kim_blyth

<p>Thank you for your kind words Chip and Shung. I really do love shooting with back light, it's a huge part of my style, and why my clients hire me.<br> This might me a "rookie" question here, but is my 35mm not the right lens for shooting groups that are more than 4 feet away? Is this part of my problem perhaps? Do I need more zoom? I rented an 85mm for a wedding and found it was sometimes too much zoom. <br> The main reason I posted this question initially, is because I have a few clients that say my work looks amazing online, but doesn't print sharp and looks blurry. I am trying to do some damage control to make those clients happy and prevent this from recurring in my upcoming shoots.<br> To me, the photos almost looks low res when I zoom in and sharpening and camera shake edits just make this worse. I can't figure it out.<br> I have reset my camera and plan to do tests on my lenses to make sure they are focusing properly this weekend.<br> Most importantly, I just need to figure out why there is even an issue so I can provide my clients with tack sharp photos both online and printed.<br> I'm attaching a screen grab of one of my images at 300% in Photoshop. You can see what I mean about the lack of clarity and sharpness. </p>

<p>Thank you all for your thorough responses. I appreciate all the additional information, although I think we may have drifted away from my original question.<br> I realize that the ideal situation would be shooting with a tripod, but most of my shots are lifestyle portraits, not posed, therefore a tripod is a bit unrealistic. I am definitely going to test my camera and lenses to ensure they are performing as they should.<br> I was editing a RAW photo last night that was shot on my 35mm at 1000 ISO, 1/800 sec at F2.2 and its just not clear, almost unfocused. I was pretty close to the subject as well. I use back button focusing and really take the time to compose my shots. Yes, I shot open...but this really should have been a clear image and it's not. So there could something going on with my focus. I will have to look into this. <br> My most common issue is when I am shooting in low light, have pushed my ISO to 2500, which after that on the D7100 starts to look pretty grainy, and am trying to keep my shutter speed above 250. Keeping my aperture above 4 to make sure I am getting everything in focus becomes rather difficult. I just don't get enough light. <br> I definitely do not want to spend more money on a camera that isn't going to give me much more than my D7100, but I also cannot continue to have my images looking like this.<br> Your advice is invaluable, so I appreciate all responses.</p><div></div>

<p>Thank you all for your responses. My D7100 just isn't giving me sharp tack photos in low light, struggles with high ISO and doesn't produce images that are great printed much larger than 8x10. Many of my images are soft because I have to shoot open, therefore not giving me great quality images. <br> Sorry for the mis type with the d500. I definitely want a full frame sensor and not a crop. I really want to take full advantage of my lenses too, so anything cropped just isn't cutting it for me anymore. Although, like Shun mentioned, it will be a great back up camera for sessions and weddings. <br> So is everyone in agreement that the D750 is the way I should go? I don't want to worry about having to upgrade again (as I bought the D7100 only last Novemeber and really wish I wouldn't have traded my D90). I got better quality images and focus with the D90 for sure.<br> Is there any other Nikon you might suggest? I really want this to be a sound purchase for my business. I wish I could wait until the new bodies come out, but I think this is something that I need to do sooner, rather than later as it is affecting the quality of my product.</p>

<p>I am currently using a D7100 and have really started to notice its limitations and need to upgrade ASAP to a full format camera. I mostly shoot family portraits/kids and an occasional wedding. I think the d5 is probably overkill. So I am thinking D500, D810 (or 800), or the D750. There seems to be pros and cons to all of them. I really need something great in low light, that does well with high ISOs and is fast. Please advise!</p>