer on something solid).
Usually things above f11 get fairly pointless but give it a go...you should be fine to f8/f11 ish.
Also, use your focus point selector...don't let the camera do it....