How to Get the Miniature Look With a Tilt Shift Lens
- 1). Align the index mark on the rear of the lens with the corresponding mark on the camera's lens mount. Rotate the lens clockwise until it clicks into place.
- 2). Set your camera to aperture priority mode, represented by "Av" on most DSLR command dials. This mode allows you to control the size of your lens opening while the camera selects other exposure settings. Select the widest possible aperture, such as f/2.8, for maximum blur and a dramatic effect. Stop down your aperture to f/5.6 or f/8 to preserve detail in the out-of-focus areas of your image.
- 3). Enable your camera's manual focus option. Autofocus will not function with most tilt-shift lenses. Rotate the tilt dial ("T") on the top of the lens barrel until it indicates 0 degrees of tilt.
- 4). Look through your viewfinder and compose your shot as desired. Focus on a particular part of your subject or scene by rotating the focusing ring at the front of the lens.
- 5). Rotate the front of the lens so that the tilt dial is situated on the left-hand side of the lens barrel. Turn the dial clockwise to perform an upward tilt, which decreases depth of field and isolates your subject. Turn the dial counterclockwise to increase depth of field and retain detail in the out-of-focus areas. Experiment with different degrees of tilt until the desired effect is achieved.
- 6). Look through your viewfinder and rotate the focusing ring until your subject is in crisp focus. Press the shutter button to take the picture. Take several more images with different degrees of tilt adjustment.
